Brian Barrett's sophomore project, Nailed In Stone, is a stable release that features country tunes with strong pop and rock inclinations. Trying to further develop his unique, personal sound and direction, Barrett sought the aid of industry veterans Russ Taff and James Hollihan Jr., who served not only as the album's producers, but also as his mentors. No strangers to the country market, Taff and Hollihan have kept Barrett's integrated and contemporary musical style while honing his vocal delivery and songwriting talent. Nailed In Stone carves out a sound and substantial niche for Brian Barrett in the Christian country genre.
Guitars of all flavors and styles form the basis for the musical backdrop on this album, with occasional pedal and lap steel, dobro, organ, piano, and fiddle. Hollihan, who can play everything from piano to percussion and strings, lends his hallmark retro-infused sound and guitar-playing prowess to the project. Taff, along with Bonnie Keen (First Call) and Molly Felder, provides lush backing vocals throughout. Stylistically, Barrett adds four story-songs to his usual repertoire of melodic grooves and tender ballads. "Jimmy Got Saved" and "The Comeback Kid" are rousing romps in the Sawyer Brown vein; "Goin' To" is a mid-tempo piece, featuring the harmonies of MidSouth, and reminds us of the fleetingness of time. At the other end of the tempo spectrum, "One Prayer Away" is a moving ballad about a mother's prayerful persistence on behalf of her prodigal son. Barrett's tenor voice has grown even more silvery and dulcet-he has added emotional drive and a decidedly polished tone (as opposed to the twang and drawl of many country vocal deliveries).
Growing in all aspects of his artistry, Barrett tackles the songwriting chores on seven of the album's ten cuts. In his ministry statement, he declares that he wants to uplift the Body of Christ with his music-and, Barrett certainly has a gift for encouraging. "He Still Moves Stones" gives testimony to the God who transcends our sin and failures, providing tangible examples of His power and grace:
He still moves stones He still forgives He still walks on water Jesus really lives.
Written and dedicated to the unmarried in the Body, "In Time" assures those who are single that the Lord knows the longings of our hearts, He hears our prayers, and He will answer us "in time." Closing out Nailed In Stone, "He Is There" is a fitting reminder of our omnipresent and all-compassionate Heavenly Father, who
In the shadow of doubt In the well of despair In the river of tears In the valley of cares ...In every word of [our] prayers He is there.
Nailed In Stone finds Brian Barrett mature and more defined than his debut. Improving upon his ability to comfort and communicate, he offers a work that increases and stretches his musical and songwriting boundaries. Nailed In Stone is a rock solid effort.
Similar sounding releases
1996Charlie DanielsSteel Witness
1996MidSouthMidSouth
1996Gary ChapmanShelter
2000Bryan WhiteGreatest Hits
1995Grover LevyGrover Levy
1995Ken HollowayHe Who Made The Rain
