Jimmy Needham
Not Without Love
Inpop
Grade – B+

“Not Without Love” is a fun CD (musically) and although the style is similar to a few artists in the popular media, it is always better to hear someone sing praises to Jesus, even if it is in a similar style. I also heard real close similarities to the likes of Jake Smith a few times. I think Smith and Needham run in close proximity when it comes to song style and content.

The format of the CD clearly lends itself to zealous proclamations of adoration, reliance, and love of a spiritual nature. I particularly like “Hurricane” because it is a very descriptive song that uses a visual of something that is still very fresh in many minds. “Hurricane” takes this visual and it turns it around to a personal declaration of faith I can associate with as a follower of Christ. There is also a cool ballad that Needham wrote for his wife – “Unfailing Love.” It’s cool that he included this song. As a husband I need reminders that I am to love my wife as Christ first loved me. Lastly, the CD ends on a poetic reading by Needham that is rather interesting and it does well to summarize the theme of the whole CD. It kind of reminds me of Bradley Hathaway’s former style of poetry reading if you’re familiar with that.

While the song content is about love, it is not the silly-teenage love of fleeting feelings, but a deeper love of humanity and trying to live “love” as Christ modeled for us.

“Not Without Love” is an admirable sophomore project and I highly recommend checking out Needham’s website for more information. http://www.jimmyneedham.com/

- Ken W.