Album Review: NO SKIPS by Bodie

Words by: Angelina Singer

Bodie Kuljian (stylized as bodie) is an artist I’ve been vaguely aware of from listening to the K-LOVE radio station, but I didn’t realize the name of the mastermind behind some of the station’s biggest earworms. Only recently have I gotten the chance to properly appreciate this full body of work, known as his newest album NO SKIPS, which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an expertly crafted full-length piece with unique songs that are part of the whole experience that you won’t want to miss. His music brings to mind daily struggles that anyone can relate to, which pop-rock sensibilities that make it more intriguing than your typical faith-oriented music. 

With a successful run on The Voice season 22, and his Billboard Airplay and Mediabase Audience chart-topping tune “Whisper in the Wind”, Bodie should be on your radar if he isn’t already. While blurring genres can sometimes feel out-of-pocket and forced, Bodie has naturally developed his very own style that’s a unique blend of pop-oriented R&B moments that give way to subtle rock vibes. His tone is bright, real, and accessible, no matter where his music finds you. And after listening to his newest album, I kept thinking about how much his vocal style reminded me of Luke Hemmings from the band 5 Seconds of Summer. 

In his latest album, No Skips, you’ll hear all of this and more in an inspiring production that gives you a front row seat to journal-worthy messages and ideas. 

The album starts out with the energetic “RIP” which sounds like something straight off a rock album. The fuzzed-out guitar makes way for the rap moment that emerges from the electro-pop environment. “When my flesh is tired is when I come alive / I just want something holy” are some of the lyrics that nod to his Christian faith without being too niche for everyone to relate to. It’s bright and fun, despite the more edgy-seeming title, with the main message being “RIP to the old me”. 

From there, listeners are treated to “RIGHT PLACE” and “SETTLE” — the first of which starts out like a total pop-punk track which fans of emo will love. For this and many reasons, this one might be in the running to be my favorite on the album. Heavy guitar hits delineate the parts of the song between the chorus and the next verse. “I don’t wanna wait / I don’t wanna take nothing else for granted” is a powerful lyric that continues the positive energy of the previous song. “SETTLE” is similar but more chilled-out in its beginning “I wish I knew then everything that I know right now”, with more of a focus on the passage of time and personal growth. It’s a departure from the angsty style, instead centered on an exuberant celebration of lessons learned with loads of energy as the chorus builds.

“SAY SO” is a surf-worthy track that sounds like something on a beach playlist for anyone who’s self-aware enough to reflect on their own journey. Bright electric piano tones add to the vintage vibe that sounds like sunshine and salty air. “You don’t ever bend even when You see me break so I let go when You say so” are some of the lyrics that reflect on his faith and the way he’s found comfort trusting in God. 

Continuing on, we’ve got “GOOD OLD DAYS” and “WHISPER IN THE WIND”. The first one is all about the daily grind, and I love the way the dynamics change throughout the song, which allows listeners to reflect on their accomplishments. Then the next song is a piano ballad that’s much slower, the first song I heard from bodie on K-LOVE. It’s powerful, beautiful, and showcases his powerhouse vocals. This is a classic example of a radio station over-playing a song because it’s so good, but then it’s hard to savor it. So I was glad to give this one a more intentional listen. “And every time I’m stuck in indecision / losing my vision / you close the distance” is a quick sample of the lyrics talking about his relationship with God. 

After that more reflective tune, the album moves to the tail-end of the middle, where we get the title track “NO SKIPS” which is a great R&B vibe talking all about how life has ups and downs, but we can’t (and shouldn’t want to) skip any of it. No matter where life leads you, this song reminds you to embrace every moment. 

Rounding out the album is the last three songs: “LIAR LIAR”, “KNOW”, and “heaven knows I tried”. “LIAR LIAR” is probably one of the most angsty songs on the track, referencing his relationship to his faith with dark entities that affect him negatively. It could also be a metaphor for a failed relationship, but I really believe this song is more centered on the spiritual realm. I really like how versatile his music is, while still getting straight to the point. 

The last two songs are more relaxed, a nice flow from the journey of the album before it. I like the clean, relaxed guitar that’s noticeable on the verses of “KNOW”, a nice change of pace from the previous songs. Then the chorus picks up again with more electrified pop vibes as the vocalist sings about his desire to know more about God and for his faith to grow. Light harmonies pace around the changes in between sections of the song. 

It's interesting that the last song on this album is the only one that’s stylized in lowercase letters. As promised, “heaven knows I tried” is a humble sonic moment, with gorgeous orchestral strings that really punctuate the imperfections of his journey. The first verse is a beautiful, meditative moment that reminds listeners that bodie is just like the rest of us. In true style to the rest of his album, the verses grow and expand into stadium-wide choruses that move from humble to inspiring. “I’m bendin’ and breaking and chasing the highs / stuck in my ways ‘til I laid down my pride / it’s like you knew I couldn’t save my own life” are the central lyrics, as he’s telling people that God’s Son Jesus is the One who saved his life. It’s beautiful, dynamic, and thought-provoking — which definitely puts it in the running to be one of my favorites as well.

Wherever this album finds you in your faith journey, I have no doubt that it will meet you right where you are, with no judgement or rules — just love. Listen to NO SKIPS as you think about where you are emotionally right now, and where you want to go in your next adventure.