Yfriday - Universal

Published Friday 30th June 2006
Yfriday - Universal
Yfriday - Universal

STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 17528-11258
LABEL: Survivor SURCD5053
FORMAT: CD Album
RELEASE DATE: 2006-04-17
RRP: £4.99


Reviewed by Dave Griffiths

Albums like this do a lot to nourish the mind, soul and body. Yfriday have delivered with 'Universal' a world-class record that should see them challenge the big boys of the Christian music scene around the globe. They have defined their big sound and put together a very impressive 11 songs for us to enjoy. The CD starts with the pounding title track, then, keeping the pace, "I'm Yours". There are huge guitar hooks all over the place and the production is the tightest I've heard for a long time. All the members of the band are pulling their weight and Ken Riley's voice has never sounded so completely in control of his songs and his band. In a UK church scene still dominated by Delirious? I think Yfriday are the closest band to challenging their supremacy. It's a very good thing that they've cut their own path, not aping the D: sound. 'Universal' really proves that this band have a clear sense of who they and what they do. It's a very confident album. There are some outstanding slower songs that sit very comfortably next to the out-and-out rawk. "Lullaby" is gorgeous in a Keane ballad sort of way. "Shadow Of The Cross" is a slightly surprising congregational-style worship chorus which is every bit as good as any other mainstream worship leader's efforts in the last 12 months. "Everlasting God" is the type of devotional rock that I for one am always hungry to hear. It's simply a cracker of a tune and my personal favourite. If there is any slight downer it's that the lyrics are occasionally a little predictable and simplistic. But that doesn't change the overall conclusion that this is a great album and one that will prove to be a wise purchase for both the rock and worship music fans.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by fiona howe in Carlisle @ 15:41 on Mar 20 2009

Best band ever just when you think they have done the best cd they bring another awesome cd

cant wait ta april 09 till new cd is out xx



Posted by james in GLASGOW, United Kingdom @ 22:09 on Sep 28 2006

ive got to wait till christmas now till lindz and yfriday come 2 glasgow lol but there album sounds good



Posted by Sam in UK @ 22:09 on Aug 25 2006

This album is superb! I only got into yfriday after Revolution and wasn't sure how they would follow it but this really is fantastic. To be honest with you I'm the biggest Delirious fan ever and yfriday are the only Christian band I've ever seen better them live at a gig - In Ipswich Stadium last year and this year at Albert Hall. On both occasions all our crowd thought yfriday stole the show. With both bands on tour at the end of this year I can't wait!!!!!!



Posted by Jordan in Christendom @ 12:17 on Jul 5 2006

Just read your review of Universal. I think the album is incredible and undoubtedly confirms yfriday as world class.
I don't see where the lyrics could be described as anything other than deep and profound with a fresh cutting edge.
Keep up the amazing work boys and keep changing lives!
J



Posted by andre cieslikowski in liverpool @ 08:07 on May 17 2006

I LOVE IT!! I never really liked YFRIDAY until now. The songs, the lyrics, the sound!! It might just be the best christian album the UK has ever had. Great Job YFRIDAY!!! Your best to date.



Posted by Geoff Gray in Leeds @ 18:41 on May 10 2006

MINT!!!!



Posted by John Anderpool in London @ 21:01 on May 4 2006

Unbeliveable, This album kills revolution, much more diverse, more polished, A full variety of songs, from greenday, to mue, to tim hughes, to clasis british rock!! I love it!! Yfriday really raised the bar with this one
!!!



Posted by Martin in Runcorn @ 10:04 on Apr 14 2006

Some really thought provking tracks from the guys. Some of the tracks are very much in the same style as their previous CD "Revolution". But well worth a listen!!!! The best track is Everlasting God.



Posted by Josh @ 02:04 on Apr 1 2006

MINT!!! lovin it! I'm Yours is astounding! absolutely clasic album!!!



Posted by Steven in Stockton @ 11:51 on Mar 31 2006

Their Best so far by FAR!!

This album comes in to halves, the tracks in the first half follow from Revolution, the rest of the tracks are songs like that of Songs of Heaven. One of the best tracks is Hallejulah, really good and gripping song - makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Another one that stands out from the rest - and it's only marginal - is Gravity. Gav must be happy with another riff on the piano that matches the rawness of Holy, holy, holy. Differnately going to be a great live song. So yeah a brilliant album, with songs that might even be sung in your church.



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