Nevertheless [In The Making ...]
Posted October 07, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Nevertheless is comprised of five members: Josh Pearson on acoustic guitar and vocals, AJ Cheek on lead guitar and backup vocals, Brad Jones on guitar and backing vocals, Adam Wann on bass, and Adam Rowe on drums.
Sounds like: Mae, Relient K, Coldplay.
Nevertheless debuted with an independent album in 2005 and one year later had already moved up to a major label with the release of “Live like we’re alive.” Now with the release of their third project, “In the Making,” they are continuing to make their mark on the Christian music world. “In the Making,” while less edgy than its earlier counter parts, is still a true mark of good music. The lyrics are full of emotion, and the songs reflect the lives, values, and experiences of band members personally. It’s good when a band is willing to tell the fans where they are in life and what they are learning. “In the Making” is a successful attempt to do just that. Guitarist AJ Cheek expressed his opinion about the new direction of the band in a press release, saying, “We intentionally sought to progress in how our record would sound this time. It’s not a complete departure from the last records’ sound, but more an accent of it, with a bit more depth of emotion.”
“Sleeping In” kicks off the album as a song of encouragement for those facing their various insecurities. “You caught me sleeping in, / I’m still hiding, I’m still waiting. / I need you here with me to face the world outside. / Cause I’m tired of sleeping in. / Open up my eyes / I’m tired of sleeping in a world that’s dying to wake up!”
The second track, “It’s True,” is about the things we do that hurt God and tear us away from Him. Even though we sin over and over again, this song reminds us that “Your grace is unstoppable / It’s bigger than what we’ve done / or how we feel / It’s true…” We can’t mess up God’ plan for our lives, no matter how hard we try. Even if our lives seem to be spinning out of control, they are not out of God’s control.
One of the album’s highlights is a very original song entitled, “Topics.” It’s about secrets that teenagers and students are afraid to tell anyone. The band members stated that while on the road, kids will tell them things that they are afraid to tell their parents or church leaders. They are afraid of ridicule or negative reactions. So in the mean time they are in trouble and won’t ask for help. This song is saying that we shouldn’t close our eyes to the truth of what is happening to our kids, and we should be ready to help and love them through whatever problems they are having, not reject them for their failures. It’s always best to confide in someone who loves you when you are having a problem. “We avoid the topics, / we make the kids have secrets, / and when they are exposed and everyone else knows, / we say we never knew it, / that they had a problem, / cuz if we would have known, / we surely would have solved it. / But we can’t. It’s too late. / God, you’ve got to save us…” This song is great because it is asking people to open their eyes to what is really happening. Don’t close your eyes and pretend that nothing is wrong. Face the problems so you can help your youth face them and get through them too.
The last two songs, “When I’m alone,” and “Found my way back again,” speak to those who are living through difficult times. Sometimes there seems like no hope in a desperate situation. But with Christ, there is always hope. “Take me out of the dark, out of the place where I fell, and back with you…Just let Him in, let Him in tonight.” The music is slow and sweet, and full of comfort. There will be a time in everyone’s life where there is only one person who can pull you out of the miry clay, and that’s Jesus.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In a press release, Josh Pearson says, “I believe that we are called to write about both the light that shines in the darkness, and about the darkness that does not understand it. I believe that honesty always breaks down walls. Healing begins when we are able to, first of all, be honest before God. Secondly, be honest and vulnerable with one another. I hope that our songs reflect this idea, and that, when people listen to Nevertheless, they get a sense that God loves them, and wants to talk to them.”
Listeners should get exactly that: a good sense that God loves them, and He alone can and will heal. Over all, I really enjoyed this album, and the messages of hope and endurance should be something that draws many young Christians to this band. Good job guys!
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A-)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski | Review can also be found here.
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