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| single1 = [[I Am (Crowder song)|I Am]]
| single1 = [[I Am (Crowder song)|I Am]]
| single1date = November 25, 2013
| single1date = November 25, 2013
| single2 = Come As You Are<ref>{{cite web|title=R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=08/26/2014&Format=21|work=[[Radio & Records]]|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
| single2 = Come As You Are<ref>{{cite web|title=R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=08/26/2014&Format=21|work=[[Radio & Records]]|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
| single2date = August 26, 2014
| single2date = August 26, 2014
| single3 = Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)<ref>{{cite web|title=R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=07/14/2015&Format=21|work=[[Radio & Records]]|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
| single3 = Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)<ref>{{cite web|title=R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=07/14/2015&Format=21|work=[[Radio & Records]]|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
| single3date = July 14, 2015
| single3date = July 14, 2015
}}
}}
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==Background==
==Background==
After a long stint at the helm of [[David Crowder Band]], Crowder and his band mates disbanded.<ref name=frr /> ''Neon Steeple'' is his first solo musical foray and was released on May 27, 2014 by [[Sparrow Records]] and [[sixstepsrecords]].<ref name=frr /><ref name=jfhone /> The album was produced by the following producers; [[Ed Cash]], David Crowder, Jared Fox, [[Will Hunt]], [[Family Force 5|Solomon Olds]], Christian Paschall, Gabe Scott and [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]].<ref name=ccm>{{cite web |url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/2014/jun15/keazxc/CCMdigital_June15_2014.pdf |title=''The Making of...'' Neon Steeple |last=Greer |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Greer |date=June 15, 2014 |work=[[CCM Magazine]] |publisher=[[Salem Publishing]] |pages=18–19 |accessdate=June 13, 2014 |issn=1524-7848 |format=PDF }}</ref>
After a long stint at the helm of [[David Crowder Band]], Crowder and his band mates disbanded.<ref name=frr /> ''Neon Steeple'' is his first solo musical foray and was released on May 27, 2014 by [[Sparrow Records]] and [[sixstepsrecords]].<ref name=frr /><ref name=jfhone /> The album was produced by the following producers; [[Ed Cash]], David Crowder, Jared Fox, [[Will Hunt]], [[Family Force 5|Solomon Olds]], Christian Paschall, Gabe Scott and [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]].<ref name=ccm>{{cite web |url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/2014/jun15/keazxc/CCMdigital_June15_2014.pdf |title=''The Making of...'' Neon Steeple |last=Greer |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Greer |date=June 15, 2014 |work=[[CCM Magazine]] |publisher=[[Salem Publishing]] |pages=18–19 |access-date=June 13, 2014 |issn=1524-7848 }}</ref>


