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

JFH Music Review




Andrew Peterson
The Far Country



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 42 minutes, 37 seconds
Street Date: August 30, 2005


I must confess, when I was first introduced to Andrew Peterson's music a little over four years ago, I was not a fan. Being a rock-n-roll lover at heart, I had little interest in what I perceived to be "boring folk music." However, after listening to his first two albums multiple times and experiencing his live performance, I began to understand and appreciate his art. The music slowly crept its way into my heart and I have been a fan ever since.

When attempting to describe Peterson's music, the word "honest" comes to mind. The combination of his unique voice and his simplistic yet poignant lyrics creates songs to which almost anyone can relate. Peterson's latest project, The Far Country, continues his tradition of using folk-style music and word pictures to weave together the sacred and the secular.

The opening title track "The Far Country" adds some rock elements to Peterson's usual musical style which is a nice surprise. The song also introduces the theme of the album, longing for Heaven, a "far country." The following track, "Lay Me Down," offers an optimistic picture of life and death from the viewpoint of a Christian. "Queen of Iowa" tells a story of a suffering woman who "with all of the things she was dying of, she was more alive than the others." Peterson's smooth vocals and infectious chorus make the track come alive, offering hope and encouragement to suffering Christians. "Little Boy Heart Alive," inspired by Peterson's experiences with his own children, reminds listeners of what it is like to have faith like a child. "The Havens Grey" and "Mystery of Mercy" take on a more serious tone while still offering hope to those who know Christ.

An album by Andrew Peterson would not be complete without a song mentioning mountains. The seventh track, "Mountains on the Ocean Floor," does just that. The song is subdued and thoughtful, as is the following track, "All Shall Be Well." "For the Love of God" is a song Peterson wrote for a friend's wedding. It is a beautiful song that addresses earthly marriage as well as the spiritual marriage between Christ and the Church. The album ends with "More," a quiet reminder that followers of Christ have more to look forward to than life on earth.

The Far Country is another strong offering from Andrew Peterson that will not disappoint fans. Musically, the album does not stray far from Peterson's usual mixture of folk, country, blues and hints of rock-n-roll. However, it is still fresh and relevant. Peterson's songwriting skills are some of the best in the business, and his voice has its own unique sound. The entire album conveys a deep sense of longing for things that are not of this world. Overall, the songs are not as upbeat as songs from earlier albums, yet this is not a weakness. The album has a sense of urgency and encourages followers of Christ to stand strong and not give up hope.

Peterson's albums are like old friends. They invite you to sit back on the porch and sip some tea (or in my case, Dr. Pepper) and listen in as Peterson reflects on earthly life and the life to come. Fans are sure to embrace The Far Country, and I challenge skeptics to give Peterson a few listens before dismissing his music as "boring folk music." Peterson's songs may have a folk sound, but they are anything but boring.

- Review date: 8/15/05, written by Laura Nunnery



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Fervent Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 42 minutes and 37 seconds
. Street Date: August 30, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Far Country
  2. Lay Me Down
  3. Queen Of Iowa
  4. Little Boy Heart
  5. Haven's Grey
  6. Mystery Of Mercy
  7. Mountains
  8. All Shall Be Well
  9. For The Love Of God
  10. More
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)

 

 

                 
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