Shane Barnard began his recording career while attending Texas A&M University, where he met Shane Everett. Before too long, Shane E. was helping Shane B. in his solo acts, leading to the two joining together officially as "Shane & Shane." By 2002, they released their first LP together, entitled Psalms.

Like the Psalms from the Bible themselves, the album mostly carries a somewhat mournful (some might even say depressing) tone. Barnard takes on most of the lead vocals for the album, with Everett backing him up. Most of the songs are taken right out of the Psalms, and some even share the same name as the chapter from which it was taken ("Psalm 143," "Psalm 13," "Psalm 145" and "Psalm 118").

If you've heard any of Shane & Shane's other works, you have a pretty good idea of the sound of this album. Although, on this album, they're at their most organic and folksy. Electric guitars are rare, with the exception of "The Answer," one of the upbeat tracks. The acoustic guitars are played with a very rythmic style, making for very catchy songs. The album opener, "Breath of God," is evident of this.

Anyone who has studied the book of Psalms in the Bible, will be familiar with the lyrics of the album. The themes include crying out to God for deliverance, wanting to be used by God, and simply praising God. Barnard's voice has a very emotional quality to it that's rare, which is a large factor in Shane & Shane's very distinct sound.

Overall, there's little to dislike here, I believe this album to still be Shane & Shane's best effort to date. With moving lyrics taken from the Word of God and a distinct and catchy music style, it's a very solid and gratifying release.

JFH Reader Review: written by John McFather, 2/4/08, for Jesusfreakhideout.com