Stars Go Dim started out as a mainstream pop act before moving into the world of Christian pop. They’ve hit our radar through their fourth album, Roses.

By Graeme Smith

“I think so many times in life we feel like we’re living in a wasteland, and we’re missing the fact that we’re actually standing in forests of green, lush life,” says Stars Go Dim frontman Chris Cleveland. “If we just slow down, if we just take a look around, if we just say, ‘God, how can I meet You here?’ we’d see that God is moving and working all the time. That’s what Roses is about.”

Roses is the fourth studio album by the Tulsa, USA-born Stars Go Dim and sees Cleveland co-producing for the first time.

From its jazzy and soulful opener, Mama Don’t Lie (Again), to its slow-burning closer, Good Days, we get some vibrant and memorable pop in the album. It really does feel like a classic right from its first listen – an impressive feat.

In between the upbeat numbers there are low-key ballads like A Little Light and G.I.R.L. (God In Real Life) that keeps things varied and amplifies the emotional message of the album. The latter is a highlight thanks to its dramatic, stirring finish.

Title track, Roses, proves another highlight thanks to its gentle soul-searching and emotive piano arrangement.

As well as creating his own music, Cleveland has toured the world, written, and played with an impressive list of names, including superstars like Justin Bieber, John Mayer, Elton John, and Billy Joel. I feel a little late to the party with Stars Go Dim, but better late than never.

Roses is out now on Curb Records. You can buy a copy of it on Stars Go Dim’s website and stream it below.