"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9
The ringing bell is an album of action. Specifically the action called peace. With his latest, Derek challenges us to an actionable peace that is active and aggressive. Often used as a noun but rarely as a verb, peace is commonly misused, falsely defined and often flies under the flag of convenience. The Ringing Bell sounds the clarion call to demonstrate a love that is not just convenient, but is chasing after the best for all our fellow men
Moving from the more stark pallet featured on his latest, Derek paints with all the musical brushes available to him on this latest work. This upbeat, electric guitar based, recording, provides the perfect accompaniment to the challenge of demonstrating an active peace just as Christ did.
"The place where peace starts is between two people and how they handle a disagreement. If I'm really serious about peace, I have to love people more than I love ideas."
Derek Webb
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2nd Best Derek Webb Album| Posted November 16, 2007
I loved Derek's debut album "She Must and Shall Go Free" due to my following him with Caedmon's Call and really respecting his desire to make his own "message" album and that is still my favorite. I liked Derek's other work in between but found the lyrics to be stronger than the melodies. He returned to form on "The Ringing Bell" with possibly his strongest lyrics overall and definitely his best melodies. I love "I Wanna Marry You All Over Again", "Name", and "I Don't Want To Fight" and it's my 2nd favorite overall.
For Those Who Don't Listen To Lyrics| Posted November 19, 2007
There's almost nothing worse than a political artist i.e. Dixie "We hate George Bush" Chicks, Kanye "George Bush hates black people" West. The problem is we listen to music to get away from the troubles of the world i.e. politics. Do it once, we skip. Do it twice, we drop. The thing is the listener isn't going to agree, and with political matters the artist isn't likely to budge anybody. So what's the point? My point exactly.
Derek Webb's whole album is nothing but controversial politics. Sure the guy makes great beats, but for anybody that's lyric conscious, you won't touch this album with a 10-foot pole. It's a grinchy album for grinchy people like Mr. Webb. Good music, bad lyrics.
Note: The music also doesn't fit. An upbeat song about torture doesn't work.
Good| Posted November 03, 2010
I loved Jason Castro while he was on American Idol. And I still love him! He's so talented. I'm a bit glad he made it just far enough on American Idol without actually winning because now he can have artistic freedom. I'm VERY happy that he is expressing his heart and is unashamed to tell the world that he's a Christian. JASON CASTRO is COOL. Great CD. I like it.
Who I Am by Jason Castro| Posted November 03, 2010
Wow....I couldn't be more amazed and proud of how this album has turned out! What if I fall....that is going to be a number one hit for sure. You Are, just so beautiful.....I love them all! Changing Colors, Who I really am....I can't get enough. I have pre ordered this and can't wait til Next tuesday!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!| Posted November 02, 2010
Jason Castro's album is absolutely amazing from beginning to end. His music is so full of emotion and passion!!! It just grabs you by your heart & soul and does not let go. I love Jason and his music so much!!!! I wish I could give it more stars.
Sincerely:Tara
From,MA.
Who I Am by Jason Castro| Posted November 02, 2010
Thank you for streaming Jason Castro's Who I Am album.. I love the variety of songs on this album..songs of Faith...Joy..and Love...and with Jason's beautiful voice...It's really a pleasure to listen to...in fact...I find it addictive...Can't seem to stop listening to your stream...
i agree| Posted September 21, 2008
i agree with all of the others who have reviewed this album. my fav album of mr webb's to date is 'she must and shall go free'. mr webb is an artist who makes me think about what i believe and why i believe it. as someone else said, he challenges me.
i'm not a fan of an aritst who pushes his beliefs on me. that being said both 'mockingbird' and 'the ringing bell' have both been provided to me free of charge. i am the one who chose to download those songs. i made that choice, and after all, what am i really out? i didn't have to pay for these albums.
A "Political Album"?| Posted March 24, 2008
Derek Webb has, historically, been an artist who will challenge listeners to think. A concept sorely lacking in 80% of CCM today.
This album covers material from the marriage relationship to injustices in this fallen world to a commentary on mainstream Christianity's shallow, donut-eating, ear-tickling "fellowship". Make no mistakes, there are no "God is always there when I'm sad" songs with cute G-C-D chord progressions here. Take a gander at the lyrics and see for yourself!
Musically, this is one his strongest and comprehensive works to date.
"Savior on Capitol Hill" and "This Too Shall be Made Right" are especially thought-provoking.
If you want an artist who will make you face your opinions and turn them into Biblical ones by searching the scriptures, you'll like Derek Webb. Sadly, that's one of the reasons this artist's songs aren't popular on CCM radio.
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