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

JFH Music Review




Jars of Clay
Redemption Songs



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 53 minues, 43 seconds
Street Date: March 22, 2005


Ten years ago this Summer, a little four-piece band called Jars Of Clay began making waves with a self-titled debut that boasted a sound like few had heard before. Following the album's release, a whirlwind career unfolded quickly. Now five studio releases, numerous accolades, and a handful of rare EPs and bonus projects later, Jars turns in their newest project, a collection of hymns and spirituals entitled Redemption Songs.

Jars Of Clay made a more southern gospel, bluegrass stylistic shift with their 2003 masterpiece Who We Are Instead. Blending the southern flavor with more modern elements like electronically fabricated backdrops, Who We Are... had a fresh and unique sound that nearly rivaled what was accomplished by their debut. Redemption Songs takes the southern influence further, but almost entirely forsakes the innovation of their previous effort. Regardless, what's presented on Redemption Songs is a rebirth of music that helped shape the way we worship God today. These songs have been sung in churches across the earth for decades and Jars Of Clay's goal with this project is to renew them for a new generation and bridge the gaps between the past and the future.

The honesty, passion, and sheer brokenness that shines through the pennings of classic hymns is unsurmountable today. Redemption Songs isn't just a collection of random songs written decades ago, but an exploration of God's mercy, forgiveness, and atonement. Acoustics and soulful keys open the album in "God Be Merciful To Me (Psalm 51)" and set the tone for the rest of the album. Jars of Clay's production on the record is clean but raw, giving the project a real layered yet stripped-down feel. It works well with the scheme of the project, cresting for the radio friendly and anthemic approach to "God Will Life Up Your Head," "I'll Fly Away" featuring Sarah Kelly, "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand" with The Blind Boys Of Alabama, and the familiar "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love." Not every rendition works as well as most, however, specifically the band's atypical take on "It Is Well With My Soul."

To be honest, Redemption Songs isn't what I'd expect from the band that released such a milestone as their debut, and has since continued to artistically bend the rules over the past ten years. But after many listens and a firmer grasp on the ambitions of this project, the album carries a much greater weight. Redemption Songs is a bold release and a wonderful tool for worship that seeks to bring the lessons of the past forward. I can only hope these guys continue to push the boundaries of music and how spirituality comes to play in it with more valiant ventures like Redemption Songs.

- Review date: 3/19/05, written by John DiBiase




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

No CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Essential Records
. Album length: 13 tracks, 53 minues and 43 seconds
. Street Date: March 22, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. God Be Merciful To Me (Psalm 51)
  2. I Need Thee Every Hour
  3. God Will Lift Up Your Head
  4. I'll Fly Away (featuring Sarah Kelly)
  5. Nothing But The Blood (featuring The
    Blind Boys of Alabama)
  6. Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder (featuring
    Martin Smith of Delirious)
  7. O Come And Mourn With Me Awhile
  8. Hiding Place
  9. Jesus, I Lift My Eyes
  10. It Is Well With My Soul
  11. On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand
    (featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama)
  12. Thou Lovely Source Of True Delight
  13. They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
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

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