==Artwork==
==Artwork==
The artwork for the physical copy of the album uses a [[Kinegram]] to animate the text on the album's cover and liner notes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dcbplus.weebly.com/neon-steeple.html |title=Neon Steeple album page |accessdate=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial/posts/10152249937063451?comment_id=10152249941798451 |publisher=Crowder Facebook |title=Just a preview of what the physical cover can do |accessdate=May 31, 2014}}</ref>
The artwork for the physical copy of the album uses a [[Kinegram]] to animate the text on the album's cover and liner notes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dcbplus.weebly.com/neon-steeple.html |title=Neon Steeple album page |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial/posts/10152249937063451?comment_id=10152249941798451 |publisher=Crowder Facebook |title=Just a preview of what the physical cover can do |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = 365 Days of Inspiring Media
| rev1 = 365 Days of Inspiring Media
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=doim>{{cite web |url=http://www.365daysofinspiringmedia.com/reviews/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crowder – Neon Steeple |last=Andre |first=Jonathan |date=May 22, 2014 |publisher=365 Days of Inspiring Media |accessdate=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=doim>{{cite web |url=http://www.365daysofinspiringmedia.com/reviews/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crowder – Neon Steeple |last=Andre |first=Jonathan |date=May 22, 2014 |publisher=365 Days of Inspiring Media |access-date=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev2score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/neon-steeple-mw0002599556 |title=''Neon Steeple'' - Crowder &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |last=Jurek |first=Thom |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=June 14, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev2score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/neon-steeple-mw0002599556 |title=''Neon Steeple'' - Crowder &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |last=Jurek |first=Thom |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=June 14, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev3 = Christian Music Review
| rev3 = Christian Music Review
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cmr>{{cite web |url=http://christianmusicreview.org/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crosder 'Neon Steeple' |last=Covington |first=April |date=May 23, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Review |accessdate=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cmr>{{cite web |url=http://christianmusicreview.org/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crosder 'Neon Steeple' |last=Covington |first=April |date=May 23, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Review |access-date=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Christianity Today]]''
| rev4 = ''[[Christianity Today]]''
| rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=ct>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/may-web-only/crowder-neon-steeple-review.html?start=2 |title=Crowder Goes Hog Wild |last=Brandon |first=John |date=May 28, 2014 |work=Christianity Today |accessdate=June 28, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=ct>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/may-web-only/crowder-neon-steeple-review.html?start=2 |title=Crowder Goes Hog Wild |last=Brandon |first=John |date=May 28, 2014 |work=Christianity Today |access-date=June 28, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev5 = CM Addict
| rev5 = CM Addict
| rev5score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cma>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmaddict.com/reviews_page.php?review_id=144 |title=Review of Neon Steeple by Crowder |last=Funderburk |first=Andrew |date=May 23, 2014 |publisher=CM Addict |accessdate=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev5score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cma>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmaddict.com/reviews_page.php?review_id=144 |title=Review of Neon Steeple by Crowder |last=Funderburk |first=Andrew |date=May 23, 2014 |publisher=CM Addict |access-date=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev6 = The Front Row Report
| rev6 = The Front Row Report
| rev6score = {{Rating|8.5|10}}<ref name=frr>{{cite web |url=http://thefrontrowreport.com/crowder-neon-steeple-review/ |title=Crowder: Neon Steeple review |last=Edwards |first=Reggie |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=The Front Row Report |accessdate=May 28, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev6score = {{Rating|8.5|10}}<ref name=frr>{{cite web |url=http://thefrontrowreport.com/crowder-neon-steeple-review/ |title=Crowder: Neon Steeple review |last=Edwards |first=Reggie |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=The Front Row Report |access-date=May 28, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[HM (magazine)|HM Magazine]]''
| rev7 = ''[[HM (magazine)|HM Magazine]]''
| rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=hm>{{cite web |url=http://hmmagazine.com/blog/album-reviews/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crowder – ''Neon Steeple'' |last=Key |first=Nathaniel |date=June 7, 2014 |work=HM |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=hm>{{cite web |url=http://hmmagazine.com/blog/album-reviews/crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Crowder – ''Neon Steeple'' |last=Key |first=Nathaniel |date=June 7, 2014 |work=HM |access-date=June 10, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev8 = Jesus Freak Hideout
| rev8 = Jesus Freak Hideout
| rev8score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=jfhone>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review |last=Barbee |first=Ryan |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=jfhtwo>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: Second Staff Opinion |last=Fryberger |first=Scott |date=May 24, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=jfhthree>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: JFH Staff's ''Additional'' 2 Cents |last=Rice |first=Mark |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev8score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=jfhone>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review |last=Barbee |first=Ryan |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=jfhtwo>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: Second Staff Opinion |last=Fryberger |first=Scott |date=May 24, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=jfhthree>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/NeonSteeple.asp |title=Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: JFH Staff's ''Additional'' 2 Cents |last=Rice |first=Mark |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=May 27, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev9 = New Release Tuesday
| rev9 = New Release Tuesday
| rev9score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=nrt>{{cite web |url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=22365&user_id=130961 |title=Folktronica Fusion |last=Lassiter |first=Caitlin Elizabeth |date=May 14, 2014 |publisher=New Release Tuesday |accessdate=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev9score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=nrt>{{cite web |url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=22365&user_id=130961 |title=Folktronica Fusion |last=Lassiter |first=Caitlin Elizabeth |date=May 14, 2014 |publisher=New Release Tuesday |access-date=May 24, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]]''
| rev10 = ''[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]]''
| rev10Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=wl>{{cite web |url=http://worshipleader.com/neon-steeple/ |title=Neon Steeple |last=Hunter |first=Andrea |date=May 27, 2014 |work=Worship Leader |accessdate=May 28, 2014}}</ref>
| rev10Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=wl>{{cite web |url=http://worshipleader.com/neon-steeple/ |title=Neon Steeple |last=Hunter |first=Andrea |date=May 27, 2014 |work=Worship Leader |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref>
}}
}}


