In just six years All Star United has presented an unprepared world with a … Read Full Bio ↴In just six years All Star United has presented an unprepared world with a critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated, self-titled debut, followed with International Anthems For The Human Race, and the presumptuously-titled Smash Hits. They globe-trotted their way into some of the world's coolest venues and festivals while record companies and fans queued up outside the door. Where, then, do they go from here? The long-awaited new studio recording, Revolution, promises to live up to its title and ASU fans, new and old, are invited along for the ride.

The first ASU incarnation came together in 1996 when founding member Ian Eskelin decided to broaden his solo act and take a bunch of mates out on the road. The good old rock 'n' roll and notorious stage antics won them immediate acclaim.

Heady days ensued. The boys were signed to a leading record label, and after five No. 1 singles, watched their American youth group following grow into a legion of loyal fans. Over the past six years ASU has played more than 1000 shows. And only recently, during a rare yearlong break from the road in 2000, Ian took time to properly court and wed his new bride Peggy. The couple lives in Nashville, Tennessee, as do the newest faces in the ASU line-up.

Brothers Matt and Mike Payne, originally from Rockford, Illinois, have joined Ian on drums and guitar respectively, and Jeremy Hunter, a Seattle-native, is bassist and Revolution recording engineer. While the four-piece ASU team worked on the new album they took the time to rethink the ASU platform. Ian wanted to communicate something more personal. "I've written all kinds of songs, but the thing I really love and get most excited about is when I write songs that express my faith in three minutes in new and creative ways. That for me is an outpouring of my faith, my calling."

Certainly Ian's savvy use of metaphor, imagery and twisted cliché could charm a literature student for hours. His song-writing skills are clearly illustrated throughout the new record and particularly in songs like the Lennonesque "We Are The Future" and title track "Revolution". "Sweet Jesus" and the worshipful "Making It Beautiful" are perhaps more obvious in their spiritual message, but the common thread of all the tracks is the one thought-provoking challenge that Ian claims has never been more pertinent. "There are several songs on this new record that talk about change, the idea that we can make our lives better by helping to make the world better. Each of us, individually through Christ can make small differences. More than ever, I feel these songs are relevant — no matter what the circumstances of the day."

Revolution was two-and-a-half years in the writing and is the result of an artist honing his craft while personally living the themes of exploration, change, discovery and challenge. Ian has remained very "hands-on" in the production and long-term friend Mark Freegard (Manic Street Preachers, Del Amitri, and The Breeders) has mixed Revolution and ASU's self-titled debut album. Ian is not shy to express his satisfaction. "It's a ten song record and I really tried hard to trim the fat. I wanted the album to have a strong message and for people to be able to enjoy listening to every song. The guys are extremely talented musicians and really helped me with a fresh perspective on these songs."

Musically, Ian, Matt, Mike and Jeremy promise more emphasis on solid rock 'n' roll fundamentals without loosing the fun elements fans have come to love. "It's been easy to perform the songs on Revolution with the same excitement we had when we first started. The new material is written from the heart, and I feel extremely passionate about it. I want the music to be as important to the listener as it is for me. Whether in a car, living room or concert hall, I want people to leave an ASU experience reflective, energized and uplifted."

From http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/allstarunited.html

Worldwide Socialites Unite
All Star United Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

At the top of the social ladder I speak
Let me welcome you here officially
To the back drop of martini clatter
Break the ice with superficial chatter

I'm glad to be this year's MC
To greet the chic and the elite
Yeah, you finally get to mix and mingle

Pressing flesh until your fingers tingle

Worldwide socialites unite
OK, alright

The band is grander than I recall
The talk is cultured, if a little small
Keep parading your charading manners
Keep pretending that it really matters

Don't ask, don't tell
And please don't stare at the emperor
In his underwear
Special thanks to the snack committee
Heavens, don't those tarts look pretty

Worldwide socialites unite
Enjoy the conversation
But try to keep it light
Just avoid the friction
And if you feel conviction

Well then, baby, step outside
Let's keep the "lite" in social
Let's keep the social light
Let's keep the "lite" in socialite

Worldwide socialites unite
Avoid the dreaded question
The meaning of our lives
And as to God's existence
Well, that's your private business

And, quite frankly, impolite
Let's keep the "lite" in social
Let's keep this social light
Let's keep the "lite" in socialite

Overall Meaning

In "Worldwide Socialites Unite," All Star United takes a satirical look at the world of high society gatherings and parties. The singer of the song, who sees himself at the top of the social ladder, welcomes others to the event and encourages the mixing and mingling of guests. The lyrics describe the superficial conversations and pleasantry exchanges that are exchanged in these types of events, with the singer acknowledging the importance of keeping the "lite" in socialite.

