Caedmon'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 university campuses. Their main songwriter, Aaron Tate, is invisible to their audience as he never tours with the band. The rest of the group doesn't consider a concert over until they finish talking to the last listener, often hours after the show.
Their distinctive and hugely successful independent releases fueled a bidding war when they finally decided to sign with a major label, but in choosing that more customary path they began to lose their way. During this rough two year period, many of the original alternatives the band had favored over major label status were confirmed. They almost went broke when they no longer had a new independent CD to sell at their shows and too many appearances before mystified high school church youth groups further hurt merchandise sales, which were all that kept them afloat. Now on a new label, back to self-management, the collective is optimistically moving ahead again.
Caedmon's Call's latest album takes the conservative, albeit pleasant, route through the choices that made them a unique alternative in the first place. Once more the seven performers' talent and versatility carry the group well from the 'sixties British pop of "There You Go," their first single, to the harder-driving "Thankful" and "Daring Daylight Escape" to the introspective, richly built lite-folk-rock songs that predominate. Derek Webb and Cliff Young's reedy tenors anchor the tunes, capturing the urgent importance of everything on a college student's mind. Danielle Young adds a feminine touch to the chorus, and strikes out with authority on a cover of Shawn Colvin's "Carry On."
Aric Nitzberg on bass offers occasional glimpses of subterranean beauty between solid foundational chores he shares with Randy Holsapple on Hammond B-3 organ. Garett Buell adds rhythmic percussion color while Todd Bragg moves the music along on drums.
Giving homage to their Texas roots, sublimated faith, and commitment to musical excellence on this flawlessly produced CD, Caedmon's Call offers driving music for the journey of faith and exploration their target audience is in the midst of as they pursue a higher education. It richly alludes to Bible stories ("Caught a boat to anywhere but Nineveh, and, well, you know, I got spit back on dry land" from "Where I Began") and issues such as redemption ("I hear it all depends on my faith, so I'm feeling precarious" from "Shifting Sand") without slighting other thorny ground such as boy/girl relationships ("Table for Two," "Somewhere North," and "Daring Daylight Escape") or the risky territory of becoming intimate with the creator of the universe ("There You Go" and "Thankful").
Like a well-motivated upperclassman, this album is not about taking risks and rash exploration. Rather, it is a redefinition and refinement of what they have already proven works. Caedmon's Call has returned to their well-chosen alternatives, and we are the richer for it.
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 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 Alex KlagesCaedmon'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…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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