''Neon Steeple'' met with a positive reception from music critics.<ref name=jwp>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesuswired.com/crowders-worldwide-solo-debut-neon-steeple-available-now/#axzz32u50csUh |title=Crowder’s Worldwide Solo Debut "Neon Steeple" Available Now |last=Moss |first=Iain |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Wired |accessdate=May 28, 2014}}</ref> Andrea Hunter of ''[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]]'' rated the album a perfect five stars, indicating saying Crowder "never settles into predictability" and displays "the edge of emotion in glistening pop". She called the material "raw, yet prodigiously conceived and crafted perfection."<ref name=wl /> At New Release Tuesday, Caitlin Elizabeth Lassiter rated the album four-and-a-half stars, stating "the folk elements and the computer side came together brilliantly".<ref name=nrt /> Nathaniel Key of ''[[HM (magazine)|HM Magazine]]'' rated the album four stars out of five, calling it "a fresh, relevant and innovative debut release".<ref name=hm /> At [[AllMusic]], Thom Jurek rated the album three stars out of five, noting the music and the musician for its "quirkiness [...] quotient".<ref name=am /> John Brandon of ''[[Christianity Today]]'' rated the album three stars out of five, remarking that not everything works well on the album, yet states "'Neon Steeple' is a throwback and a step forward at the same time", which is why "Crowder's ready to lead us there" into a new era of "Christian worship".<ref name=ct />
''Neon Steeple'' met with a positive reception from music critics.<ref name=jwp>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesuswired.com/crowders-worldwide-solo-debut-neon-steeple-available-now/#axzz32u50csUh |title=Crowder's Worldwide Solo Debut "Neon Steeple" Available Now |last=Moss |first=Iain |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Wired |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> Andrea Hunter of ''[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]]'' rated the album a perfect five stars, indicating saying Crowder "never settles into predictability" and displays "the edge of emotion in glistening pop". She called the material "raw, yet prodigiously conceived and crafted perfection."<ref name=wl /> At New Release Tuesday, Caitlin Elizabeth Lassiter rated the album four-and-a-half stars, stating "the folk elements and the computer side came together brilliantly".<ref name=nrt /> Nathaniel Key of ''[[HM (magazine)|HM Magazine]]'' rated the album four stars out of five, calling it "a fresh, relevant and innovative debut release".<ref name=hm /> At [[AllMusic]], Thom Jurek rated the album three stars out of five, noting the music and the musician for its "quirkiness [...] quotient".<ref name=am /> John Brandon of ''[[Christianity Today]]'' rated the album three stars out of five, remarking that not everything works well on the album, yet states "'Neon Steeple' is a throwback and a step forward at the same time", which is why "Crowder's ready to lead us there" into a new era of "Christian worship".<ref name=ct />


