Michael Olson
“Long Arm of Love
Rocketown Records
12 tracks @ 50:53

Are you looking for a Christian record that actually mentions God in its lyrics and uses the Bible for inspiration? Look no further than Michael Olson, a new artist on Rocketown records.

Rocketown Records’ President Don Donahue says, “”After first being drawn to him because of his voice, we quickly noticed the accessibility of (Michael’s) songs.” Olson explains that the purpose of his music “is for others to be brought closer to Jesus.”

Among the scripture Michael uses for inspiration on this record are Habakkuk 2:14 (“I Believe in Jesus”), Romans 8:28 (“The Measure of His Love”) and Lamentations 3:23 (“New Every Morning”).

Michael wrote “Psalm 23” a few days after 9/11. “King David’s words were a great comfort to me.”

Perhaps in keeping with the current vogue of recording old hymns, the title track is pleasantly combined with Fanny J. Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance.” Blinded shortly after birth, Crosby was 44 years-old when she penned her first hymn in 1864. When she died fifty years later, she had written 8,000 more.

We should be so blessed if Michael Olson follows in those footsteps.

Sonically, the overall sound is acoustic guitar pop but there is a range of styles. The title track has a pinch of country flavor and a snippet of “Amazing Grace,” while “So Glad” reminded me of modern country pop and also has some excellent lyrics. “I do the things I shouldn’t do and not the things I ought, I thought I had the sense I’d need but I may need much more than I can tell.” “Lift My Eyes” is a mid-tempo rocker, ala Steven Curtis Chapman.

The final track, “Man of Sorrows,” is a beautiful and contemplative piano-driven hymn, written on an Easter morning. “We live in highest honor of the sacrifice You’ve made, teach us, Lord to love each other, with the love you demonstrate.”

- Rob S.