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Caleb Rowden
“Free from Ordinary”
Slanted Records
10 tracks @ 37:59
Grade = A-
Caleb Rowden says, “It is time we move our act of worship outside the sanctuary and allow life to be His sanctuary and our lifestyles to become his podium.” Those who like Shaun Groves, Bebo Norman and Chris Tomlin (but a bit edgier) will want to check out this record. It’s a combination of worship and “story” songs.
The 23-year old Rowden says, “These songs are meant to encourage and remind each of us that God is with us no matter what we may be going through.”
Opening track “Alone,” with its uplifting chorus can speak to both the non-believer and believer. “Every Time,” which features some cool 70’s sounds, follows a similar path. “You Are Holy” is a modern, guitar-driven worship song.
The title track, which was going to center on the concept of extraordinary, has a short third verse that is kind of trippy musically. The inspiration for the title, according to Rowden, was little more than an afterthought as he literally just blurted it out.
Rowden describes “Send Me” as a “missions-minded song. We never know what our co-workers or classmates or friends are going through in their personal lives. You never know what simply showing the love of God will do in someone’s heart and life.”
With its use of overdubbed vocals, I hope “The Journey” becomes a radio single. Rowden says, “Don’t think that God is ever done with you. God’s will and plan are perfect, even when we don’t understand it.”
I really like this record. I won’t be surprised if Caleb pulls a “Best Aew Artist” nomination.
The only drawback to this CD is its running time, a bit on the skimpy side. Note that while in high school, Caleb was a member of Wisdom’s Cry. You can see a review of one of their disks in the December, 2003 issue of Alpha Omega News.
Kudos to Celeste Winstead of Slanted Records for putting together the PR package for this disk—very useful and informative.
- Rob S.