Piet Levy of ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' gave ''Neon Steeple'' a positive review, comparing the music to [[Avicii]]'s "[[Wake Me Up (Avicii song)|Wake Me Up]]" saying "Crowder sticks to folktronica, which blends the warm-hearted, rustic feel of folk with a little cinematic, synthesizer atmosphere."<ref name=mjs>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/cd-reviews-mariah-carey-sharon-van-etten-crowder-kelly-willis-and-bruce-robison-spanish-gold-l-b9927-260834201.html |title=CD Reviews: Mariah Carey; Sharon Van Etten; Crowder; Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison; Spanish Gold; Little Barrie; Darrell Webb Band |last=Levy |first=Piet |date=May 27, 2014 |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |accessdate=June 4, 2014 }}</ref> In addition, Levy said "If these songs were less explicitly religious, they'd likely do well on mainstream radio."<ref name=mjs /> Jesus Freak Hideout gave three reviews of the album, which were done by Ryan Barbee, Scott Fryberger and Mark Rice. Respectively, their ratings were five stars, four-and-a-half stars and four stars out of five. Barbee stated Crowder is back and "better than ever."<ref name=jfhone /> Fryberger wrote that "Crowder is no stranger to experimentation, and he pulls it off amazingly with ''Neon Steeple''."<ref name=jfhtwo /> Rice said that "''Neon Steeple'' brings forth some of the most creative Crowder concepts yet and excecutes [''sic''] it to a T". He called the release "everything we could have hoped from Crowder's first endeavor apart from his former band."<ref name=jfhthree /> Christian Music Review's April Covington rated ''Neon Steeple'' a perfect five stars, writing that she was "amazed" by Crowder's "crazy, awesome style" of music.<ref name=cmr />
Piet Levy of ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' gave ''Neon Steeple'' a positive review, comparing the music to [[Avicii]]'s "[[Wake Me Up (Avicii song)|Wake Me Up]]" saying "Crowder sticks to folktronica, which blends the warm-hearted, rustic feel of folk with a little cinematic, synthesizer atmosphere."<ref name=mjs>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/cd-reviews-mariah-carey-sharon-van-etten-crowder-kelly-willis-and-bruce-robison-spanish-gold-l-b9927-260834201.html |title=CD Reviews: Mariah Carey; Sharon Van Etten; Crowder; Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison; Spanish Gold; Little Barrie; Darrell Webb Band |last=Levy |first=Piet |date=May 27, 2014 |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=June 4, 2014 }}</ref> In addition, Levy said "If these songs were less explicitly religious, they'd likely do well on mainstream radio."<ref name=mjs /> Jesus Freak Hideout gave three reviews of the album, which were done by Ryan Barbee, Scott Fryberger and Mark Rice. Respectively, their ratings were five stars, four-and-a-half stars and four stars out of five. Barbee stated Crowder is back and "better than ever."<ref name=jfhone /> Fryberger wrote that "Crowder is no stranger to experimentation, and he pulls it off amazingly with ''Neon Steeple''."<ref name=jfhtwo /> Rice said that "''Neon Steeple'' brings forth some of the most creative Crowder concepts yet and excecutes [''sic''] it to a T". He called the release "everything we could have hoped from Crowder's first endeavor apart from his former band."<ref name=jfhthree /> Christian Music Review's April Covington rated ''Neon Steeple'' a perfect five stars, writing that she was "amazed" by Crowder's "crazy, awesome style" of music.<ref name=cmr />


At CM Addict, Andrew Funderburk rated the album a perfect five stars, saying the release "shines brightly" and that "every bit of this project is designed with beautiful artistry and fine detail."<ref name=cma /> Jonathan Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media rated the album four out of five, remarking say it features "some of the best songs of [Crowder's] whole entire career so far!"<ref name=doim /> The Front Row Report's Reggie Edwards rated the album eight-and-a-half out of ten, stating that ''Neon Steeple'' "should be an instant hit with fans and it won't be long until worship teams everywhere are using some of the songs for their own services."<ref name=frr /> Andrew Greenhalgh at The Sound Opinion gave a positive review of the album, saying "The fusion of the old and the new comes across as effortless in the artist's hands", and that Crowder "reasserts himself as a musical tour de force, making music that is as artistically successful as it is lyrically."<ref name=tso>{{cite web |url=http://thesoundopinion.com/2014/05/27/review-crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Review: Crowder, Neon Steeple |last=Greenhalgh |first=Andrew |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=The Sound Opinion |accessdate=May 28, 2014}}</ref> At BREATHEcast, Kristen Solis gave a positive review of the album, saying "Only a musical and worship filled creative mind such as David Crowder could pull such an album like this and make it work."<ref name=bc>{{cite web |url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/crowder-neon-steeples-album-review-15441/ |title=Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Aims to Make Listeners Whole in Christ Using Old Church Songs with New School Sounds (REVIEW) |last=Solis |first=Kristen |date=May 1, 2014 |publisher=BREATHEcast |accessdate=May 28, 2014}}</ref> Ryan Brymer of Faith Village gave a positive review of the album, saying "This is a good record, but I would just encourage you to leave your expectations at the door."<ref name=fv>{{cite web |url=http://www.faithvillage.com/article/5f31e7d670294ba4a6afab73b5c2d251/does_crowders_neon_steeple_meet_its_lofty_expectations?return=%2Fsearch-site%2FCrowder |title=Does Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Meet Its Lofty Expectations? |last=Brymer |first=Ryan |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Faith Village |accessdate=May 28, 2014}}</ref>
At CM Addict, Andrew Funderburk rated the album a perfect five stars, saying the release "shines brightly" and that "every bit of this project is designed with beautiful artistry and fine detail."<ref name=cma /> Jonathan Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media rated the album four out of five, remarking say it features "some of the best songs of [Crowder's] whole entire career so far!"<ref name=doim /> The Front Row Report's Reggie Edwards rated the album eight-and-a-half out of ten, stating that ''Neon Steeple'' "should be an instant hit with fans and it won't be long until worship teams everywhere are using some of the songs for their own services."<ref name=frr /> Andrew Greenhalgh at The Sound Opinion gave a positive review of the album, saying "The fusion of the old and the new comes across as effortless in the artist's hands", and that Crowder "reasserts himself as a musical tour de force, making music that is as artistically successful as it is lyrically."<ref name=tso>{{cite web |url=http://thesoundopinion.com/2014/05/27/review-crowder-neon-steeple/ |title=Review: Crowder, Neon Steeple |last=Greenhalgh |first=Andrew |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=The Sound Opinion |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> At BREATHEcast, Kristen Solis gave a positive review of the album, saying "Only a musical and worship filled creative mind such as David Crowder could pull such an album like this and make it work."<ref name=bc>{{cite web |url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/crowder-neon-steeples-album-review-15441/ |title=Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Aims to Make Listeners Whole in Christ Using Old Church Songs with New School Sounds (REVIEW) |last=Solis |first=Kristen |date=May 1, 2014 |publisher=BREATHEcast |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> Ryan Brymer of Faith Village gave a positive review of the album, saying "This is a good record, but I would just encourage you to leave your expectations at the door."<ref name=fv>{{cite web |url=http://www.faithvillage.com/article/5f31e7d670294ba4a6afab73b5c2d251/does_crowders_neon_steeple_meet_its_lofty_expectations?return=%2Fsearch-site%2FCrowder |title=Does Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Meet Its Lofty Expectations? |last=Brymer |first=Ryan |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Faith Village |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref>


