Truly Amazing
Posted September 04, 2010
By hebrews1316,
It has been a long journey for me and the band mates of Jars of Clay. I don't say this as I know them, I say this as a avid fan of the band that brought me to Christ. I'll try to be objective as possible in this review, but I am forewarning you that it will be hard to do so.
"The Shelter" starts off will "Small Rebellions," a gentle rocker tainted with the sonic sounds of "The Long Fall Back to Earth (TLFBE henceforth)." Heath's voice blends well with Dan's, and this has to be one of the best opening songs I have heard from Jars since "Liquid," and "Work." The chorus sets the tone for the album with verses such as "Senseless brutal acts of kindness from our song," and "If we stand between the fear and firm foundation/Push against the current and the fall." This track lets you know that you are in for a treat, and that Jars is truly going to bless you again with their God-given talents.
Up next is "Call My Name," which has a tune reminiscent of "The Eleventh Hour" days. Thad and Audrey are great additions to this confession of faith: "I will wait in the darkest hours, for You will be the light." It is fitting that "We Will Follow" is next as these two songs are compliments of each other. "We Will Follow" is sure to be the anthem of authentic Christians worldwide. You can conclude from these two songs that we realize that God will take care of us, and because He will we have the capability to follow Him where ever He wants us to go. The verse I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me comes to mind. If you are not sensing a theme of this album, you will shortly.
Next up is "Eyes Wide Open;" a song tainted with a little Third Day and "If I Left the Zoo," flair. While not one of my favorites, one cannot walk away from this without tapping their feet or wanting to start clapping along; the tune is that infectious. This song is all out fun with a deep meaning.
The title track is next, and you cannot listen to this song with out being moved in someway. "In the shelter of each other/we will live/we live," captures the true essence of Christian community and really hits home that we are not in this walk alone. Toby adds his signature flair and helps make this song the best of the CD. If it becomes a single, it will sell like hot chocolate in a snow storm.
The first single is "Out of My Hands," and is probably the only song on this CD that sounds like it would fit nicely on TLFBE. However, despite this distinction, there is nothing more humbling than admitting that we are not in control. If we are truly to be authentic followers of Christ, and truly be the body, we must admit it is not about us and that it is all about God. This song captures this beautifully, and is another highlight of the album. "No Greater Love," up next, has an old school feel to it, and again compliments the song before it.
"Run in the Night" is probably the only "weak" song on this album. The lyrics are strong, but I don't believe they fit the tune of the song. I would render this song interesting to say the least. It okay, folks, because "Lay it Down" picks the album back up. You would think that Crowder would influence this song in terms of song structure, but that does not happen on this rocker; rather Dawn's and his voice strengthen the chorus of this song.
Another highlight comes with "Love Will Find Us," which again has an old school feel. Sara and Matt add a great dynamic to this mellow song.
Last comes "Benediction" which I truly believe is telling us "okay you heard these songs, now go live this out. it's one thing to listen to our music, it's other to actually be what you listen to." I love Amy's voice on this song, and she blends nicely with Dan. I don't see how you cannot get a sense to be the change, or to live this message out after hearing this song.
This is truly an amazing CD and will challenge Third Day's "Move" for the top CD of the fall. At first I was little worried about the whole concept of guest vocalists and songwriters, but I feel that without this dynamic, this CD would be nowhere as great as it is. It is a call back to true authentic Christian community set to music. Some of my favorites are "Small Rebellions," "We Will Follow," "Open My Hands," "Shelter," and "Lay it Down." However, (despite "Run in the Night) it will be hard to find a bad song on this collection; truly a blessing of a CD. View All Music And Book Reviews By hebrews1316 | View hebrews1316's Profile
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