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CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
Big rock show mocks pop culture

Nelson Boschman

International Anthems For the Human Race
All Star United. Reunion/Essential Records, 1998.
$23.99.

International Anthems for the Human Race is the second album by All Star United, a US group fronted by former solo artist Ian Eskelin. Conceptually, International Anthems is a high energy, satirical journey through North American pop culture. Musically, the songs are creative, well executed and fun to listen to—if you’re into a steady diet of energetic power-pop.

All Star United cleverly mocks our obsessions with current trends in “Popular Americans”: “We’re the ones/We’re the popular Americans/ Oooh yeah, bet you wish you were me.” “Worldwide Socialites Unite” is a fun, humorous warning against small talk and shallow relationships. “Welcome to Our Big Rock Show” challenges the listener to look beyond the medium to the message that rock musicians are sending: “Find the secret message/Buried in our big rock show.”

Then there’s the rest of the album. When the witty lyrics run dry, sadly the album tends to follow suit. If the band’s intent is to proclaim the opposite of what they were laughing at, they aren’t very successful. The non-satirical songs, however, don’t speak much in the way of profound truths about the God who has relevance for this generation. International Anthems speaks of the nations coming together to offer a united voice of praise to God. This is a wonderful image, but what does this awesome, harmonious voice say? “Here’s to you.” That’s it!

One reviewer called lyrist Ian Eskelin “this generation’s Steve Taylor.” I’m afraid that despite a valiant effort, Eskelin still has some growing to do in order to fill those shoes.

There are a few deeper, more honest moments on the album, but sadly most are buried in their “big rock show.” All Star United has a significant platform from which to speak to North American youth culture. My hope is that future recordings will not only poke fun at the problems, but clearly point to the Solution.

Nelson Boschman is an instructor in Worship and Arts at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and worship leader at Fraser Heights Community Church in Surrey, B.C.

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Last modified September 28, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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