==Awards and accolades==
==Awards and accolades==
This album was No. 4 on the [[Worship Leader (magazine)|''Worship Leader'']]'s Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.<ref name="WL">{{cite web |author=''Worship Leader'' |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Albums of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=67 |journal=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |accessdate=August 11, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |p=67 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925234742/http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=67 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
This album was No. 4 on the [[Worship Leader (magazine)|''Worship Leader'']]'s Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.<ref name="WL">{{cite journal |author=Worship Leader |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Albums of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=67 |journal=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |access-date=August 11, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |page=67 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925234742/http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=67 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The song, "I Am", was No. 8 on the ''Worship Leader''{{'}}s Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.<ref name="WLLS">{{cite web |author=''Worship Leader'' |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Songs of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |journal=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |accessdate=November 5, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |p=64–5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019094017/http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The song, "I Am", was No. 8 on the ''Worship Leader''{{'}}s Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.<ref name="WLLS">{{cite journal |author=Worship Leader |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Songs of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |journal=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |access-date=November 5, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |page=64–5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019094017/http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
For the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' charting week of June 14, 2014, ''Neon Steeple'' debuted at No. 9 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], and it sold 22,000 copies.<ref name=debutcharts>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106516/coldplay-chills-for-second-week-at-no-1-mariah-carey-debuts-at-no-3|title=Coldplay Chills For Second Week At No. 1, Mariah Carey Debuts At No. 3|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=June 4, 2014|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|work=Billboard|accessdate=June 5, 2014}}</ref> It debuted at No. 1 on the [[Christian Albums]] chart.
For the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' charting week of June 14, 2014, ''Neon Steeple'' debuted at No. 9 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], and it sold 22,000 copies.<ref name=debutcharts>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6106516/coldplay-chills-for-second-week-at-no-1-mariah-carey-debuts-at-no-3|title=Coldplay Chills For Second Week At No. 1, Mariah Carey Debuts At No. 3|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=June 4, 2014|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|work=Billboard|access-date=June 5, 2014}}</ref> It debuted at No. 1 on the [[Christian Albums]] chart.


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
Line 161: Line 161:
! colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
! colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! width="45"| [[Hot Christian Songs|US Christian]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/5881081/crowder/chart?f=355|title=Crowder Chart History - Christian Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 5, 2014}}</ref>
! width="45"| [[Hot Christian Songs|US Christian]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/5881081/crowder/chart?f=355|title=Crowder Chart History - Christian Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=June 5, 2014}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2013
| 2013
Line 173: Line 173:
| rowspan=1| 2015
| rowspan=1| 2015
| align="left"| "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)"
| align="left"| "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)"
| 11<ref>{{cite web|title = Hot Christian Songs chart, week of November 14, 2015|url = http://www.billboard.com/charts/christian-songs/2015-11-14|publisher = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate = July 11, 2015}}</ref>
| 11<ref>{{cite web|title = Hot Christian Songs chart, week of November 14, 2015|url = http://www.billboard.com/charts/christian-songs/2015-11-14|publisher = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date = July 11, 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|}

Revision as of 17:17, 3 March 2021

Neon Steeple
Studio album by
Crowder
ReleasedMay 27, 2014 (2014-05-27)
Genre
Length51:58
LabelSparrow/sixsteps (Capitol CMG)
Producer
Crowder chronology
iTunes Session
(2012) 		Neon Steeple
(2014) 		Neon Porch Extravaganza
(2015)
Singles from Neon Steeple
  1. "I Am"
    Released: November 25, 2013
  2. "Come As You Are[1]"
    Released: August 26, 2014
  3. "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)[2]"
    Released: July 14, 2015

Neon Steeple is the debut studio album from the mononymously known Christian musician Crowder. It was released on May 27, 2014 by Sparrow Records and sixstepsrecords, and the producers were Ed Cash, David Crowder, Jared Fox, Will Hunt, Solomon Olds, Christian Paschall, Gabe Scott and Christopher Stevens. The album sold 22,000 copies in its opening week of sales, causing it to debut at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.

Background

After a long stint at the helm of David Crowder Band, Crowder and his band mates disbanded.[3] Neon Steeple is his first solo musical foray and was released on May 27, 2014 by Sparrow Records and sixstepsrecords.[3][4] The album was produced by the following producers; Ed Cash, David Crowder, Jared Fox, Will Hunt, Solomon Olds, Christian Paschall, Gabe Scott and Christopher Stevens.[5]

Artwork

The artwork for the physical copy of the album uses a Kinegram to animate the text on the album's cover and liner notes.[6][7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
365 Days of Inspiring Media[8]
AllMusic[9]
Christian Music Review[10]
Christianity Today[11]
CM Addict[12]
The Front Row Report[3]
HM Magazine[13]
Jesus Freak Hideout[4]
[14]
[15]
New Release Tuesday[16]
Worship Leader[17]

