Starfield's Beauty in the Broken Review: Sophomore Effort is Purely Radio-friendly Rock

With their second release on Sparrow Records, Starfield emerges in a way that nobody could have predicted. From the very outset of "My Generation" to the final notes of "Shipwreck," the songs of Beauty in the Broken will have you absolutely hooked.

Starfield is comprised of brothers Tim & Jon Neufield (vocals and guitar), Gordon Cochran on drums and Shaun Huberts on bass. The band is a cohesive mix that is able to fuse elements of Brit-rock with a Switchfoot-esque modern rock sound that is instantly both memorable and enjoyable. The mix is also expertly produced by Ed Cash (Bebo Norman) and Matt Bronleewe (Leeland, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Imbruglia). Both Cash and Bronleewe were able to bring stronger melodic sensibilities to the album that Starfield's previous effort.

When you start off an album with a song called "My Generation," you need to be able to back up that level of an anthem, but this is no problem for the men in Starfield. The opening piano slowly gives way to an undeniable rock brilliance that carries you straight into the radio hit-in-waiting "The Hand That Holds The World." Song after song reveals yet another side of this band's potential.

"Obsession" brings the strongest Brit-rock comparison with its rhythmic changes and keyboard textures. It's also perhaps the strongest effort on the entire disc.

Lyrically, the guys are worshipful all the way. Each track is a prayer to God for hope, love, and justice. These songs are easily at home both on rock radio and in the church, and it is there that these guys pick up the torch from Delirious and yet add their own fuel to the worship fire.

Beauty in the Broken is stunning from beginning to end. Clearly pointing the way to God not only through their lyrics, these guys also become worshipful simply in the way they rock. This is an album not to be missed.