Jonathan Thulin “Science Fiction” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Science Fiction, The Theory, The Ruins (Featuring Moriah Peters)

Hans Solo, Criss Angel, Jekyll & Hyde are not characters you expect to meet on a contemporary Christian record.  In this regard, Jonathan Thulin's new album "Science Fiction" is not a typical Christian album.  Rather, the album opens up like a novella where theatrical drama heighten the album's narrative plot and characters possessing three-dimensional personalities interact with us throughout these songs.  They bring to life the themes of the Gospel in ways that are realistically life-like.  Never one to be given to recycled clichés and overwrought lines, Thulin is an astute cultural exegete.  As you listen to the songs on this disc, you can't help but appreciate how Thulin utilizes the nuances of our cultural icons and stories to relate not only to Christians but also to those who are not acquainted with the faith. Few have that uncanny ability to speak judiciously to both camps, and in this regard, Thulin is exceptional.

Hailed from Kalmar, Sweden, Jonathan Thulin was formerly a member of the pop/rock group Press Play.  After which, he went on the solo venture with Dream Records.  Thulin is best known for his two #1 hit singles "Dead Come to Life," featuring Australian artist Charmaine and "Architecture."  Most recently featured on the top 10 single "Volcano" with New Zealand band Rapture Ruckus. "Science Fiction" is Thulin's third album for the imprint.  And "Science Fiction" is an excessively lean album without any ounce of wasted note or beats.  Synchronized with forethought and reflection, every beat and every hook seemed to be well planned.  The album gets on a great start with "Time Traveler."   With futuristic -sounding synth spacey swirls and crisp banging electronic beats, "Time Traveler" explores the issue of hurts and regrets culminating with Christ's offer to "wipe our slate clean" again at the Cross.

Fans who want to get their feet tapping on the dance floor with zest disco-flashing jibe would love "Jekyll and Hyde" (which features a vocal cameo by Rapture Ruckus).  The title cut "Science Fiction" is easily the album's buzz track.  Calling to mind the funky hooks of R&B greats such as Nelly and Ne-Yo, "Science Fiction" has a smooth melodic line that gorgeously bring out the message of how our lives find meaning when we meet the Savior.  Moriah Peters gets the highest grade as far as collaborators are concerned when she belts out her stirring vocals on "The Ruins."  "The Theory" and "6 Feet Under" are songs that get at the heart of the Gospel.  With its excellent use of questions and culturally relevant motifs, these songs have a way of making non-believers think about Christ.

Nevertheless, though one is appreciative of Thulin's artful edge in giving his songs a contemporary spin, the album is somehow lite as far as Scripture is concerned.  Though Thulin does get us to think of how Christ intersects with our lives; one would wish that interaction gets deeper with more nuancing of Scripture.  Also, though hints of the Divine are everywhere on this record, the names "Jesus" and "God" are more assumed than articulated.  Granted this may appeal more to non-believers but the toss up is that this berefts the record of the inherent power that comes with the name of Jesus.  Other than such pertulant gripes, this is a stellar album as far as creativity, ingenuity, and forethought are concerned. 

 

 

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