Neon Steeple met with a positive reception from music critics.[18] Andrea Hunter of Worship Leader rated the album a perfect five stars, indicating saying Crowder "never settles into predictability" and displays "the edge of emotion in glistening pop". She called the material "raw, yet prodigiously conceived and crafted perfection."[17] At New Release Tuesday, Caitlin Elizabeth Lassiter rated the album four-and-a-half stars, stating "the folk elements and the computer side came together brilliantly".[16] Nathaniel Key of HM Magazine rated the album four stars out of five, calling it "a fresh, relevant and innovative debut release".[13] At AllMusic, Thom Jurek rated the album three stars out of five, noting the music and the musician for its "quirkiness [...] quotient".[9] John Brandon of Christianity Today rated the album three stars out of five, remarking that not everything works well on the album, yet states "'Neon Steeple' is a throwback and a step forward at the same time", which is why "Crowder's ready to lead us there" into a new era of "Christian worship".[11]

Piet Levy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gave Neon Steeple a positive review, comparing the music to Avicii's "Wake Me Up" saying "Crowder sticks to folktronica, which blends the warm-hearted, rustic feel of folk with a little cinematic, synthesizer atmosphere."[19] In addition, Levy said "If these songs were less explicitly religious, they'd likely do well on mainstream radio."[19] Jesus Freak Hideout gave three reviews of the album, which were done by Ryan Barbee, Scott Fryberger and Mark Rice. Respectively, their ratings were five stars, four-and-a-half stars and four stars out of five. Barbee stated Crowder is back and "better than ever."[4] Fryberger wrote that "Crowder is no stranger to experimentation, and he pulls it off amazingly with Neon Steeple."[14] Rice said that "Neon Steeple brings forth some of the most creative Crowder concepts yet and excecutes [sic] it to a T". He called the release "everything we could have hoped from Crowder's first endeavor apart from his former band."[15] Christian Music Review's April Covington rated Neon Steeple a perfect five stars, writing that she was "amazed" by Crowder's "crazy, awesome style" of music.[10]

At CM Addict, Andrew Funderburk rated the album a perfect five stars, saying the release "shines brightly" and that "every bit of this project is designed with beautiful artistry and fine detail."[12] Jonathan Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media rated the album four out of five, remarking say it features "some of the best songs of [Crowder's] whole entire career so far!"[8] The Front Row Report's Reggie Edwards rated the album eight-and-a-half out of ten, stating that Neon Steeple "should be an instant hit with fans and it won't be long until worship teams everywhere are using some of the songs for their own services."[3] Andrew Greenhalgh at The Sound Opinion gave a positive review of the album, saying "The fusion of the old and the new comes across as effortless in the artist's hands", and that Crowder "reasserts himself as a musical tour de force, making music that is as artistically successful as it is lyrically."[20] At BREATHEcast, Kristen Solis gave a positive review of the album, saying "Only a musical and worship filled creative mind such as David Crowder could pull such an album like this and make it work."[21] Ryan Brymer of Faith Village gave a positive review of the album, saying "This is a good record, but I would just encourage you to leave your expectations at the door."[22]

Awards and accolades

This album was No. 4 on the Worship Leader's Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.[23]

The song, "I Am", was No. 8 on the Worship Leader's Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.[24]

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of June 14, 2014, Neon Steeple debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, and it sold 22,000 copies.[25] It debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart.

