Music. Sing a New Song.

Rise Up!

By The Rizers

Who ever said that Scripture memorization couldn’t be fun? The Rizers, short for Memorizers, break out of staid and predictable methods of biblical memorization into a totally fun and upbeat project with their sophomore release, Rise Up!

For those who may have missed The Rizers and their 2010 debut CD, Meet the Rizers, the group itself is a bit unusual—the band is actually a group of animated characters (read: cartoons!) created by the folks of Super Big Robot, LLC in Seattle. A family friendly media and entertainment company, Super Big Robot’s focus in creating The Rizers was to provide a fun way for kids and families to memorize Scripture and worship, all set to upbeat, contemporary music and youthful vocals. Each band character has his or her own bio on The Rizers’ website, and the band can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.

Their latest CD comprises 10 tracks of verses set to music, plus a bonus track, The Rizers’ theme song. Each Scripture song features one verse that is expressed through creative vocal hooks and fun, upbeat music. Almost every song utilizes the biblical reference as either part of the song introduction or bridge; the body of each song is the verse itself, with various parts sung repeatedly for emphasis.

For example, Track 5 is titled “Do Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition!” and is based on Phil. 2:3-4. The lyrics are the Bible verse itself, and the bridge is the repeated reference. The sixth song, titled “I Can Do Everything!”, showcases Phil. 4:13 against the backdrop of some effervescent reggae-style music. The reference and the verse are repeated throughout the song, and there is also a fun change in tempo as The Rizers speed things up.

This is a wonderful resource for children and youth ministers, as well as parents. For those listeners who are able to get past the fact that it is a CD geared toward children, it can be a fun and enjoyable way (the music and vocals are good) to begin or continue Scripture memorization.

Reviewed by: Callie Campbell, missions pastor at Living Way (Michigan City Foursquare Church) in Michigan City, Ind.