“Find the Real” is heavy but hopeful as it mines for peace, redemption and love amid the “real.” After learning from mistakes, a man relishes his shot at a second chance (“Metalingus”). “In Loving Memory” is Mark Tremonti’s tribute to his late mother. “One Day Remains” exhorts a friend to buck up, have faith and fulfill his potential (“Don’t lay down and die”). A line on “Down to My Last” states, “I’d learned to hate/You were always the only one to help me see that to love is to shine.” Despite some despondency, “Watch Your Words” tells listeners to pray, trust, speak truth and cherish loved ones. Struggling to overcome a dark past, a man sees unity as the answer (“Open Your Eyes”).
The band’s angst usually has an upside, but on “Burn It Down” a depressed soul seeks refuge in alcohol and agonizes over the “living hell” his life has become. He concludes, “[I] don’t feel I have any right to pray.”
The prevailing theme is this:Life is hard. Don’t give up. Cling to what’s real and true. With one exception, these songs offer hurting teens empathy and optimism.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
