Jars of Clay
“Redemption Songs”
Essential Records
13 tracks @ 54:06

Jars releases a record that seem to be the flavor-of-the-moment in Christian music, old hymns in new settings. I think it’s a wonderful trend and while I’m not a big fan of Jars (no particular reason, I’m just not) this is a great record.

Musically, most of the songs feature acoustic guitars and drums. “Nothing But the Blood” has what sounds like a sitar and distorted bass. This song would fit right in on the “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack.

“It Is Well” is more on the up-tempo side and purists may not like the Paul McCartney-like bass line. “And They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love” has a haunting vocal open and banjo accompaniment.

There are several intriguing guest appearances on this record. Sarah Kelly delivers Janis Joplin-style background vocals on “I’ll Fly Away” while The Blind Boys of Alabama are the perfect choice for “Nothing But the Blood.” While Martin Smith of delirious? sings on “Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder,” it’s not really a duet and is more underwhelming than some of the other tracks.

In order to maintain the freshness of this current trend, I hope artists and CCM producers dig for “new” material instead of recording the same songs as everyone else. Otherwise we listeners will end up with countless versions of songs such as “Nothing But the Blood.” Hey, I love the song but I don’t need 17 different versions of it.

- Rob S.