Caedmon's Call is back, on a new label, but with the same signature sound as the first album contained. If there is a weakness to this new album, that would likely be it--it just doesn't seem to be breaking any new ground.
I'm not suggesting that the old ground was anything to be ashamed of. What Caedmon's Call does, they do very well. The acoustic guitars, percussion, and organ blend well together to create the "live-and-in-your-living room" sound for which the band has become known. The vocals are crisp and clear, the words clearly decipherable at all times; no Dylanesque mumbling for these troubadours.
This album doesn't add much to the accomplishments of the band's first album. I mean, it's a good, tightly produced album, but I was hoping that somehow there would be a different sort of edge to the music. Maybe some different instrumentation or some coloring; maybe a darkly-colored tune or two.
It's not that the lyrics don't have that edge to them. If anything, the lyrics have improved. "Petrified Heart" simply will not leave my mind, no matter how hard I try, with its imagery of the Levite's concubine cut for the twelve tribes juxtaposed against Christ's body broken for the twelve tribes. This song makes the whole album worthwhile. But, musically, it's not quite up to the lyrical package.
The other small difficulty I have with this album is Derek Webb's voice. It is a little on the nasal end of the spectrum and, as a result, sounds whiny at times.
By no means do I regret having added this album to my collection. The album flows well from song to song, and the hints of country in songs like the title track are a nice touch. The bonus CD, which the first 20,000 or so CD's came packaged with, has a couple alternate takes and a tribute song to Rich Mullins, which comes across quite nicely.
Somehow this album is just missing that little bit more that would put it over the top as an excellent album in my books. It's a good album, perhaps even a great album--by no means a sophomore jinx--but not quite an excellent one.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #24Reviewed by Derek WalkerThe eyes of Rich Mullins peek out from behind the songwriting of Derek Webb and Aaron Tate, Caedmon's Call's chief lyricists--not a surprise considering Mullins' well-known influence on the band. Their attention to detail and love of metaphor, coupled with the bold acoustic guitars and pop smarts that have become Caedmon's Call's musical trademark, makes 40 Acres an enjoyable piece of rock 'n'…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksCaedmon's Call, the seven member acoustic folk-rock band from Texas, released its second national album on Tuesday, April 13, 1999 called 40 Acres. It's the follow up to their 1997 self titled national debut that sold more than 250,000 copies. Caedmon's Call tried to capture their compelling live show in 40 Acres, and they succeeded. The album is dynamic, fun, passionate, and honest. "When I was…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerCaedmon's Call is an alternative band in the best sense of the word. Stylistically, their sound falls into the light acoustic folk/rock camp, but the secret of their success lies in choosing unorthodox alternatives to the decisions every band has to make. Instead of the easy route of playing at churches for youth groups, this thoughtful group of Christian musicians found their niche on major…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydFollowing up a successful debut isn't easy, but 40 Acres proves Caedmon's Call has met the challenge. Although none of the songs grab me like "Bus Driver," this isn't surprising when you consider even their initial release took awhile to grow on me, yet now sees heavy rotation in my CD player. Like their previous album, these new songs are about Christianity lived out in our everyday lives, and…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartCaedmon's Call's debut label release planted them firmly on the list of Christian artists who could shift units with the best of them, but the band are eager to leave that category and return to their roots touring colleges. And it is probably a college audience who will best appreciate the self-aware lyrical confessions and many-levelled allusions contained here. As the album title suggests,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinWith an album as solidly strong as 40 Acres, the catapulting popularity of Caedmon's Call is no conundrum. Delivering great multi-generational appeal, their pleasant mix of pretty pop folk and good-time honky-tonk-lite is safe yet honest, catchy but not cliché. You'd be hard pressed to find another band this consistent, and every familiar song here will bring a big ol' happy smile to your face.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Cathy CourtwrightCaedmon's Call's follow-up to their debut album is a project worthy to bear the band's name. 40 Acres is an acoustic, pop driven record which compels the listener to think about the redeeming power of Christ. This seven-member ensemble covers a gamut of songs ranging from simple melodies all the way to excitement packed rockets. The principally acoustic guitars and strong rhythm/percussion…Similar sounding releases
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