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

JFH Music Review


Chris McClarney, Introducing Chris McClarney EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Chris McClarney
Introducing Chris McClarney EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 6 tracks: 30 minutes, 42 seconds
Street Date: January 26, 2010


As a listener, I always find it fun to hear a worship song that is not of the traditional cookie cutter variety. It's nice when somebody in the genre decides to take the road less traveled by, and do something different. This is why I was excited when I began to listen to track one of Chris McClarney's new EP, Introducing Chris McClarney. "Your Love Never Fails" was a nice taste of things to come throughout the disc; acoustic rhythms, keys where appropriate, electric guitar shots, a large dose of well-penned lyrical praise to our Lord, and a unique vocal ability. Nothing off so far.

Next came "Still Saving Me." An enjoyable, and again, very worshipful song, injecting an organ and guitar solo here and there to add more of a bluesy feel to it, but was still reminiscent of the previous track. Of course, it obviously would sound similar due to the fact that each is performed by the same artist, and so that thought was originally written off.

I was looking forward to hearing what "Defender," would bring to the table, but was a little bit disappointed in how much it sounded like the last song. The next three songs were even more disappointing. Despite pauses between tracks, the album sounded like it could have been one very lengthy song, which served as a recipe for boredom.

One of the main reasons that Chris' musical style seems different from many other worship leaders is his voice (think a pleasant combination between John Waller and Donnie McClurkin). The music itself is great -- acoustic infused with slight gospel-type elements (mainly due to his voice and organ). In comparison to worship leaders like Chris Tomlin or Paul Baloche, McClarney has a much more distinct sound and uniqueness about him. With such an appealing mixture of talent and sound to choose from, one would hope that the project would hold some variety, but sadly it appears that the only audible difference throughout the album is the songs' slight variation in tempo. All in all, this EP was on the verge of being a letdown, and was saved by the artist's talent.

Introducing Chris McClarney is not something especially exciting, and I can be comfortable pressing "stop" after the first half. I am, however, looking forward to hearing a full-length record from him in the future, and there is no doubt that Chris McClarney will become a welcome contribution to the Praise & Worship genre, and a nice change at that.

- Review date: 1/24/10, written by Laura Cree of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Kingsway Music
. Album length: 6 tracks: 30 minutes, 42 seconds
. Street Date: January 26, 2010
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Your Love Never Fails (5:47)
  2. Still Saving Me (5:05)
  3. Defender (4:28)
  4. Your Love Is Everything 4:37)
  5. Across The Universe (5:34)
  6. Blessed Assurance (5:17)

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



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