There is a point we all come to when we break free from all the ideals that youth group sheltered us with and we move on to become an adult of responsible faith. This is exactly what the group Caedmon's Call deals with in their latest self-titled release, but they do so frequently without cleverness. Few songs met the challenge of connecting their lyrical and musical concepts, instead juxtaposing spiritually intense, angst-filled lyrics with cheery, clean cut instrumentals. There is potential here, notably in Derek Webb's wrenching "Center Aisle:" "What crimes have you committed/ demanding such a penance/ that couldn't wait for five more minutes/ and a cry for help / 'cause this room is so peaceful and I hate the silence/ and can't walk the center aisle." Give this group a few years and a couple of albums to grow, and then purchase one of their CD's.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse June 1997Reviewed by Robert BermanChristian music in the mid-nineties has been afflicted by a distressing decrease in the widespread availability of artists in the acoustic singer-songwriter tradition. With the death of Mark Heard, the closing of the Storyville label, and the relative silence of established artists like Rich Mullins, Bob Bennett, Billy Crockett, and Randy Stonehill, these have not been good years to find major…The Lighthouse June 1997Reviewed by James BlindPerhaps one of the styles music has beaten to death during the 90's, both secular, and Christian, is the whole acoustic thing. And since the arrival of Jars of Clay on the scene in 1995, no Christian band that features acoustic guitar has been able to escape being compared to Jars. However, in Caedmon's Call we find a band that not only does acoustic music, they do it in a refreshing and creative…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Shari LloydCaedmon's Call has finally signed a distribution deal after five years on the college circuit and two independent releases. Their latest release encompasses the entire range of the "college" sound from the light acoustic "Lead of Love," a melodic song that reminds me of Jars of Clay, the heavier "Not the Land," which echoes the electric guitar ballads of Dryve, to "Bus Driver," a catchy,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Chris ParksAfter the buzz about this group on (the Usenet newsgroup) rec.music.christian, I was prepared to be blown away by this album. I wasn't. This is not to say that I dislike their work. There is a nice vocal variety (although I don't think they are taking full enough advantage of Danielle Glenn's voice) and on some they have the alternative sound down pretty solidly. Aaron Tate and Derek Webb write…Similar sounding releases
2003Jars of ClayWho We Are Instead
2004Jason HarwellAlive in the Fall
2000FFHFound a Place
2001Andrew PetersonClear to Venus
2000PassionThe Road to One Day
2000The JayhawksSmileMore from Caedmon's Call
199940 Acres
2000Long Line of Leavers
2001In the Company of Angels
2004Share the Well
2003Back Home
2004Chronicles
