Children’s scripture-pop group, The Rizers, are back with their second full-length release, Rise Up. This project features ten brand new, upbeat scripture songs to teach kids God’s Word while having fun rocking to the tunes.
Last year families were introduced to the upbeat, kid-friendly animated group The Rizers, and since then they have made a huge wave with parents, kids, and children’s ministers. The Rizers present culturally relevant music instilling a love for Jesus Christ and His Word through scripture memory, praise, and worship.
Meet Gracie from The Rizers
Their debut, Meet the Rizers, released on iTunes and AmazonMP3 in 2010 and peaked at No. 1 on AmazonMP3.com (Children’s Music), No. 6 (Christian and Gospel), as well as No. 4 on iTunes (Kids Music). The project was also included in the Dove-nomination ballot this year. Parents, children, media and bloggers have been raving about this fun-filled music praising God with coverage in the likes of ParentLife, Foursquare.org, The Resurgence as well as featured on many top kids ministry sites.
My three kiddos, ages 8, 6, and 3, all love music. We have many children’s albums ranging from Laurie Berkner to Kidz Bop to Sandra Boynton to generic dollar store CD’s. I don’t like the children to listen to the radio because of commercial content, the sketchy lyrics of many songs, and the fact that they always argue about what kind of music we should listen to.
Rise Up is a perfect addition to our CD collection. The music is so catchy and fun to listen to PLUS the lyrics are teaching my children about the Word of God which is such an integral part of our Catholic faith. I don’t even think the kiddos realize they are learning faith while rocking out to this great music.
“Are you guys ready to rock it out for Jesus?” begins the album in the song Make a Joyful Noise! from Psalm 100:1-2. What a wonderful way to begin such an energetic album!
I love Philippians 2:3-4 Do Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition, which teaches us to put others ahead of ourselves. “Oh hey! What do you say? We’re gonna rock a jam in a major way!” begins the tune that teaches us to get rid of our selfish ambitions. They teach this lesson in such a catchy way that my children love to say they are *Number 3* because we put God and others before us. It is great to dance to, and the tune is original and upbeat.
The band tries new things in each song which keeps each song fresh and upbeat. For example, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 A New Creation!, The Rizers throw in rap in the middle of the music which is surprising and engaging. Each song is completely unique and fun to listen to. For instance, I Can Do Everything has a wonderful island feel that repeats the verse and the book Philippians 4:13 over and over. What Christian wouldn’t want her children repeating, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength?”
“Go in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” begins track number 3, Glory, Glory, Glory from 2 Peter 3:18, but this isn’t just mundane repetition of the Bible verse; it is clean and new. It isn’t the sing-songy rhymes that many of us learned Bible verses to, it is fresh and hip. The Rizers have made the Word of God cool for a whole generation of children and their parents!
When the kiddos visited The Rizers website, they were so excited to see the super-cute animated band members. My kiddos could relate to each of the band members and wanted their own pictures of each band member downloaded as wallpaper on my computer. We started the week with the whole band and their group name. It makes for a fun reward each day to let the kiddos choose who is going to be my wallpaper for the day!
The kiddos definitely don’t tire of hearing this music over and over again! It isn’t your grandmother’s record of hymns, and I probably wouldn’t use it as nap-time music, but if you are looking for a great way to begin an energizing and super-positive day, this is it! It would make an EXCELLENT Christmas gift for CCD or Sunday School teachers this Christmas season.
Their debut, “Meet The Rizers,” released on iTunes and AmazonMP3 in 2010 and peaked at No. 1 on AmazonMP3.com (Children’s Music), No. 6 (Christian & Gospel), as well as No. 4 on iTunes (Kids Music). The project was also included in the Dove-nomination ballot this year. Parents, children, media and bloggers have been raving about this fun-filled music praising God with coverage in the likes of ParentLife, Foursquare.org, The Resurgence, and featured on many top kids ministry sites. Click here for songs from The Rizers as well as one new song from Rise Up.
MEET THE RIZERS:
Brought to families by Super Big Robot, LLC – a family media and entertainment company based in Seattle WA – The Rizers or “Memorizers” for short is a group of adorable characters each with a fun personality. There is Gracie (lead vocals), Matty C (guitar and vocals), Mei Mei (keytar), A-Yo (drums), and Johnny Danger (bass). They meet in Matty C’s garage to make their joyful noise in their town of Rizing Springs. Visit their home on the web to learn more about each band member, become their friend on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. You can also visit their store with Rizer t-shirts and physical CDs.
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*I received a copy of The Risers in order to facilitate an honest review. The opinions, where expressed, are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others experiences may vary.Lauralee loves homeschooling her three kiddos: Ballerina, age 8, Big Boy, age 6, and MESS, age 3. She enjoys sewing when she can find a spare corner to set up her machine and dig out fabrics, cooking and baking – especially if the kiddos are helping, and enjoying a good book after the kiddos have gone to bed. She is thrilled to be welcoming a baby girl into the family in March of 2012.