“Take It All Back” (String Quartet Op. 9 in C Major) by Judah & the Lion, March 24, 2022

In the '70s Alternative Rock was a distinguishing term to separate mainstream classic rockers from experimental, independent rock bands. Sometimes called College Rock in the '80s and the '90s, it can be difficult to distinguish between mainstream rock and alternative rock of the '90s and '80s. More recently, the genre has been split between Alternative Rock and Alternative. But at the heart of Alternative music however its classified is genre-blending. Judah & the Lion had been cultivating a folk rock hip-hop sound from their inception, blending bluegrass instruments with modern sounds. However, the band's sophomore album they defined the style of music they were making: Folk Hop N' Roll. 

HEY, MY LIFE IS REAL GREAT. Founded by lead singer and guitarist Judah Akers when he met an eclectic grew of musicians at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, Judah & the Lion started out as a Christian Rock act though started to distance themselves from the genre in their discography following the release of their first EP. The band name Judah & the Lion draws a comparison to the Old Testament poetry in which God is called "The Lion of Judah." The band's career started by winning a band competition at Belmont University, which is quite a feat as the mid-sized private Christian college is the alma matter of some of the biggest names in CCM, Country, Pop, and Indie music including Steven Curtis Chapman, Brad Paisley, COIN, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Lee Ann Womack, Josh Turner, and LANY as well as being home to Mike Curb School of Entertainment and Business, founded by the music producer and CEO of Curb Records. The band gained recognition for their folk rock sound in the early to mid-'10s, but their sophomore record Folk Hop N' Roll was their highest charting record and boasted the number 19 Hot AC radio hit and platinum-selling single "Take It All Back."

AND IT FEELS SO NICE WHEN THE PEOPLE SING ALONG. Rocking an unkempt David Crowder beard, the former college basketball player Judah Akers and crew offer that post-R.E.M., Mumford & Sons sound that was off-putting to me when Judah & the Lion was blowing up in popularity. It seemed like this band was talented, but their particular sound wasn't for me at the time. I think I became interested in them, though, when I heard an interview with Akers on Lead Singer Syndrome. Being no longer threatened by Jock Rock and listening to the band's vision helped to make me realize their talent. Today's version of "Take It All Back" (String Quartet Op. 9 in C Major) confuses me, though. I haven't been able to find any additional information about this single. Did the band sample a classical composer or is the piece original? And if so, why is it the 9th opus? The band included this track on their second full-length record, and even with the EPs, J&tL hadn't released nine records, I don't think. However, there is a Vivaldi-like Mandolin Concerto sound to this song, which sounds similar to Vivaldi's "Spring" from The Four Seasons. Lyrically, "Take It All Back" is a song about dreaming of the future. No sacrifice is too big for love. Money and fame are only possible with a support system. 

 2.0 music video:

Live studio version

String Quartet version: