Ruth

There are several artists who go by the name Ruth):

1) Ruth is a French New Wave band formed circa 1980 by Thierry Müller and Ruth Ellyri.

2) A mid-1990s, London-based Britpop band who released a string of moderately successful singles and one full-length, "Harrison," in 1999. In 2001 the band changed their name to The 45s and released two more singles and one more full-length before their split in 2002. That same year, frontman Matt Hales then went on to form the far more commercially successful Aqualung, who would have a string of hits in both the U.K. and U.S. in the mid-2000s.

3) New Tooth and Nail rock band Ruth has "Cross(ed) the Line" of being typical with their astonishing debut album Secondhand Dreaming. Originating from the city of Vancouver, WA the band is lead by Dustin Ruth (Vocals / Guitar) and consists of Justin Schiermeister (Bass), Roomie Reid (Drums), and Nicholas Wiinikka (Guitar). Ruth’s sound is somewhere between Switchfoot and Lifehouse with vocal similarities to The Fray, Switchfoot and Everyday Sunday.

In the bands bio Dustin points out, “I have always been a sucker for melody. I wanted to take all the best parts of my inspiration, combine them with honest lyrics, and write songs that hopefully people would enjoy, possibly be moved by." Secondhand Dreaming had done just that. Capturing you with musical melodies, the catchy and creative lyrics can bring hope and peace, proving that Ruth could be a break-out artist in the Christian music world.

Starting off the album is the catchy “One Foot In, One Foot Out.” A song about how God is all we need and all we should want. Next is the first radio single “Cross this Line.” One of the most powerful songs, lyrically, on the entire album, it also has a good blend of acoustic and electric guitars, creating a rich melody. “Tell me that you want me / Tell me that you see me / I’m giving you everything I have / I’m giving you everything I have / Tell me that you want me / And that you see me / I’m telling you right now here I am / I am” – Chorus.

Another brilliant tune, it is also the title track, “Secondhand Dreaming.” The song is very appropriately titled and starts off with verse saying “I began to watch Late Night TV, when I should be asleep / Gotta work in the morning / I wish I was there, next to Letterman’s chair.” Next comes the acoustic driven “Here to New York.” Next on the album is “Mr. Turner” is one of my favorites, singing for answers and keeping our eyes on God. “What if I keep my eyes on you? / Could I sail the across the ocean blue? / And the sun will guide me through / If I go / Yes I know / I’m heading home.” – Chorus.

“You Are” is a song with a worship-like presence, it’s a cry to God to forgive, help trust and to show His love. The lyrics come from the story of Jesus walking on water. “You are the waves that I feel when I’m sinking / You are the storms that I feel when I’m dieing / You are God / You are God / I know, I know, I know, I know / You are God / You are God / I know, I know” – Chorus.

Secondhand Dreaming is a stellar debut. Ruth is a band that could have a very promising future ahead of them. I’m excited for this release to hit the stores and see how people respond to Ruth’s positive lyrics and catchy melodic music. Fans of Switchfoot, Everyday Sunday, Lifehouse and The Fray will probably like it.
[http://www.musicfaith.com/AlbumReviews/118/215]

4) African-American singer Ruth recorded two Spanish language albums of Tejano music

5) A very obscure British folk-rock singer with only one known recording to her name, the fabulously poignant '87 Sundays', a lament from a London girl left pregnant by a wastrel. The song can be found on the Cherry Red compilation, 'Dream Babes Volume 5'. No biographical information at all is known about the singer.