Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review



Josh Wilson
Trying To Fit The Ocean In A Cup



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 44 minutes, 29 seconds
Street Date: April 29, 2008


Debuts are delicate; that is, they can either make or break an artist early on in their career. Get it right, and the album becomes a hit. But fail to produce something people like, and it can take a little while for an artist to regain attention with a sophomore release. So how does Josh Wilson's debut album on Sparrow Records qualify?

On many albums, the artist tends to push one of their more upbeat offerings to the fore as the opener. Not surprisingly, Josh Wilson continues this tradition on Trying To Fit The Ocean In A Cup; and frankly, why wouldn't he? It's a tried-and-true method of grabbing someone's attention, and encouraging them to continue listening to the album. However, "The Saints" may be upbeat, but it isn't what you'd call outstanding… at least, not compared to some of the other songs on this album. It is possible that a more acoustic leaning may have improved it, as the driving electric guitars and drums bury what could otherwise have been a better song; something that is evident in the quieter verses. Following on its heels, "Saviour Please," is a plea for help from a broken man. Lyrically, this song is beautiful, stating, "I tried to be good enough/ but I'm nothing without your love/ Saviour, please, keep saving me." Not only are the lyrics from the heart, but the song itself has a soaring, worshipful tone to it. Once you reach the third track, though, Josh starts to display his true skill in crafting something witty, catchy and uplifting. Here he honestly admits that "I've got a hundred metaphors/ and if I had a million more/ I could never, ever seem to sum this up/ Besides, how could some melody/ communicate eternity/ It's like trying to fit the ocean in a cup."

"Let Me Love You" is among the album's highlights, with an appealing pop sound and chorus that still bounce around in your head long after hearing it. It definitely has the potential to become a radio hit. Another stand out track is "Oak Avenue," a poignant ballad, which tells the story of someone whose friend was involved in an automobile accident with the lyrics mourning over unresolved resentment.

So to answer the earlier-posed question, yes; Josh Wilson has recorded an album that is enjoyable, catchy, and full of relevant Christian themes from one end to the other. The debut may not perfect, occasionally suffering from a bit of overproduction and lack of acoustics; but it remains a promising debut. And I can't help looking forward to what we'll be treated to on a sophomore project from Josh Wilson.

- Review date: 5/14/08, written by Adam Dawson



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online

. Record Label: Sparrow Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 44 minutes, 29 seconds
. Street Date: April 29, 2008
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. The Saints
  2. Savior, Please
  3. 3 Minute Song
  4. Turn Around
  5. Let Me Love You
  6. Something's Got To Change
  7. Tell Me
  8. Pull Me Through
  9. Oak Avenue
  10. Dear Money
  11. Beautiful Like This
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

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images