| Mainstay: Become Who You Are |
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| Posted by Mary Dunn |
03:00 PM Tuesday, 09 October 2007 |
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 Listening to Become Who You Are, the latest creation by Minneapolis-based Mainstay, the listener is taken away from the worldly and into the great beyond. An atypical recording for this genre, it offers an upbeat approach with a clear-cut focus, and that is refreshing. From the first hard-hitting note of the title cut "Become Who You Are" it is evident that BEC Recordings has a solid album on their hands. The deep bass and the heavy drumbeats beckon the listener to delve further into the journey of the melody and explore the message.
It has been a busy year for Mainstay. Between touring major festivals throughout the summer and writing and recording the album, the band members grappled with some of life's challenges such as depression, loneliness, disillusionment, and being misunderstood. These feelings are penned throughout the album. The ballads and rock tunes offer consolation to the lonely and hope to those who feel abandonment. With each song relaying a positive message, the album will, without a doubt, win the hearts of those fans of pop/rock.
The significance of "Become Who You Are" tells us of the importance in becoming who you are no matter what you chose as a profession. Whether you are a writer, a spouse, a parent, or a child-be who you are, but most important, the message in this tune is to become who you are as a believer in Jesus. "Where Your Heart Belongs" touches the listener's soul as this ballad discusses how we can get lost in the world which can let you down. At some point during this worldly experience, the feeling of abandonment can come not only from people but it can be by faith as well. When this happens, the song suggests to focus and turn to the faith, which directs the heart to the cross. Lyrically, this is the best cut on the album because it brings the listener to the realization that without faith, the loneliness is a very dark place to be. Personally, an album should be strong not only in the production but in the lyrics as well as the technical aspects. Mainstay offers everything with this album. When I first listened to the album, I liked it; however, after listening to the album several times, I found myself becoming part of the band. I began singing along with them and getting into the rhythms. More importantly, the lyrics have a highly significant theme that is meant to appeal to the younger demographic, but all ages can appreciate and enjoy each of the tracks. One song, in particular, "Where Your Heart Belongs" really moves. The band says that the chief goal of the cut was to expose their heart and offer encouragement to those who are going through a time of loneliness. This is particularly insightful because everyone has felt abandonment by others at times. Justin Anderson, front man for the band, penned the lyrics and says that he had a bout with depression during the past year. After spending six months in the studio working on this album, Mainstay has put forth 13 compelling straightforward songs that offer truth and hope. It is almost as if one is listening to an experience that is leading toward a life altering journey. From heartache to depression, the songs convey how one can overcome the problems, moving toward the intimate marks of maturity while yet leaning on a higher power for help, with each of the songs almost portraying a love song. The love is not between two human beings. The love is what comes forth from the despair and heartbreak of life and how it can turn around through faith and commitment. |
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