Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Clay Crosse
A Different Man



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 45 minutes, 55 seconds
Street Date: March 7th, 2000


CCM has undergone many changes, yet hasn't in many ways, as well. While many pop artists continue to make formulaic radio-friendly chart-toppers, some dare to test the waters by adding a slight edge. An example of this risk-taking endeavor is with Steven Curtis Chapman's Signs of Life (1996) and then after a positive response, edging it up a tad more for last year's Speechless.

Now I'm no authority on Clay Crosse, in fact, I have only heard his radio hits, but from hearing his new project, A Different Man in completion, it sounds like Clay is following Chapman's formula. With the first listen to the opening track, "No Fear," the listener gets sucked in by Crosse's soulful vocals followed by a just-as soulful beat. The chorus changes tone a bit and Clay is supported by gospel background vocalists to complete the mood. However, I would like to hear what it sounds like with Crosse by himself. Yet, the song is not hindered by the BGVs.

"98" is an intriguing song that represents 1998, which Clay describes himself as "quite honestly the most difficult year of my life." Crosse drops any masks and reveals himself in all honesty. Knowing the meaning of "98" makes it a stronger piece and much more powerful. The song tells of what Clay had learned and of how God made him realize that he had not been living for Him, but merely for himself. Crosse really pours out his hear in such all-out honesty that you have to give him a lot of credit for, "Come on and gather round/ And listen to my story/ About a fall from grace/ A change of heart/ A rise to glory/ A lesson learned/ A doorway I went through// Now all I know is I was born to lead/ And not to follow/ But the places that I led/ Turned out to be so hollow/ And in the end/ I just turned out to be a fool/..."

Two ever-so-pleasant surprises on A Different Man are "Be the Word" and "Memphis." The prior being a pop-ified rock song driven by electric guitars, a groove-laced baseline and beat and multi-layered vocals in the chorus, with the latter being a slow, twang/groove southern-ized soul tune that is reminiscent of something you'd hear in a comedy film or romance flick.

If you're looking for a good new pop album with catchy, honest, worshipful tunes, you'll find satisfaction in A Different Man. And maybe you'll have a newfound respect for Crosse as I do.

- Review date: 2/6/00, written by John DiBiase



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: Reunion Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 45 minutes and 55 seconds
. Street Date: March 7th, 2000
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. No Fear
  2. Arms of Jesus
  3. 'Til the End of the World
  4. 98
  5. What Would You Do for a King
  6. Be the Word
  7. Memphis
  8. Sinner's Prayer
  9. Walk With Me (Renna's Song)
  10. More Like You
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images