Music…therapy?

Today, my favorite band, Rival Sons, dropped a new album. What a year it has been for them! This year, they released not one, but two albums, Darkfighter and Lightbringer. At first, I did not understand the decision to have two releases because of the short number of tracks for each album. Now, after both releases, the collective bodies of work really do make perfect sense to be separated as the band chose to do. They offer different journeys with different emotions. My first thoughts included “epic,” “classic,” “modern,” and “relevant.” I am so grateful to have artists create music that conveys emotions and significance. It is not about “clicks” or “views” or “listens.” If you are a Rival Sons fan, you know this because we all believe this band should be bigger than they are! There’s a depth and quality that we RS fans come to expect. I read that these two albums are more indicative of the Rival Sons sound they’ve been creating over the years. I can only tell you that I’m grateful they go this route rather than pumping out hollow, insubstantive tunes that many popular artists do in my opinion. I’ll let you fill in the blanks there! On both releases this year, I’m really appreciative of the sequencing of songs. Both albums take you on a journey.

While I was up at midnight and had the thought to download my pre-order, I opted to wait until this morning. That choice nearly made me late for my 8:30 appointment because I downloaded it after getting dressed before driving over. You know how it goes? I had trouble getting Bluetooth connected. Why today? Because I wanted it, of course! I made the appointment in time, thankfully.

I must say what a pleasure it was to listen on my way, though. The first track, “Darkfighter,” is like a musical journey. There are lots of genres rolled into the nearly-9 minute song; I must say for me, it did not feel long. There are silences, soft parts, heaviness. For me, it’s like a scenic drive to a special place. Those kinds of drives that you intend to take, that let you take your time and enjoy the trip. Not like the ones in which you have to detour, with each passing turn, adds a new level of frustration to the trip. No, this was a joy.

When I first get a new album, I tend to skip over things I’ve already heard like the single releases so I can get to the new-to-me stuff. I’m grateful for concert footage (although typically mine sucks). I enjoy hearing the audience react to things. When I got to “Redemption,” it state that “Redemption comes in unfamiliar ways.” It reminded me of classic Rival storytelling akin to “Where I’ve Been.”

“Before the Fire” takes us back to 2009, Long Beach, where Rival Sons began. It’s their first album and next to last song on their current one. Jay sings things like “I manufactured my own demons;” “I took my innocence for granted;” “Some day feels so far away;” and “I used to live with an open mouth; my ears were only for my voice.” These sentiments smack me in the face with truths from my past and present.

If I were to pick a current favorite, however, it is without a doubt “Mosaic.” This endcap-song paints a picture about hope, about positive potential of humanity. Years ago, I got this picture, if you will, of how we humans come together to form the face of Jesus. In it, Jay sings, “The broken pieces fit together;” when he closes it out, he softly reminds us that “We’re only here for each other.” Seeing a phone recording of this song cemented the fact that it will be brilliant to be a part of with a live audience. The closing line repeats itself several times to drive home the fact that we are all connected.

That’s a world I believe in, folks. I stay clear of news and most social media and encourage others to do the same. Those things, in my opinion, are more divisive than helpful. Besides, I like to think we’re more alike than different. Being here for one another is partially why I do what I do for a living. I’ve seen again and again the benefit of overcoming pain so that we can help someone else through theirs. While I have to remind myself frequently that I can be a piece of someone’s mosaic that reflects Jesus, it’s a goal. It’s something I work at because, over time, my hope is it will become more habitual and consequently get easier for me to reflect His image. When I remember to do it, I notice I genuinely smile more and enjoy each interaction more thoroughly. I enjoy learning about people’s cultures and families; I invite you to be curious about differences. In them, I think you’ll see the common threads of humanity, the similarities.

Whatever your favorite artists, take some time and enjoy them. Let their music take you to a special place. If one in your circle is struggling, be there. After all, “We’re only here for each other.”

#RivalSons #Lightbringer #Darkfighter #Mosaic #Redemption #Jesus #Music #Therapy