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About.com
Allmusic
Alpha Omega News	A+
CCM Magazine
Christian Music Zine	(4.25/5)
Christianity Today
Cross Rhythms	(8/10)
Indie Vision Music
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New Release Tuesday
Worship Leader

The Upside of Down is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Chris August. It was released on August 21, 2012 through Fervent Records, and the album was produced by Chris August and Ian Eskelin. The album debuted at No. 101 on the Billboard 200 chart and at No. 3 on the Christian Albums chart. In addition, the lead single from the album "Center of It" has garnered chart success.

Chris August told CCM Magazine's Grace S. Aspinwall that "'At the end of the day, my prayer is that listeners will just relate to this record, and that it will take them to a place of worship, you know?...That's what I want for these songs.'"

The song "Center of It" was written before his skateboarding accident. The song "Amen" is August's favorite on the album. The song "Let There Be Light" was written and recorded twice, which the first-time August said they played it way too safe, so after a trip to India, it changed the nature of the song.

About.com's Kim Jones said that "As a music writer, I could go on and on about moving moments, unpretentious melodies, and exquisite music, but I'll let the music speak for itself."

AllMusic's Andree Farias said that "In truth, nothing on The Upside of Down quite mines the complexities of the faith experience, let alone man's response to life's ups and downs. Instead, August scratches the surface -- he is as uncomplicated and MOR a CCM singer as they come -- almost like a lite version of Bebo Norman, Aaron Shust, or Brandon Heath. August actually sounds like Heath on the title track, an acoustic walk in the park that could pass for a B-side to Heath's own "I'm Not Who I Was."".

Alpha Omega News' Tom Frigoli said that "Chris has let his guard down and invited listeners to catch a glimpse of his own struggles and joys, hopes and fears in his daily walk. "The Upside of Down" is an excellent, refreshing work, that has challenged me to view life from a different perspective. Chris has created a remarkable album that has gotten ahold of my attention like only a handful have before. I highly recommend listening to this album in its entirety. You won’t be disappointed."

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