Review: Expect the Impossible–Stellar Kart

By Amy Sondova Some albums want listeners to do just that—listen. Other albums–good ones– invite listeners to become involved with the lyrics, the music, the melodies, and move their bodies to the rhythmic beats. Stellar Kart’s third album, Expect the Impossible, is like the latter. Producer by musical genius Ian Eskelin (All Star United), the album not only shows that the Dove Award-wining SK boys are growing into men, but that they’re also retaining their punk roots.

The album’s first radio single “Jesus Loves You” is a bold commentary building on a commonly used phrase. Written by frontman Adam Agee and Eskelin, the song expresses the heartache a Christian feels when watching his or her friends and family continuously reject God’s love. Transparently the lyrics admit, “I know I don’t have all the answers / And I have wasted many chances/ To prove to you a faith that lives inside/ I’m praying there will be a breakthrough/ Cause I can’t be the one to say you/ God knows I’ve tried.” The song resolves on a joyous note when the individual to whom the song is directed has his or her live forever changed by a decision to follow Christ.

The album ebbs and flows easily from song to song, offering transitions, fast rhythms, and vocals that keep Expect the Impossible interesting from start to finish. But it’s more than that; it’s also an experience. “Eyes” starts like an exciting 80’s rock ballad and becomes a plea asking God to open our eyes to remove the spiritual blindness so we may see more than “beautiful lies”. “I Give Up” is driven with a fantastic guitar riff overlaying the bridge of the song which urges fans to give up and surrender their lives to God. Toning down the album is the simple melody, “Pray”, which is gripping from the first line, “It’s loud and clear/ Your silence has been breaking your heart/ Like no one hears.”

At first glance, the album seems a bit shallow to older Christians who have wandered the storms of life. However, this album wasn’t written for you, at least not directly. Stellar Kart is unapologetically dedicated to inspiring teens to impact the world and shows it taking the time to talk to kids and youth leaders at their shows. Crafting their songs from the concerns of their fans, SK is doing more than just “making music”. They are offer tailor made melodies to an ever-widening fanbase. Stellar Kart and Ian Eskelin have produced an album that asks us to expect the impossible, and it delivers.

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