Track listing

Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Neon Intro"David Crowder0:35
2."My Beloved"Crowder, Ed Cash, Seth Philpott4:25
3."I Am"Crowder, Cash4:07
4."Come Alive"Crowder, Hank Bentley, Gareth Gilkenson, Chris Llewellyn3:15
5."Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)"Crowder, Cash, Philpott3:45
6."Come as You Are"Crowder, Ben Glover, Matt Maher4:50
7."Hands of Love"Crowder, Philpott5:09
8."Jesus Is Calling"Charlie Monroe, Hank Williams2:05
9."My Sweet Lord" (featuring Emmylou Harris)Seth James, Steve Littleton4:03
10."This I Know"Crowder, Philpott4:05
11."Ain't No Grave"Crowder, Bentley, Philpott3:42
12."You Are"Crowder, Bentley, Cash3:32
13."Here's My Heart"Louie Giglio, Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin6:58
14."Steeple Outro"Crowder, Bentley1:27
Total length:51:58
Deluxe edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."All This Glory"Crowder, Solomon Olds, Christopher Stevens4:51
16."Because He Lives" ([Remix] featuring Bill Gaither)Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither5:17
17."How He Loves" (Live from Passion)John Mark McMillan5:26
Total length:67:32

Chart performance

Album
Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[26] 9
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[27] 1
Singles
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Christian
[28]
2013 "I Am" 3
2014 "Come As You Are" 3
2015 "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)" 11[29]

References

  1. ^ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC". Radio & Records. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  2. ^ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC". Radio & Records. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d Edwards, Reggie (May 25, 2014). "Crowder: Neon Steeple review". The Front Row Report. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Barbee, Ryan (May 25, 2014). "Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  5. ^ Greer, Andrew (June 15, 2014). "The Making of... Neon Steeple" (PDF). CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. pp. 18–19. ISSN 1524-7848. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  6. ^ "Neon Steeple album page". Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  7. ^ "Just a preview of what the physical cover can do". Crowder Facebook. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Andre, Jonathan (May 22, 2014). "Crowder – Neon Steeple". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  9. ^ a b Jurek, Thom. "Neon Steeple - Crowder | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Covington, April (May 23, 2014). "Crosder 'Neon Steeple'". Christian Music Review. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  11. ^ a b Brandon, John (May 28, 2014). "Crowder Goes Hog Wild". Christianity Today. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  12. ^ a b Funderburk, Andrew (May 23, 2014). "Review of Neon Steeple by Crowder". CM Addict. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  13. ^ a b Key, Nathaniel (June 7, 2014). "Crowder – Neon Steeple". HM. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Fryberger, Scott (May 24, 2014). "Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  15. ^ a b Rice, Mark (May 25, 2014). "Crowder, "Neon Steeple" Review: JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  16. ^ a b Lassiter, Caitlin Elizabeth (May 14, 2014). "Folktronica Fusion". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  17. ^ a b Hunter, Andrea (May 27, 2014). "Neon Steeple". Worship Leader. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  18. ^ Moss, Iain (May 27, 2014). "Crowder's Worldwide Solo Debut "Neon Steeple" Available Now". Jesus Wired. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  19. ^ a b Levy, Piet (May 27, 2014). "CD Reviews: Mariah Carey; Sharon Van Etten; Crowder; Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison; Spanish Gold; Little Barrie; Darrell Webb Band". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  20. ^ Greenhalgh, Andrew (May 27, 2014). "Review: Crowder, Neon Steeple". The Sound Opinion. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  21. ^ Solis, Kristen (May 1, 2014). "Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Aims to Make Listeners Whole in Christ Using Old Church Songs with New School Sounds (REVIEW)". BREATHEcast. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  22. ^ Brymer, Ryan (May 27, 2014). "Does Crowder's 'Neon Steeple' Meet Its Lofty Expectations?". Faith Village. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  23. ^ Worship Leader. "Top 20 Albums of 2014". Worship Leader (November/December 2014): 67. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  24. ^ Worship Leader. "Top 20 Songs of 2014". Worship Leader (November/December 2014): 64–5. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  25. ^ Caulfield, Keith (June 4, 2014). "Coldplay Chills For Second Week At No. 1, Mariah Carey Debuts At No. 3". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  26. ^ "Crowder Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  27. ^ "Crowder Chart History - Christian Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  28. ^ "Crowder Chart History - Christian Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  29. ^ "Hot Christian Songs chart, week of November 14, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
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