Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review



Jon McLaughlin
Indiana



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 55 minutes, 49 seconds
Street Date: May 1, 2007


The debut from this Indiana-bred singer and songwriter is proof that he finished at the top of his class at Anderson University. Jon McLaughlin studied piano while his classmates studied business and took other typical college courses. His independent album entitled Up Until Now caught enough attention to land him as the first act to sign with AU's record label, Orangehaus Records. A musician with this much talent needs not go unnoticed. Indiana is, if anything, a fresh take on a fairly overplayed genre.

The opening track, "Industry," is a song that will connect the listener to the musician. Most musicians will probably confess that when they sign their record contracts, they get nervous about the whole industry in which they are entering. It's new territory and they fear the path in which they've yet to tred. Musicians want to connect with and entertain their fans, not confuse and bore them and Jon really makes his uncertainty about his new found career known in this track. Up next is "Beautiful Disaster," the song that has become a countdown favorite on MTV and has found numerous supporters in the mainstream market. It's a catchy song with an unrelenting message about the constant push for beauty in society today. "Already In" is a downbeat ballad about love that will remind listeners instantly of the likes of Gavin Degraw.

"Human," is likely to please anyone currently involved in a relationship. It makes a point to say that relationships have ups and downs, but it's alright because of our imperfect humanity. McLaughlin also seems to be acknowledging the fact that we can't be perfect because we all fall short of that line of perfection. "Anthem For American Teenagers" is a song every teenager in America should hear at least once. In a world where youth doubt themselves and strive harder to be recognized, a song like this is needed and my hat goes off to Jon for writing this one. The lyrical message is to rely on God because everything else in this world will let you down. Idols and musical icons will all fade away, but God will always be there. That's something teenagers don't get to hear in this day and age much due to all of the restrictions non-believers are currently trying to put on Christianity, especially in our school systems.

Indiana ends with "Until You Got Love," a declaration stating that love is what makes someone wealthy because without it, you've got nothing. Without love, there will always be this void in your life that you will try to fill. This ending was pretty appropriate for such a strong record.

It was easy to fully expect another pop record with the same old thing we hear over and over, but this album offers much more than your typical ballads on love and life. Indiana is one everyone can relate to, young or old. If you were going to invest in a pop/rock record this year, look no further. Not only does Jon McLaughlin offer up piano-playing talent on a silver platter, he offers an acceptable and more artistic alternative to the likes of Gavin DeGraw and Josh Kelley.

- Review date: 11/2/07, written by Jessica Gregorius



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Record Label: Island Records
. Album length: 13 tracks: 55 minutes, 49 seconds
. Street Date: May 1, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Industry
  2. Beautiful Disaster
  3. Just Give It Time
  4. Already In
  5. For You from Me
  6. Human
  7. Indiana
  8. Anthem for American Teenagers
  9. People
  10. Amelia's Missing** (Mainstream) / Proud Father (Christian) Click For Song Lyrics
  11. Praying to the Wrong God
  12. Perfect
  13. Until You Got 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

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images