Shining a Light on Exceptional Christian Music

One of the most successful ways an album was effective in the 1960s was by radio. In the 1990s, it would be if your music video was heavily rotated on MTV. However, circa 2005, the powers that be shifted and expanded the music industry to what it is today. Now, it’s having music posted on the internet in some form to generate hype promoted by word of mouth. Kyle Cox has practiced exactly that with the release of his EP entitled To All My Old Friends.

This blues/folk rock artist from Orlando, Florida wanted to write a record based on certain events and emotions that can sometimes trip us up in life. This album is very real and honest both lyrically and musically. It all began with a multitude of thoughts, and a simple reaching out to a guitar and piano.

To All My Old Friends begins with the track ‘Company’, which is filled with appealing piano hooks and guitar riffs to get the EP rolling. It is possibly one the most spiritual songs on the record that deals with someone who questions God and possesses a messy faith. The chorus hits the nail on the head. “I just want a little company, I just need someone to be close to me, I’m looking for my biggest fan that I don’t deserve, to be everything for her and more, this is my dream.” (Side bar: The chorus is then followed by a killer guitar solo that requires an increase of decibels. You’re welcome.)

‘Come Back Home’ slows things down a bit with a mellow-melodic guitar riff. Generally speaking, it discusses the metaphor of winter settling in from warm days of the past, as to a relationship that somehow has been broken and is missed.

‘Life Is Good’ and the title track, ‘To All My Old Friends’ are relatively parallel to each other in terms of their storyline. They are personal songs and are a part of the EP’s theme of falling out. There are always two sides to a story and the quarrel of these songs is from a perspective opposite to the artist, with both of these songs powered by egocentricity and deceits from said opposite’s past, hence the title of the record.

‘My Great Love’ is a piano-driven track that is simple and contains God’s ultimate message to His children. “My future, My bride, The love of my life; I’ve gone to prepare a place for you, and I’ll be waiting there for you. If it weren’t true, then why would I tell you? I’ll be waiting for you.”

If there is something significant on the mind of Kyle Cox, it will in all likelihood be put to paper and will be assigned to a key of music. To All My Old Friends’ arrangement and production is staggering. Kyle isn’t too concerned about making Matchbox 20 money. However, he certainly deserves your two cents.

Sounds similar to: Ben Folds, John Mayer, Billy Joel

Written by: Trevor Evans