In The Knowing
Posted July 16, 2009
By IronJedi,
Justin Unger’s latest, To Know You Love Me- Songs For The Stillness, is meant as a beacon of light in the twilight gloom that perpetually surrounds those who have turned their backs on the world for the sake of God’s call. Unger himself believes, “(m)usic can pierce through the darkness just like light… The music and lyrics of this project are a reflection of the ‘Light of the World’ – our Savior.” And while the listener may expect a slower-paced, more contemplative album, To Know You Love Me is more jovial campfire than somber candle.
The whole album flows seamlessly from song to dong without interruption, creating a genuine worship environment. Unger, and writing-partner / producer Greg Bieck, demonstrate a dazzling facility for deft composition and arrangement. To Know You Love Me possesses a vibrant, yet paradoxically soothing energy. Neither tempo transitions nor vocalist change (when Mrs. Unger steps to the mic to assume or share vocal duties, as she does on four of the CD’s 11 tracks) organically “fit.” Each song, including the two “covers” (“Praise to the Lord Almighty” and “All Creatures of Our God and King) are recognizable, ancient hymns, yet cause nary a flicker in the structure and brilliance of To Know You Love Me.
Sonically and lyrically, To Know You Love Me falls somewhere between Philips, Craig and Dean, Keith Green or Jeff Deyo and Sonicflood, David Crowder Band or Newsboys. Phil Collins, Genesis and Mike & the Mechanics’s more reflective songs came to mind more than once. Warm and foundational reassurances “tendered” by modern pop, with subtle 80’s, 90’s and even Celtic influences, make this album burn a little brighter and cast a brighter glow.
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