The band is praised for its grandeur, and the talk is cultured, if a little small, as guests parade their charade of manners and pretend that it really matters. The song takes a critical view of the social elite, with lines like "Don't ask, don't tell / And please don't stare at the emperor / In his underwear." There is an emphasis on keeping things light and avoiding any topics that could lead to friction or cause guests to feel uncomfortable.

Overall, "Worldwide Socialites Unite" is a sarcastic take on the world of the social elite and the types of gatherings that take place within their circles. It highlights the superficiality and lack of depth that can be present in these events, and encourages guests to keep things light and avoid any topics that could be considered impolite or cause friction.

Line by Line Meaning

At the top of the social ladder I speak
As the MC of this social gathering, I hold a high social status and have the privilege of speaking to you all.

Let me welcome you here officially
Allow me to formally welcome you to this event.

To the back drop of martini clatter
The sound of chatter and clinking glasses provides the background noise to this gathering.

Break the ice with superficial chatter
Let's start off with light, easy conversation to help everyone get comfortable.

I'm glad to be this year's MC
I am honored to be the Master of Ceremonies for this year's event.

To greet the chic and the elite
My role is to welcome and introduce the fashionable and wealthy guests that are in attendance.

Yeah, you finally get to mix and mingle
This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet and socialize with one another.

Pressing flesh until your fingers tingle
Shaking hands and greeting each other warmly until you start to feel a little sore.

Worldwide socialites unite
Let's come together as people of high social status from all around the world.

OK, alright
Everything is fine and we're ready to start.

The band is grander than I recall
The musical band this year is even more impressive than I remember from previous events.

The talk is cultured, if a little small
The conversations are refined, but not as engaging or meaningful as they could be.

Keep parading your charading manners
Continue to display the fake politeness and behavior that is expected at these types of gatherings.

Keep pretending that it really matters
We all know that these manners and behaviors are really just for show.

Don't ask, don't tell
It's best not to ask too many questions or share too much personal information in this social setting.

And please don't stare at the emperor
Don't pay too much attention to the most important and powerful guest in the room.

In his underwear
Don't focus on the flaws or embarrassing traits of the most powerful guest.

Special thanks to the snack committee
We would like to give a special shoutout and appreciation to the people who organized and provided the food for this event.

Heavens, don't those tarts look pretty
We must acknowledge how visually appealing and tasty the desserts look.

Enjoy the conversation
Let's all have a good time talking to each other.

But try to keep it light
Remember to not delve too deeply into serious or controversial topics.

Just avoid the friction
Let's all try to get along and not cause any arguments or disagreements.

And if you feel conviction
If you strongly believe in something, speak up and express your opinions.

Well then, baby, step outside
However, if you need to have a more intense or heated discussion, it's best to do so outside of this social gathering.

Let's keep the "lite" in social
Let's not take this social gathering too seriously and keep it fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Let's keep the social light
Let's make sure the atmosphere of the event is lighthearted and relaxing.

Avoid the dreaded question
Do your best to steer clear of asking or answering questions that may make things feel uncomfortable or tense.

The meaning of our lives
We don't need to delve into deep philosophical or existential questions about the meaning of our existence.

And as to God's existence
Even more so, we should avoid discussing religion or spiritual beliefs, which could be divisive and controversial.

Well, that's your private business
Everyone is entitled to their own personal beliefs and opinions and we should respect each other's privacy in regards to these matters.

And, quite frankly, impolite
Bringing up religious or spiritual beliefs in this social gathering would be considered inappropriate and disrespectful.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: DAVE CLO, DOUGLAS KAINE MCKELVEY, IAN ASHLEY ESKELIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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