Let Your Love Out by Luke Benward

Reviewed by Dale and Kyle Lewis

"Luke’s music style is similar to the Jonas Brothers and Jump5. Energetic, upbeat and danceable!"

My son, Kyle, first heard of Luke Benward (14 years old) when he watched him in the Disney movie, “The Minuteman,” a few years ago. He didn’t know he was an artist until I asked him to help review Benward’s CD, “Let Your Love Out.” The five songs on this title include original songs by his father, Aaron Benward, CCM artist Joy Williams and Shawn Shankel as well as a sweet cover of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love.” Kyle wishes there had been more songs to listen to on this CD because he enjoyed them all.

Luke Benward is young and experiencing life. Singing about it is his way of expressing what’s going on inside. Kyle likes to write poetry about anything and everything so he understands what Luke is saying through his songs. In the title track, “Let Your Love Out,” Luke wants each of us to help meet the needs of others by loving them. “Get Up,” is a pep rally call to look beyond ourselves and get involved! In, “Everyday Hero,” there is heartfelt appreciation expressed to those who provide stability in our lives while at the same time, giving us the freedom to experience life to the fullest.

Part of an entertainment family residing in Tennessee, Luke caught the acting bug by tagging along to auditions with his mother Kendra, an actress and theatrical coach. His father, Aaron, is in the country duo Blue County and his grandfather is contemporary Christian artist Jeoffrey Benward, whose music I listened to several years ago. Luke’s music style is similar to the Jonas Brothers and Jump5. Energetic, upbeat and danceable! My only disappointment was there were no overt references to Jesus or God in the lyrics. Yet both of us agree that all the songs do contain positive messages for his youthful audience!

Luke’s a veteran of several films including, “We Were Soldiers,” and “How To Eat Fried Worms.” He also appeared in Martina McBride’s, “Concrete Angel" and many TV commercials. Even at his young age, it appears his career is moving forward at record speed. The Hollywood Reporter (11/06) named Luke, “one of Hollywood's top 12 kids to watch.” So keep your eyes on and especially your ears open for this “growing in the faith” young man, Luke Benward.

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Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.