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Published Review: SHINE LIKE STARS Shine Like Stars Music Review - ChristianMusic.com
Shine Like Stars Bio
"See You There" Review - Christianmusic.com
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MISSION STATEMENT/GOAL: To create and offer a collection of songs that
inspire, encourages, enables others to gratefully praise, worship,
confess and petition the Lord, and draw closer to the Him in all their
ways, whether in a group of people or by oneself.
Dale and Amanda Huntington: "Shine
like Stars has had many members but the heart has stayed the same: to
help others worship God; We want to help you better say what you want
to say to God. That is why we write songs. That is why we play. It
may sound a little weird but we are happiest when the attention is not
on us but God."
Themes of the songs, and Partial lyrics: Printed with permission. All songs written by Dale Huntington, except
REDEEMED, that was by Tim Yee.
High-energy Praise & Worship - Celebrating Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
REDEEMED - by Tim Yee, arranged
by Dale Huntington. With gusto, celebrates mightily for being
redeemed, washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ
Partial lyrics: "I've been redeemed/I've been redeemed/Washed and cleaned/I've been redeemed/"
Chorus: Sing Alleluia/ sing Alleluia / Christ is born!"/
GOSPEL - Celebrates our victory in Christ, because He redeemed us on the cross.
Partial lyrics: Chorus: "We're
not ashamed of the good news of our Lord/And we'll shout his name from
the rooftops and we'll sing/ Hallelujah to our God and King/For His
good news reaches all eternity."//
GOD OF REMBRANDT Celebrates and praises the Lord as the creator of our world around us.
Partial lyrics: "We love You/
You made life beautifully/Painted skies reveal Your artistry/The
ocean's song inspires our melody/We'll reflect your art for all the
world to see/So take our offering."//
HE'S COMING BACK - Ballad of
celebration, of what the Lord did for a person in the depths of loss
and sorrow; comforting, giving joy, love, salvation and a way to
express what happened in a song. Takes joy in the the promise that
Jesus will come back for his believers in the end times.
Partial lyrics:"You heard my cry/
And turned it all around into a song/And now/ I can't keep quiet/ my
sorrow became dancing Lord with You."//
"I was wearing black/but You provided me
with something new/ Your flowers and Your joy/Now cover me with love I
never new."//
Anthems of Worship that explore the Jubilation & Hope we have in the Lord Jesus
SEE YOU THERE - Because of the cross, we can look forward to going home to the Lord Jesus
Partial lyrics: Chorus: "We know
our God has his arms open wide/ for us everyone/ all His daughters
and sons/The Lord had to die so that we might enjoy Him in
heaven/Where the party has just begun."//
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS- Explores the humble
beginnings of Lord Jesus, and his purpose in this world, which he
accomplished as an adult.
Partial lyrics:"He can't lift
his head/ And cries in the night/So fragile yet He is the Lord/Thsi
baby's destiny is to one day set the world back to right."//
Refrain: "Holy/Holy/The Christ has come to save/Humbled/ Made low/ So He could lead the way."//
PS.116- I LOVE YOU - A love letter that worships and shows gratitude for answered prayer.
Partial lyrics:"I love You,
Lord/ For You heard my cry for mercy/I love you, Lord/ for You turned
Your ear to hear me/I will call on You as long as I live/when the
cords of death entangle me."//
Confession & Petition PRAYER anthems
FORGIVEN- (Romans 7:15-25) Confession of sin, grateful for the Lord's forgiveness, mercy and love,.
Partial Lyrics: Lord/ We have failed You/As if we wanted to/And deep we have sunken into/ into our sin
Bridge; And once we lost our hope/And almost we gave up/
Refrain: We are forgiven; we are forgiven/
NOT ONLY IN A SONG - Confession of failing the
LORD, grateful for the Lord's grace, his refuge, Asking for help in
living lives, and in worshiping HIM, the lamb of God., ending with
praising Him.
Partial Lyrics: "LORD, we fail you every day, and often does our faith, but when our sin abounds, so doe your grace."
"Fill us with your spirit and anoint us with
your words/ The path which we should walk/ the desire of Your heart"
Refrain:"Help us Lord to worship You not
only in a song/But how we live our lives/ God of our Salvation/ Help
us Lord to worship you/ for You are sacrifice/The onl lamb of God, our
Savior Jesus Christ.//
Worship and Petition for our commitment to walk with Him -
JUST A PLACE -Petition for the strength,
love, compassion of the Lord so we can serve Him individually and as
his church, helping those in our lives who need help. Becoming a
breathing sacrifice - dedication to the Lord, through the
transformation, power of the Holy Spirit.
Partial lyrics: Chorus: Let our
hearts beat/ with Your passion/ May the poor feel Your Compassion/ Let
the lost find/ your loving grace/May your church be much more than a
place."//
BOUND TO BE HOLY - Breathing sacrifice -
dedication to the Lord, through the transformation, power of the Holy
Spirit.
Partial lyrics: Refrain: For we
are bound to be Holy/As You are Holy/let Your grace/ Transform our
hearts and our lives/For we long to be Holy/ For we long to be Holy/As
You are Holy/Set apart and purified in You."//
Holy Spirit Lead - Petition for the Holy Spirit to open hears and
eyes, and lead us in the right direction into God's will for us. Also a
commitment to trust the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.
Partial lyrics: All alone our
sight is weak/ Without You, we cannot see/ Holy Ghost, sweet
councilor/ We will listen when You speak."//
Refrain: Holy Spirit Lead/ Holy Spirit
speak/Now our ears can hear/ I once was blind/but now with You I see."/
SHINE LIKE STARS - Performing in concert on the Brumder Mansion Stage
MUSIC REVIEW: SEE YOU THERE
SHINE LIKE STARS - Is a 20-something aged
group of talented Christian musicians with a heart and enthusiastic
spirit for the Lord, led by Dale and Amanda Huntington, lead
vocalists. This talented, dynamic pair are on a mission to inspire
commitment and grateful thanksgiving for our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, as well as encouraging a closer walk with the Lord, offering
music for any worship need, in language that we all can relate to and
use. When they were on the music worship team for their former home
church in California, and now serving as worship music leaders in
their current Wichita, Kansas, church, they have written anthems of
petition, prayer, confession and praise and worship, that they have
used in their church worship services, and now offer the same
experience for Christian music enthusiasts everywhere, thanks to their
collection of songs, entitled, "SEE YOU THERE."
Their devotion and love of the Lord flows
with a dynamic enthusiasm, creating a variety of songs, whether one
hears fast-paced rock praise and worship such as: (REDEEMED),
spirited, pop tempo anthems, such as; (SEE YOU THERE), or expressive,
melodious, meditative worship and petition prayer hymns/anthems
created in a variety of tempos, such as; (HOLY SPIRIT LEAD * BOUND TO
BE HOLY).
Not only are they on fire for the Lord, they
also have considerable talent, which was front and center on our
Brumder Mansion ballroom stage, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Talented and
gifted Dale and Ashley Huntington and their other band members came
to our Brumder Mansion theatre stage while they were on tour in the
summer of 2010, and gave us an interview, and took part in our 2 night
Christian rock house concert, along with two other bands, SAVED BY
GRACE, and the ERIC BASS BAND.
Hearing and witnessing a live performance
really makes it clear to this reviewer all the elements of their music
and vocals that make their songs so powerful and effective in
bringing the message of the Gospel to the younger generation and
those who are young at heart, and enjoy a blend of acoustic/electric
contemporary rock. Throughout this collection of songs, the listener
enjoys all the musical qualities and gifts of the Huntingtons and
their crew of talented musicians offer in their music.
Dale & Amanda and their band understand
how to create infectious melodies, spirited rock tempos, effective,
excellent dynamics that build throughout the compositions, paired with
meaningful, yet easy to remember lyrics. The spiritual messages heard
via the vocals are presented with spirited, enthusiastic, expressive
vocals of the Huntingtons. Dale and Amanda's wonderful harmonies and
personal spirituality flows through the vocals as a driving force. All
these qualities heard in the music come together to present the
lyrical message front and center in the most wonderful way! Great
contrasts and use of acoustic guitars with electric guitars, keys and
drums, used to accent the dynamics heard, adding to the emotional rush
of these songs.
