Hands-down the best indie album of 2008 and one of the best Christian albums in recent
memory, Chasen's debut was one of the few that deserved every bit of the pre-release hype. Much of the
buzz came from the early single Crazy Beautiful, which reached #2 on Christian radio charts long before
Shine through the Stars arrived as a complete project. Chasen's jangly melodic rock dwells in that coveted
space between preachy and secular, between subtle and overt, between poignant and under the radar. The
subject matter is universal, and the conclusions are not unique. But the way Chasen arrives at those conclusions
makes you nod in silent agreement as you realize he is singing your soul.
Reviewed by Jared Johnson, All Music Guide (www.allmusic.com)
4.5 stars*
The new indie-pop band carry payloads that are a bit more sophisticated than mainstream power pop. The
success is in the subtlety where hooks are hidden but nonetheless magnetic. The gentle crooning of lead
singer Chasen Callahan and the multifaceted guitar tones that carry the nuances of this Greenville, South
Carolina, trio promise to bring sweetly toned Christian sunny folk pop to the iPods of college rockers
far and wide.
Worship Leader Magazine: March/April
While Chasen has strong crossover potential, they unhesitatingly proclaim the
holiness of the Lord in “God & King.” Their song “Crazy Beautiful” started taking over Christian
radio before the album released. With this 13-song collection, Chasen is bound to shine as one of the
brightest bands of this year.
CBA Retailers & Resources Magazine
Chasen Callahan writes catchy, meaningful tunes that grab your attention with great hooks, relevant vocals
and interesting twists. There are little flashes of instrumental genius throughout the disc. The banjo
on All Creation is a nice touch.
The disc is a nice mix of poppy tunes, often reminiscent of Squeeze. There are
also some really nice worship tunes on the disc. All I Can Say and God & King are at home in a church
or a club. Normally, I hold David Crowder as the Gold Standard for modern worship songs. Chasen gives
him a run for his money with the above mentioned tunes, however.
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