New Season For Jars of Clay
Posted September 03, 2013
By newmath,
It's hard to believe that it has been almost 20 years since first hearing Jars of Clay's self titled debut album through my speakers. From that moment on the band has been on a musical journey like no other and I feel like I've traveled with them (in many ways). Year after year, album after album, the guys in the band have continually challenged and stretched the listener both musically and lyrically. Each album is different than the previous one and yet each album maintains that signature Jars sound. There are no cookie cutter songs when it comes to their music. It is always intentional, thought provoking and carefully layered. Even the pop sounds they have explored in the past have carried a thoughtful weight to them. With Inland, Jars of Clay has come to yet a new level of maturity in their music and lyrics. The album does not shy away from dealing with the tough situations. It asks a lot of the difficult questions and can even move a person to tears if they let it. This is how deep Inland digs. Don't get me wrong, the album doesn't come across as depressing at all, in fact it has some of the sweetest and most singable songs you are ever going to find on a Jars of Clay record. Something worth noting is that, even though it's an album that can easily be played at high volume while cruising the highway, I've found the best way to appreciate the music here is to put on a good pair of headphones in a quiet room and just listen. This is an album that is more than a casual listen. It requires your attention. If you listen carefully, you will discover many musical treasures along the way. There are so many layers to the music of Inland that you very well may discover things on the 3rd and 4th listen that you didn't pick up on during the first two listens. I'm not going to take time to break down each of the songs and make my recommendation of which ones to download, etc. In all honesty, the entire album is worth listening to from front to back and that is the most fulfilling way to experience Inland. After 20 years of making music you'd think a band would have run its course, but Jars of Clay has never settled for being mediocre and they have always pushed themselves to create the best possible music at any given time. It almost feels like Jars' is just getting started in a new season of music. Considering their impressive history I have to admit that Inland may very well be their best work yet. Highly recommended. View All Music And Book Reviews By newmath | View newmath's Profile
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