Redemption Songs - Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay offers an attempt to bridge...

Redemption Songs - Jars of Clay
Reviewed by Brenten Gilbert

courtesy of CM Central

One of the most divisive points of contention within churches today is the type of music presented during the weekly worship services. Traditionalists argue for the cause of the sacred hymns sung by a congregation holding well-worn hymnals accompanied by an organ and a full choir. Meanwhile the trends seem to be having a full on multimedia presentation of the lyrics to upbeat praise choruses dominated by a full band ensemble and a few lead vocalists. Failing to find an acceptable balance has led to the demise of many congregations.

Jars of Clay offers an attempt to bridge the gap somewhat, putting a modern spin on a collection of traditional hymns, in a sense redeeming the songs. Redemption Songs details the hope and salvation that we find in Christ. The song selection focuses primarily on our need to be cleaned and purified by God, asserting that it is not something we can accomplish on our own. Opening with "God Be Merciful to Me" this theme is introduced with a request for mercy and compassion and a confession of sin. This theme courses through the veins of the album, on such songs as "Nothing But the Blood" and "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder," a song that features guest vocals from Martin Smith (delirious?) and finds its grim but necessary climax with "O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile." Other consistent concepts that comeout in this project include God's comfort ("Hiding Place", "God Will Lift Up Your Head"), our reliance on Christ ("I Need Thee Every Hour", "Jesus I Lift My Eyes"), and the promise of Heaven ("I'll Fly Away" and "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand", both of which feature The Blind Boys of Alabama).

Since the texts are largely familiar to the intended audience, the real concern of making the album work lies in the modern arrangements and performance of the hymns. Jars of Clay has incorporated several modern rock devices into a sound acoustic, almost bluegrass structure. The sore thumb on the disc is "It Is Well" which features a driving beat and trite harmonization that feels forced. The bulk of the album, however, jibes nicely and seems to continue the musical thought begun on Who We Are Instead, the group's previous release.

Whether this is your first encounter with the hymns presented here or you grew up singing the first, third, and fourth verses every week in church, Redemption Songs gives attention to a rich group of lyrics that can impact any generation. With a fresh presentation that remains mostly true to the tone and meaning of the texts, Jars of Clay has again quenched the artistic thirst of their ever-growing audience.