THROWBACK - Stellar Kart: “We Can’t Stand Sitting Down” Album Review
Do you remember what was on your youth group playlist twenty years ago? Chances are there were a couple songs from Stellar Kart on that playlist. Stellar Kart provided that fun, pop punk sound that echoed in a majority of youth rooms across the country. From the light-hearted evangelistic “Activate” to the hit single “Me and Jesus,” the album We Can’t Stand Sitting Down is one of the most successful in Stellar Kart’s catalog. They received multiple Dove Award Nominations, including a win for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year with “Me and Jesus.”
The band would support this album throughout their time on the “Hearts of the Innocent” tour in 2006 with Kutless, Disciple and Falling Up and their own headlining tour, “Punk the Halls,” with Run Kid Run, eleventyseven and Esterlyn. They also played at Hersheypark for their faith day at the park in 2006. I remember seeing them on both tours back in the day at Warehouse54 in Manheim, PA. We thought it would be fun to take a look back at We Can’t Stand Sitting Down twenty years later to see how the album holds up!
We Can’t Stand Sitting Down Throwback Album Review
Tracks: 13
Length: 40:43
Release Date: July 25, 2006
Label: Word Entertainment
The album opens with “Procrastinating” that contains a classic punk guitar riff, rhythmic drum beats and driving bass line that gets the groove started. Adam comes in with his entertaining, catchy lyrics that have you singing along. Ironically, the opening line “So here I am, it’s 3 AM, I don’t know where to begin” actually describes the process of writing the song. The bass is utilized throughout the song and adds the depth to the song where the guitars and drums contain an upbeat presence.
“Show me the way I know that slow and steady wins the race. But slow to me ‘cause I can’t see is like a lightning pace. And all I get is nowhere constantly waiting.”
The band sends this message throughout the album about God’s presence in their lives. This song kicks it off with a message of being patient on God’s call.
Then they launch right into “Activate,” which musically is kind of similar to the previous “Procrastinating.” However the vocals are sung a little less frenetically, and with more purpose. It’s such a fun song. This was one of those songs that I definitely remember singing along at youth group. Cody had an epic guitar solo that was too short for my liking. He has the chops to put together a big, effective guitar solo.
“You’ll never start a revolution in your sleep.”
If we take anything from this song, it’s going to be this one line. The whole message of the song is to be active in our faith, sharing it with others. The line emphasizes that you won’t bring about any changes while being lukewarm or distracted by the things of this world.
“Activate” wasn’t the only single to be nominated for a Dove award as the next song “Me and Jesus” was not only nominated, but also won. It starts with a calmer acoustic intro before Adam and the drums come in. The song is memorable with its lyrics and groovy guitar riff. Towards the end of the song, I can hear some piano in the background. The song is all around great from beginning to end, with a message of hope for those who are struggling.
“Lose Control” has influences from Green Day that you can hear from the beginning. The bass continues to provide that depth, along with establishing the momentum of the song. This is something that I appreciate about the punk genre as it showcases and truly appreciates the bass and what it brings to the overall sound. Along with the bass, Cody has another guitar solo that continues to show why he is one of the best of that era of Christian rock.
At this point in the album, there is a nice mix of fast and slow songs. “Hold On” is one of those songs that slows things down with the simple guitar strum pattern to start. You can feel the introspective thoughts that went through the writing process of this song. As you listen to the chorus, you can hear the genuine hope and care written into the lyrics. I like the choral background vocals as they add to the sincere atmosphere of the song.
“You are loved completely. You mean everything to me. You will always be here with me.”
Sincere, honest lyrics that convey a message of love and passion passed from Creator to creation.
“Always Waiting” is quick right out of the gate featuring a fun bassline and a guitar tone that will get you dancing and rocking along with it. It’s an overall fun song from beginning to end with a positive message. There’s an interesting lyric, “Looks like the skies are clear. You hope it would rain. But when the clouds appear, you want the sun again.” The wisdom behind this line is that we’re never satisfied with what we have as we move on to wanting something else. It goes with the title of the song as we are called and encouraged to remain patient on God’s timing versus our own.
