The North Star is the thirteenth studio album by American Christian rock band Remedy Drive. It is the second in a trilogy of counter-trafficking albums, the first of which being 2014's Commodity and the third being 2021's Imago Amor. The album was released independently on January 12, 2018. The album was produced by the band's co-founder Philip Zach, who also produced Commodity and Imago Amor.
Contents
Commercial performance
The album featured one charting song, "Warlike", which reached No. 7 on the BDS Christian Rock National Airplay chart and was featured on the Christian Rock Most Added chart. Although the song "Polaris" did not enter any charts, it was featured on BDS's Christian Rock Most Added chart.
Critical reception
The North Star received generally favorable reviews from critics. In a 4.5 star review for Jesus Freak Hideout, Alex Caldwell praised the album, calling the album an "Epic, challenging and heart-breaking record", and saying that "The combination of a powerhouse message against the backdrop of gorgeous and urgent songwriting makes The North Star a contender for best album of the year." CCM Magazine gave the album 4.5 stars as well, saying, "Remedy Drive‘s The North Star will be one of 2018’s releases-to-remember."
Personnel
Remedy Drive
David Zach – lead vocals, guitars, keys
Corey Horn – additional guitars, ukulele, background vocals
Timmy Jones – drums
Additional musicians
Philip Zach – synths, programming, bass, background vocals
Rachael Lampa – additional vocals on "You've Got Fire"
Jason Petty – additional vocals on "Sanctuary"
Justin Lepard – cello
Masunzi John, Frebour Angel, Console U Nyirantegerwa, Esperana Nyirunseruka, Nziza R. Mirama Peter, Unurihand Espoir, Chantal Ukiase, Bienfat Umusaza, Nadine Utumansema, Dan Mugisha, William Peter, Asser Stephern, Elias Tuyishime, Timmy Jones, Jesi Jones, Coery Horn, Anna Zach – background vocals on "Brighter Than Apathy"
Production
Philip Zach – producer, cover artwork, graphic design and layout, mixing, engineering
James Dickerson – additional engineering
Nick Johnson – additional engineering
Corey Horn – additional engineering
Jason Germain – mastering
Jeremy Cowart – photography
Kate Zach – studio photography