Worth Fighting For

This album is fantastic! I can't quit listening to it. I am wishing you guys much success and great rewards for your hard work to deliver such a unique sound. Your time has come!

Great buy for some great music!

How do you equal a five star debut? The second full-length release by Birmingham’s Act of Congress comes pretty close. Act of Congress is one of the few bands you can legitimately say sounds like nobody else. Their first album, “Declaration” featured traditional bluegrass instruments playing original music with influences from newgrass, classical, rock and a few other genres thrown in as well. “Worth Fighting For” features the same musical foundation, great songwriting, and ridiculously talented musicians. As with all their releases, the studio production is top notch – you’ll feel as if they’re performing right in your living room. The difference this time around is that only three songs on “Worth Fighting For” are similar to their sound on their debut. The rest have a slightly harder side featuring drums and electric guitar. In just about anyone else’s case that’s a recipe for a schmaltzy, look-at-us-we’re-trying-to-be-rockers sound, but there’s some serious talent here, not only in the tactful way the group has integrated these new sounds, but in (mandolinist) Adam Wright’s vocals. Not to be outdone, guitarist Chris Griffin, bassist Tim Carrol and violinist Connie Skellie, perfectly round out the band’s sound in a way that just makes everything they do so listenable. Of the newer sound, winners are “Alright”, “Call Your Bluff” “Who’s Gonna Love You” If you’re used to the sound of “Declaration” you’ll want to start right away with “Time” – a terrific example of “less is more”. It would’ve been so easy to overproduce a song such as this. You can literally hear how much this group loves what they do when the chorus returns at 3:00. You’ll fall for the song “One Will Break” after 30 seconds, and the group sing-along seals the deal. Overall, an impressive follow-up that will grow on you with each listen. Highly recommended.

Ever since "Declaration" I have followed and loved this group. This album, while in some minor ways a departure from their signature sound, is astounding. The sound is much fuller, more complex and yet shows their musical maturity. "If it feels right, it's Alright", "Hole in my Heart" and "Carry me," while more electric, are still supported by great lyrics. The bluesy riffs of "Loose Ends" shows the group knows its roots, while not being embedded in predictability. Speaking of lyrics, the writing, as we are accustomed to, is superb. Such lines as "Vows that aren't kept are a back breaking debt." (One Will Break) shows a natural maturity and progression of talent. "Time" is another great example. "I'm dyin' . . . and running out of you." And who could forget the line "Staring at chaos in the mirror" "Broken" stands out as one of those songs that hits the soul both in melody and word, taking you on the roller coaster of both hope and despair. Pure excellence. The harmonies are tight and well managed. Connie Skellie is a great addition to the vocals. Adam Wright's voice has gotten fuller and smoother, and delivers even more than expected. The album is wholesome, without being preachy. (Listen to "Alright" closely, for instance.) This group is Birmingham's not so hidden gem. And the album a great follow up to "Declaration". It's only a matter of time until we lose them to a much broader recognition.

Rarely do I get to hear a cd that hits home the first time I hear it. I remember the first time I listened to The Bends by Radiohead, the first time I heard Under The Table and Dreaming by Dave Matthews Band and Parachutes by Coldplay. These albums dared me to take a leap of faith and trust that I would hear something new and unique and that in return it would reward me with songs that I would never forget and never get tired of. I am so excited about this band and this album as I believe this album features some of the best music I've heard this century. I can't wait to see them as they go forward and I am so excited to be seeing them live soon. Keep up the great work guys!!! God Bless!!!! If you took the time to read this, stop wasting time, start downloading.

Offered as a "Musical Chemistry Experiment", this CD explodes as the rocket fuel to launch this band into the highest orbit of musical artists. The dynamics of the arrangements and powerful, yet haunting, vocals stand toe-to-toe with County and Cross-over artists Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts. I can't quit listening to Broken. Other favorites include Hole in My Heart and Loose Ends. This CD is a must have. As live performers Act of Congress are as humble and engaging and talented as you could hope for in a band. If you get a chance, go and see them live. But, you better hurry. The intimate venues that they are playing now will soon be traded in for stadiums. I am predicting a CMA best new artist nomination within two years. Best of luck AOC!

Thanks!!!!!

I am such a fan of Act of Congress. I saw them play with the Alabama Symphony in the fall, and they played a lot of their new songs. They were fantastic, so I have been counting down the weeks until this album came out. It did not disappoint!!! Reminds me of Dave Barnes, John Mayer, Nickel Creek, Sons of Sylvia.... "Alright" is my current favorite, but "Fallin in Love" is a close second. Every song is growing on me with each listen.

I hope this album goes like hot cakes, guys! You are certainly making your mark. Love this album!

Still one of the richest and most amazing sounds!!! LOVE your talents!!