Derek Webb
The Ringing Bell
INO Records
Grade - A

            As his fourth solo project, “The Ringing Bell” is what I would expect from the controversial lyricist that Webb has become.  However, with things changing a bit musically, the new album does have a few surprises.  Webb notes a couple of classic rock influences like the Beatles and Bob Dylan that inspired him to spice up the soundtrack a bit more than his usual acoustic style.  Thus the pleasant surprises of songs like “Name” and “A Love That’s Stronger Than Our Fear.” 

             The sound of course does nothing to detract from his usual in-your-face message – see “A Savior On Capital Hill,” however, it does as Webb has declared, make the album more accessible for listeners.  I have particularly enjoyed each new release from Webb primarily for its lyrical content, but I have to admit the new album with the upbeat soundtrack has made this a favorite and I do not think the new sound is going to distract from the social message revealed in the lyrics.  If anything, the music will help plant those messages deeper into your psyche.  

- Ken W.