If you are a Christian at all familiar with Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) then you have heard of Jeremy Camp.
When contacted and asked to review Jeremy's latest CD, Speaking Louder Than Before, I was both excited and not. I like Jeremy's music and respect him as both an artist and a godly man. I'd be thrilled to receive a copy of his new release and give it a listen.
But, aside from occasionally interviewing musicians, I don't really blog about them and their work. You won't find much in the way of music reviews and announcements about new releases and so forth here. That is intentional. There are plenty of blogs out there covering those bases and I don't want this to be one more. Besides, having no experience with it, I'm sure I'm no good at writing music reviews.
I'm making an exception.
Nor do I blog about CCM. Even though one of the bands I play in is a Christian band, I don't particularly like a lot of what is played on Christian radio. Much of what I hear there is vapid and cliche', shallow and hardly distinguishable from secular music. There are exceptions to this and I search hard (and pray a lot) before our band covers a song.
Jeremy Camp's earlier work appeals greatly to my youthful, rock tastes in music. I'm sure that's what my kids and their teen peers like about him, too. He rocks. His music is just edgy enough without grating on my middle-aged nerves. His lyrics don't skim his personal faith, but dig into it in a way to which young people can relate. His passion for Jesus has always been reflected in both the message of his songs and in the raw dynamic of his arrangements.
In this respect, Speaking Louder Than Before does not disappoint.
There is one thing about this album that seems to be the CCM rule rather than the exception, however. It's the primary complaint I have with the bulk of CCM these days and I'm not going to let it slide here. Jeremy's peeps asked me for a review and I'm going to be honest. Because I'm Jeremy's sister, I'm called to hold him accountable and that's what I'm-a gonna do.
It's the lyrical over-use of the words "I" and "me."
While singing about God's work in our lives, about His grace towards us, about what He means to us, we often focus so much on ourselves that we lose sight of Him. We get caught up in what I think and what I feel what I did and how I bowed my knee, and me, me, me. There is precious little out there pointing to Him and who He is.
Of the twelve songs on the album, seven begin with the word "I". Tracks 5 and 6 are entitled, "I Know Who I Am" and "I'm Alive". They're good songs. I like them. They are heartfelt and transparent. It's good work.
What I would like to hear are songs entitled "I Know Who You Are" and "You're Alive." Less focus on the self and more focus on the Savior. I realize that's a tall order. It's something that comes with spiritual maturity - something I certainly don't claim to have an abundance of. When we die to self and live for Him, our focus changes. It's also something today's CCM artists have got to wrap their lyrics around.
People are noticing.
Musically, Speaking Louder Than Before rocks! Catchy tunes, toe-tappers, just enough edge to keep me from developing the auditory diabetes induced by today's sugar-pop tunes. Like I said before, I like the album.
Can I recommend the album? Yes. If you're a Christian with tastes in music edgier than The Gaithers and tamer than Underoath I think you'll like it, too. It certainly has mass appeal. I've already called my friend who owns a Christian book/music store to tell her to get some copies in. And, at rehearsal last night, I told the Church Chix to give it a listen. (We all love Jeremy!)
I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from Jeremy in years to come. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves the Lord and is using his gifts for God's good purpose.
Keep rockin' for Jesus, Bro!
