Here is a real “Hollywood-styled” success story. Josh (piano and vocals) and Dan (guitar) Ballard played music together growing up in Arizona before taking a leap of faith and moving to California. They both agreed that if they didn’t “make it big” in the music business by June 2006, they would move back home. Working at Starbucks, Josh met producer Brian Garcia and the rest is music history.
Inspired and lush, this album is a tapestry of falsetto and piano. The album is essential listening for any one who likes melodic “heartbreak” themed songs. Josh and Dan Ballard really put joy and pain into each song, not unlike Coldplay or Keane. “Unnoticed” is a good Ben Folds-type of tune. “All I Have” is a good mid-tempo song that borrows a bit from U2 and “What I’ve done” has a sweeping majestic chorus. Unfortunately, because the mood of each song is downbeat, it tends to weigh the album down. You almost forget this is a Christian pop band until “You Do” at the end of the album. Geared toward moody young people, it should do very well. The website is also beautifully done with streaming songs to listen to. Enjoy!