Like that little Pug wearing 3-D glasses on the front cover, there’s something instantly lovable about Hawk Nelson’s fourth Tooth & Nail album, Live Life Loud. It begins with cheerleaders, ends with the sounds of a party, and in between, even throws a ukulele and bagpipes into its punk rock meets pure pop mix—all while staying on message about the gift and purpose of life itself.
“The phrase seemed to encompass the overall theme of this band,” says Hawk Nelson bass player Daniel Biro of the project’s in-your-face title. “Along the way things can get a little loud with our music. And we’ve always wanted to encourage our fans to pursue their dreams—to not settle for second best in life. Be bold. Let your voice be heard.”
The catchy first single “Meaning of Life” continues the search for significance, harmoniously determining to start today for a new beginning . . . find a way to make a change in all of us who need to find the meaning of life.
Listeners may also be most taken aback by an unexpected version of the classic hymn “Tis So Sweet” where the band gives a song first published in 1882 a Passion-type arrangement sure to be loved by youth and modern worshipers everywhere. Traditional church organ, emotive Scottish bagpipes, and dulcet guest duet vocals from Jenn Helvering (Sandi Patty’s daughter) make a surprisingly great match to Hawk Nelson’s naturally more casual rock rendering of the tune, highlighted by a revised, extended chorus: You’re the shelter in the storm, the dearest friend I know. Light of the world, carry me home. Oh, for grace to trust Him more.
“I was sitting at church one Sunday when I really felt God nudge me toward suggesting the band record a hymn,” concludes Biro. “I cannot listen to this song all the way through without tearing up . . . and I know without a doubt this is my favorite track we have released to date. When something is God inspired, there’s just nothing else that can touch it.”
For Hawk Nelson, as it should be for all of us, that’s what life is all about. Live it loud.
Be Sure to listen to "Live Life Loud" below... and watch the Mission Trip video for "Shaken".
