Winona Avenue recently released their self-titled debut album, a feel-good synth-pop collection of fun songs and hopeful messages.
The album starts off with the upbeat “Move This Town,” a fun tune with a catchy melody. The synth dances lightly above the steady drum and guitar rhythms. This is an inspiring track, encouraging listeners to let their light shine on, with the hope that it will bring about a positive change in the lives of those around them. The mid-tempo “Future Me” contemplates the past struggles we’ve gone through, not realizing they were all part of the bigger picture and necessary for us to get to where we are now.
“Paradise” kicks things up a bit with an energetic drum beat and playful guitar riffs. Towards the end of the song, soothing vocal harmonies usher in the bridge, which urges listeners to let go of the troubles bringing them down, and recognize the paradise that is all around them. “Masterpiece” is a hopeful anthem, reminding listeners of their worth. Often in life, when we feel rejected, we can end up feeling like we’re worthless; but God created us as His masterpiece, and has given us each our own unique purpose. God doesn’t make mistakes, and “Masterpiece” is an excellent reminder of that.
“Alive in You” has a bit of a different sound, with syncopated strings and drums at the beginning, and a strong melody entering a moment later. The guitar joins in for the chorus, which helps to underscore the important message of the lyrics. The chorus proclaims that God is all we need. In Him we find new life, and find the strength to make it through each day.
“Only One Thing” is a bit more of a melancholy song, beginning simply with piano and vocals. This song laments the pain of past events that are hard to forget and move on from. Sometimes our pain can seem so great that nothing could overcome it, but the only thing greater than our pain is the love of our perfect Heavenly Father. His love is so deep that it can encompass any pain we’ve ever felt, and make us whole again. We can’t go back and change the past, but all of those experiences make us who we are today, a patchwork of regrets and pain and joy, all stitched together by our Creator.
The album ends on a positive and hopeful note with “Day of Our Lives.” The energetic guitars and steady drums give the song forward momentum, the perfect complement to the message of the song. This world is full of lies and tries to hold us down, but there is a whole other world out there if we will open our eyes and believe in the impossible. God gives us the strength and inspiration to soar, we just need to seize the day and take a chance.
Winona Avenue meets their goal of giving the listener hope to help along the journey of life. The songs recognize the pain that comes with life experience, but point us to the One whose love is greater than any pain we can ever experience. The songs are well-written and well-performed. They’re full of catchy melodies that will stick with the listener, keeping them humming along all day and reminding them of the hope that can be found in God.
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