When I had the chance to sit down with Adam recently, we talked about the record turning 20 and he said that his oldest daughter is turning 20 as well. This seems to be part of the inspiration for “Only Wanted.” This is written from the perspective of a parent to their child.
“I know it’s not what you wanna hear. Nothing makes up for all the years. I pray for the day you see I tried to raise you best, I know. Now there’s only one thing I can hope; you don’t end up just like me.”
As parents, we want the absolute best for our children. There are certain attributes that we want to pass along and there are some that we don’t pass along. The only thing we can do is raise them up in the foundation of Jesus Christ.
We move onto “Finding Out.” The bass dictates the tempo of the song and the dueling guitars in the bridge is a continued highlight of the band’s musical abilities. The looping guitar effect is a nice touch as it adds another layer to the sound. Jordan continues to throw down on the drums and on this song, it sounds like he has a lot of fun on it.
The last quarter of this album starts with “Wishes and Dreams” that features an opening that sounds similar to a punk/emo song from Sugarcult. There are powerful vocals during the chorus that showcase the strength of Adam’s voice. “I’m Pretty Good” is next on the list and offers a drum and bass pattern that separates itself from the rest of the album. It’s a simple pattern but the two seem to build on each other till we get to the chorus where the guitars come in. The rest of the album seems to follow the punk rhythm and here we find the drums and bass are spotlighted rather than riding in the background.
“Now I’m left wishing I could find out what’s missing. I need a love that lasts regardless of my past. A chance I’ll take on you. A hope of finding something true.”
We’re all looking for something. Something to bring fulfillment, purpose and a reason to live. This song highlights that search and ends with taking a chance with God.
“I Wanna Live” is a song that shouts the importance of living each day as if it’s your last and asking what are you going to do with it. Everything is working together and the song drives along between the guitar riffs, drum beats and catchy melodies. Adam’s voice puts out a message that can be fun and serious at the same time. The lyrics are catchy and you can find yourself singing along very easily.
“I wanna live like today could be my last day. To give all I have before it’s too late. Goodbye to all the fear and doubt ‘cause this love is what life is all about.”
What would we do if we knew today was our last day? Would we share the good news with a loved one one last time? This song goes with that mindset of making sure that people know and experience the love of Christ before it’s too late.
The album wraps up with “Angels in Chorus.” They put a bow on the album with an acoustic, methodic song. I remember them playing this mid-set to slow down the show's tempo. There is a contemplative message brought through this song. They even pulled the lyrics straight out of the Bible when talking about the angels in heaven joining in with worshipping God.
“I’ve lived in silence. Held on to you like you were my private piece of truth. But everything’s changing ‘cause I can’t contain when there’s a whole world waiting to hear your name.”
Sometimes we hold onto the truth and we don’t want our world to be changed. We want everything secured. But we need that reminder that the world would become a better place if we truly allow the gospel to invade our lives and radically change everything.
From beginning to end, We Can’t Stand Sitting Down is a fun, energetic collection of songs that sing about sharing the good news, knowing that God is always there for us and finding a love that goes beyond all understanding. This would help accelerate the career of Stellar Kart and push them to the top of the Christian Punk scene. They would share the stages with TobyMac, Kutless, Disciple and many others along with playing festivals, tours and youth conventions. This album is still a high quality listen from beginning to end.
Does the album hold up twenty years later? Absolutely. For those youth group kids that grew up listening to Stellar Kart, this is an album that you can put on for your kids and know that they’re going to enjoy the whole way through. It has its hits, “Me and Jesus,” “Activate,” and its unsung heroes like “Angels in Chorus” or “Always Waiting.” It’s understandable to see why this album was nominated for multiple awards and hit singles. Take some time and step into your musical time machine and listen to this classic throwback album with a smile on your face and a pep in your step.
Stay tuned, tomorrow we’re going to release a very special interview!