Their High-energy, rock-style Praise &
worship anthems really inspire with a youthful gusto and
spirit, celebrating Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; praising Him for
the hope we have in Him, because of who he is in our lives in this
world, and the next; Their joyful, dynamic sound is a sure crowd
pleaser, inspiring dancing in the room, as well as enthusiastic
worship of the Lord, involving both mind and spirit. The use of
dynamics to bring the spiritual message front and center is most
inspiring.
REDEEMED - My personal favorite praise and worship song, that sweeps away the stress of the day!
Intro starts quietly, yet is pumping with an
energetic spirit as an acoustic guitar, with drums and support by
electric guitar get this song of f to an energetic start. Dynamics
build in joy into the first chorus, but quiet down for the 2nd verse
in the spirit of worship. 3rd verse is almost a Capella, with
instruments as accents. Chorus is joyous and celebrates redemption!
GOSPEL - A Strong Favorite of this reviewer
Has an irresistible energy and enthusiasm, sure
to stir and uplift the soul and heart of the listener to be excited
about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and share the good news about our
salvation through HIM. Propelled by a peppy rock beat, smoking
electric guitar work that provides support for both the lively melody
and tempo. It all cooks along with a spirited energy, matched by
equally energized vocals, with lovely harmonies included. Terrific,
easy to remember chorus, that is high energy, boisterous and joyous!
Chorus is the highpoint, a rallying commitment to not be ashamed of
the good news of Jesus Christ!
GOD OF REMBRANDT - One can describe this song
as a wonderful blend of rip-roaring rock, precisely played,
interspersed with quieter acoustic accompaniment during verse phrases,
where the vocals lovingly express the wonders of God's creation.
Begins with an acoustic guitar introduction, and builds from there in
energy and intensity. Features a rip roaring interlude with a creative
electric guitar riff.
HE'S COMING BACK - The energy, celebration and
joy begins at once in the fast-paced rock intro, which pumps
throughout the song, never letting up. Yes indeed, the listener is
treated to the full rock package up until the bridge, where it quiets
down a bit, but segues once again effortlessly into a song of
jubilation! During verses, the acoustic guitar ensemble gets a workout,
playing an invigorating accompaniment, with the electric guitars and
keys providing chordal and accent support. Smoke must of been coming
out of the recording session! Sure to get the listener to dance
around the room, forgetting earthly troubles for a moment, as the
promise for believers is that we can look forward to going home with
Jesus someday.
Anthems of Jubilation & Hope we have in the Lord Jesus-
Again, dynamics, intensity, energy, inspiring melodies and spirited
accompaniment complement and uplift the equally inspiring vocals by Dale
and Amanda Huntington. All of these are a wonderful blend of
acoustic guitar during the verses and enthusiastic- to subtle electric
rock at a variety of tempos, during the chorus and refrain.
SEE YOU THERE - Bright, acoustic
pop-rock anthem that moves right along with a snappy tempo. A
wonderful blend of acoustic guitar during the verses and enthusiastic
electric rock, during the chorus and refrain. Bridge quiets down in a
solemn mood, with just acoustic guitar and group vocals, but picks up
again in the chorus. A wonderful blend of acoustic guitar during the
verses and enthusiastic electric rock, during the chorus and refrain.
pS.116- I LOVE YOU - A Strong Favorite of this reviewer.
Acoustic driven love letter with interesting
counter-melody instrument voices. Features a beautiful melody
carried by the vocals that express so well, the spirit of gratitude
and a thankful attitude to the Lord, as first expressed by David in
Psalm 116.
Duet again is very uplifting and memorable.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS- A Strong Favorite of this reviewer
Perfect song to end this collection of songs,
as it presents the Gospel message in a musically dramatic way.
Written in a minor key, begins softly, poignantly, like a lullaby, yet
spirited with acoustic guitar accompaniment, supporting just Dale's
vocals. Expands in dynamics and musically into an anthem of worship in
the refrain, as other instrumentation join the acoustic guitar and
light drums, about 6 measures before the broad refrain. Dynamics again
quiet down during the 2nd verse. Bridge is strong and intense with
emotion, but it quiets down again for the first stanza of the refrain.
2nd stanza again swells in volume for a grand finish.
