Justin McRoberts has already made a name for himself among the listeners who appreciate smooth acoustic pop. With soulful jazzy vocals mature beyond his years with feeling to move the heart, Justin returns with his fourth and independent release, Trust. McRoberts usually tackles some pretty serious issues on his recordings but this time around he digs even deeper and approaches things from an even more sensitive angle. McRoberts dares to go where few dare to.

"Dangerous" offers traditional Justin rhythms, jazzy piano accompaniment and an upbeat backdrop yet sports surprisingly touchy and honest lyrics as he tackles a topic of trusting in others. "I don't want your love, it's dangerous / Only time will tell when you'll become yourself / And I'll be left up on the shelf like everybody else" Justin uses his acoustic on "Enemy" to cheerfully remind himself that negativity will hinder his experience of God's love and blessings. "Anything to You" utilizes a slow pounding drum and somber mood to express thoughts on how people react to hard times with feelings of neglect by God. "Alone Together" picks up the mood as McRoberts celebrates friendships and meaningful relationships while he uses a tender ballad to express how much he missed his wife on a particular trip in "Portland."

"Beautiful Once" is a gem on the record as McRoberts encourages women that their worth is rooted in our Heavenly Father while urging men to not focus so much on appearance and to see girls the same way God does. "You Wouldn't Know" is an ironically fast-paced and upbeat song that takes the perspective of the nonChristian reacting to the way some Christians tend to come on too strong in witnessing and inundate the person with an agenda and a series of cliches. "Love As Love" marks the recording of a love tune McRoberts wrote for his wife and mother which he has played live for roughly three years but never laid down a track for. The bonus tracks continue the deep issues as "They Care" examines our motives for even positive efforts while "She" is a dark and painfully honest look at the sin of pornography.

Justin McRoberts continues to prove his importance and worth among the Christian music scene with Trust. If you're looking for something honest, deep, and intimate, the passionate sounds of Justin McRoberts' Trust are for you.

- Review date: 8/16/02, written by John DiBiase