Self-Titled
12 Stones
Wind Up Records

Like their label mates (Creed) 12 Stones hangs in that fringe of entertainment that fans, critics, and theologians will debate about for hours. Their self titled debut is secularly spiritual, meaning that they can be interpreted as spiritual, but not as gospel. It could be a feel good song or it could be a testimony of faith, depending on the context it's delivered.

"Broken" definitely leans more towards the spiritual realm, seeking the healing of the Saviour. "They Way I Feel" can also be interpreted as a testimony of faith. Of course either one of these songs could be construed in a non-spiritual manner. For example, "Back Up" is about standing up for yourself and what you believe in. Depending on the delivery and the personality of the receptor the meaning of this song could be distorted. For myself it means that I can stand up for my faith. To others it may be that they can stand up for their right to live their life according to their own will and not God's will.

One thing 12 Stones does do throughout the CD is rock. They're somewhere between Creed and P.O.D. The debut has a high level of entertainment and potentially could be a link to God for a seeker. Much of it comes down to that context I've been harping about. For example, at a recent Creed concert 12 Stones opened up the show performing "Broken", and the crowd went nuts singing along and dancing. However an hour later, the same crowd went equally crazy for Jerry Cantrell as he sang an old Alice In Chains song "Man In the Box." A song that includes using the Saviours name in vain followed by "deny your maker" over and over again in the chorus. I think by the end of Cantrell's set the message and tone that 12 Stones set was long forgotten. Hopefully while attending these concerts the listeners will pick up the 12 Stones CD, read the lyrics and personal testimonies of faith in the liner notes, and start asking themselves the tough questions.

It's up to the guys of 12 Stones to live the life they fell led to live. They have an awesome gift for rock and a good start at sharing their faith, accomplishing this after only being together for about one year.