Becoming Who We Are
| Becoming Who We Are | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 28, 2014 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 59:40 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | Chad Gardner | |||
| Kings Kaleidoscope chronology | ||||
| ||||
Becoming Who We Are is the debut studio album by Kings Kaleidoscope with label partner Tooth & Nail Records. It is their third release after 2014's Live in Color (EP) on Bad Christian Records and 2013's independently made Joy Has Dawned (EP). The album came out on October 28, 2014.
Upon its release, it was acclaimed by various music reviewers, who highlighted its eclectic and experimental musical nature. It has been noted as an unconventional work in the world of modern worship music, and is credited with pushing the genre's boundaries with an unclassifiable style.[5][6]
Composition[edit]
Reviewers acknowledged the album's musical eclecticism, from "autotune usage"[7] to "a ska-like horns section"[7] to "strong hip hop influences"[6][7] to "an orchestral string section".[7]
The record is kicked off by "Glorious", which "starts off with a David Crowder-meets-Arcade Fire-esque indie sound"[8] and features leading vocalist Chad Gardner "sing[ing] with an engaging and worshipful alt-rock style."[1] "I Know" has "edgy electro tones."[6]
Reception[edit]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Christian Review |  [4] |
| HM |  [5] |
| Indie Vision Music | [7] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [8][9][10] |
| Louder Than the Music | [6] |
| New Release Tuesday |  [1] |
| Worship Leader | [11] |
From HM, "Clearly an album that pushes the boundaries of worship music, Becoming Who We Are aims to move beyond the comfort zone of the inspirational genre by adding layers and unique compositions to bring out a truly original sound and uncompromising message."[5] From Indie Vision Music, "There are no words to describe it because there is nothing else like it."[7] From Jesus Freak Hideout, "To point out all the highlights of this album would make for an extremely long read, because the entirety of the album is a highlight."[8] From New Release Tuesday, "incredible album".[1] From Worship Leader, "Energetic, frenetic, and infectious, Becoming Who We Are, is a musical cacophony of joyous praise and at times chaotic beauty."[11] From Louder Than the Music, "This is a stunning album and well worth exploring."[6] From Christian Review, "Becoming Who We Are is chaotic and eclectic".[4]
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Glorious" | Chad Gardner | 3:47 |
| 2. | "Seek Your Kingdom" |
| 4:24 |
| 3. | "I Know" |
| 3:46 |
| 4. | "Bloom" |
| 1:00 |
| 5. | "Felix Culpa" |
| 4:47 |
| 6. | "Ache" | Gardner | 2:07 |
| 7. | "All Creatures" | St. Francis of Assisi | 4:32 |
| 8. | "Grace Alone" | Dustin Kensrue | 3:38 |
| 9. | "Dreams" | Gardner | 3:14 |
| 10. | "139" |
| 4:05 |
| 11. | "Redemption in Motion" | Gardner | 1:54 |
| 12. | "Zion" | Gardner | 4:14 |
| 13. | "Sift" |
| 0:52 |
| 14. | "Light After Darkness" |
| 3:06 |
| 15. | "Fix My Eyes" |
| 4:55 |
| 16. | "How Deep the Father's Love" | Stuart Townend | 5:03 |
| 17. | "Defender" |
| 4:16 |
| Total length: | 59:40 | ||
Personnel[edit]
- Jared Buck – guitar
- Nadia Ifland Essenpreis – vocals, keys, violin
- Chad Gardner – lead vocals, guitar, keys
- Lindsay Gardner – vocals, cello, keys
- Zawadi Morrow – vocals, flute, piano, violin
- Andrew Nyte – drums
- John Platter – bells, drums, percussion
- Julianne Smith – accordion, violin
- Blake Strickland – trombone
- Zack Walkingstick – bass guitar
Technical
- Chad Gardner - production
Artwork and design
- Matt Naylor - cover artwork[13]
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[14] | 171 |
| US Christian Albums (Billboard)[15] | 9 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)[16] | 33 |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Kevin, Davis. "Incredible Album, This I Know". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Kings Kaleidoscope: Biography | AllMusic". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ "Kings Kaleidoscope: Becoming Who We Are | AllMusic". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ a b c d St. John, Leah (October 31, 2014). "Music Review: "Becoming Who We Are" by Kings Kaleidoscope". Christian Review Magazine. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ a b c Sarah, Dos Santos. "Kings Kaleidoscope - Becoming Who We Are". HM Magazine. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Davies, Jono (November 26, 2014). "Kings Kaleidoscope - Becoming Who We Are". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f Ian, Zandi. "King's Kaleidoscope - Becoming Who We Are". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ a b c Scott, Fryberger. "Kings Kaleidoscope, "Becoming Who We Are" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ Ryan, Barbee. "Kings Kaleidoscope, "Becoming Who We Are" Review - Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ^ Mark, Rice. "Kings Kaleidoscope, "Becoming Who We Are" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ^ a b Jeremy, Armstrong. "Becoming Who We Are". Worship Leader. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
- ^ "Artist Discography - Kings Kaleidoscope | Jesus Freak Hideout". jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
- ^ "INTERVIEW: CHAD FROM KINGS KALEIDOSCOPE DROPS CLUES ABOUT BECOMING WHO WE ARE | Reel Gospel". reel-gospel.com. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ "Billboard 200". Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Christian Albums". Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Independent Albums". Retrieved January 7, 2015.