Jason Upton has been floating around the underground for about eight years now, and has developed quite the following in that time. Some would even go so far as to compare him to the late Keith Green. I'm not sure I would take it that far, but there's no denying the talent inherent in Upton's music. Folk in nature, it is unconventional worship that is at times spontaneous, and at other times a throwback to early nineties fare. Add in a very distinct vocal style from Upton, and you have what most exposed view as eclectic, artistic, and beautiful.

Beautiful People is his tenth release, featuring thirteen mostly-piano-driven songs. Things are pretty laid back this time around, making for a very nice, calming, ambient feel to the whole record. It's probably more laid back than anything he's previously released, save for a few moments of end-of-track built momentum.

The songs are stellar as usual, simple and beautiful. For example, "In Your Presence" is a powerful and moving, yet simplistic five minutes of music, "Nothing really satisfies like when You speak my name/ So tell me that You'll never leave/Everything will be okay/ In Your presence/ All fear is gone/ In Your presence/ Is where I belong." Nothing complicated, just emotionally justified love songs to our Creator.

The whole record is a joy to listen to. It contains a bit of a listening curve, but once this one has sunk in, there's no going back. Jason Upton has created yet another piece of excellent work, and it's a shame more people won't hear Beautiful People. But to the ones that will, it is not a record easily forgotten.

- Review date: 05/27/07, written by Josh Taylor