Various "Eterne"

Title: Eterne: Never be the same
Category: Dance/Pop
Artist/Group: Various Artist
Rating:3/5
Is it just me, or does it seem like every other band has done a cover of Martin Smith's "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever"? As far as I'm concerned, the definitive version of this ballad was done by Sonic Flood - in fact, many say that Sonic Flood's cover is better than Martin Smith's original. Eli's cover on the collection "Eterne" is not bad, but it's not really groundbreaking either.

I think that's the main problem with this CD. Eterne is a collection of covers of some very well-known praise songs. A few are done with interesting electronic sounds, while most of the others are simple "re-hashings" without any significant enhancements.

The most engaging track on this CD is yet another cover of a Martin Smith song - this time by Raze of "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?" In spite of the fact that this song might be the third-most ubiquitous praise song on the Christian music scene, Raze's version is a cool country-disco rendition well worth hearing. (For your information, "Shout to the Lord" is the second-most ubiquitous praise song on the Christian music scene. It also happens to be covered on this CD, but very blandly.)

There are a few songs I don't recognize: "I Will Never be the Same" by the Benjamin Gate, and "Jesus Blood" by Deliriou5?. Both tracks have soul-searching lyrics that succeed in being melancholic (Christ HAD to die for me. I am THAT sinful) and uplifting (Christ died for ME. I am THAT loved) at the same time. Audio Adrenaline's "Hands and Feet" is the prayerful anthem of a generation that desires to "go out" into this broken world and be the hands and feet of Christ.

Reviewed by Mark Kim

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