The Beauty of the Unknown
Justifide
Ardent Records

“The Beauty of the Unknown” is exciting, aggressive, bold, and powerful ­ lyrically and musically, a fine mixture of rock to hard rock and rap. It’s a little heavy on the girlfriend songs, but a relevant issue nonetheless. I’m sure Josh McDowell would have some advice for them on how to avoid these relationship woes. The confusion, and hurt emotions of relationships are expressed quite well in “As It Feels Good,” “Anymore,” and “I Wouldn’t Know.”

Taking the focus off the girlfriend/boyfriend theme, you will find so much more on this album. Life isn’t worth living if you’re not living with Christ ­ “To Live,” and I can fully appreciate “Escape.”[Chorus: Sometimes I just need a break from everything of this world/You’re my refuge and my strength, a safe place to escape, escape] “Escape” ranks as my best pick from the album because of the message and it’s hard hitting delivery. The funky keyboards on “I Wouldn’t Know” was a surprise, but certainly pleasing. “This Song’s For You” is a nice, but gratuitous, fully acoustic love ballad written to someone (unmentioned) specifically. I have to admit that ever since Peter Chris wrote “Beth,” I dreamt of writing and performing a huge love song for that special someone.

Overall “The Beauty of the Unknown” is an impressive collection of thoughts and music. It won’t be put aside anytime soon.