Confession & Petition /Worship Anthems
- Well-presented, poignant songs that truly encourage a spirit of
repentance, condusive to heart-felt confession, and to feel gratitude
for God's mercy. Songs lyrical messages say it so well, in both
confessing common sins, gratitude to the Lord, and in asking Him for
help.
NOT ONLY IN A SONG -
Acoustic-based, mid-tempo, anthem of confession and petition, that
begins with simply broken chords played by a guitar, that builds as
light drums and electric guitar playing counter melody/rhythm, join
the accompaniment. Verses start softly, with guitar ensemble support,
and the beautiful vocal duet of the Huntingtons carrying the memorable
melody as well as presenting the theme of the song. Sound builds to
the refrain, which is full of energy in worshiping and petitioning the
Lord to help us to stay on the right path. Bridge is straight
praise, full of gratitude and thankfulness. last time through the
chorus is at full volume.
FORGIVEN - A Strong Favorite of this reviewer.
This memorable, hymn of confession and
gratitude, begins softly, reverently with synthesizer, poignant
acoustic and electrical guitar backup playing broken chords. Lovely
heart-felt vocals beautifully express the sincere message of
confession and repentance, as well as carrying the lovely melody, so
appropriate for this song. Stays soft and expressive throughout the
verses expressing human weaknesses we are all guilty of. Sound swells
in refrain for great affect. Expresses perfectly in both the
composition and vocal presentation a prayer we could all use to
confess our sins and ask for forgiveness.
Prayer Anthems & Hymns of Worship and Petition -
Songs have reverent, beautiful melodies, heart-felt lyrics,
expressive vocals, yet have an underlying spirit and make use of
dynamics, which have the effect of lifting the listener into the
spirit of worship, and into the presence of the Lord. Interestingly,
this effect is acomplished with memorable melodies paired with a
variety of pop-rock tempos.
BOUND TO BE HOLY - A Strong Favorite of this reviewer-
Most beautiful, reverent melody and vocals,
which just sweeps over the listener with an uplifting aura of worship.
Accompanied half-way through with just a synthesizer and acoustic
guitar. Last two times through the refrain, the drums and electric
guitars come in to lift the dynamics up a notch or two, and infuse
some youthful energy and spirit. tight supportive sound suggests that
the musicianship of the guitarists is well developed! Ends on a quiet
note.
HOLY SPIRIT LEAD - Favorite anthem of this reviewer -
A lively prayer of petition spirited acoustic guitar and Dale's voice
begin this prayer of petition for the first verse. electric guitars
and drums jump in at the chorus/refrain, adding energy to the song's
prayerful petition. Peppy tight rock support of tempo, provided by
guitars and percussion begins in the refrain, and quiets down again in
the Second verse, yet is still there, providing an underlying energy.
Amanda sings, and they harmonize again in the chorus/refrain.
Beautiful harmony, expressive vocals bring the message front and
center.
JUST A PLACE - Easy rock beat, great
electric guitar intro rift of moving eighth notes, played with gusto,
gets this song moving. Beautiful, memorable melody and vocal duet
supported by acoustic guitar and light drums in the verses. Electric
guitars provide chordal support during the refrain. Sound builds
through the Bridge, and last time through the refrain. Ends on a
quiet note.
I highly reccommend SEE YOU THERE to
contemporary music enthusiasts, and the Christian music lovers with
open minds who enjoy energetic, spirit-filled compositions, that offer
not only a variety of dynamic tempos and moods, but also most
enjoyable vocals and duets. The musical dynamics, contrasts in
intensity, and the flow of energy are the best that I've heard in a
very long time, in this genre of music. The music and vocals work
together to express the spirit of worship, in words and music that we
can relate to and use in our own worship time, or be inspired in
group worship as well. SEE YOU THERE is an effective musical tool that
heightens all aspects of worship, and is a MUST HAVE for the younger
generation, and those who enjoy contemporary Christian Music.
Reviewed by Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com
Shine Like Stars
Their debut album, SEE YOU THERE can be
heard and bought on CD BABY and Amazon.com.
BACK TO THE: Shine Like Stars Bio |
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Creation date: Feb 17, 2011 12:55pm Last modified date: Feb 17, 2011 1:25pm Last visit date: Dec 6, 2024 3:57pm
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