Jars of Clay

Item: Jars of Clay
Author: Josh Hurst

(1995)

Reviewed by Josh Hurst

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Label Essential RecordsThe Rebel Base2001

acoustic rock alternative rock folk rock

Jars of Clay's actual innovation and significance to rock 'n' roll are debatable. Some laud them as one of the greatest bands of all time, a band that totally created a new genre of music all on their own. Others are a bit more skeptical, saying that Jars have never done anything even remotely innovative or important in their entire career.

Truthfully, Jars of Clay did not really create the "alternafolk" genre. They simply made it popular. Having said that, Jars is also one of the most talented, impressive bands around today. Not only do they create brilliant music and write deep lyrics, but they have a sound all of their own. It may not be groundbreaking, but it is definitely one of a kind.

The most popular Jars of Clay album to date is their self-titled debut, which also happens to be their most unique-sounding album of all. Jars of Clay began as a Christian rock band, but quickly exploded onto the mainstream scene with their trendsetting acoustic rock sound and their huge hit single and video "Flood." "Flood" demonstrates one of the biggest strengths of this album- the band can rock as hard as any other band out there without using a single electric guitar. I don't know exactly how they manage to create such a powerful rock 'n' roll wall using only acoustic guitars and fiddles, but it is definitely a unique ability.

As stated earlier in this review, Jars of Clay did not totally create a new style of music, but this record has its own feel and language, at the same time. The opening song, "Liquid," effectively mixes acoustic guitars, strings, computerized drum loops, image-heavy lyrics, and creative uses of background vocals from guitarist Stephen Mason and keys player Charlie Lowell to make a sound that is totally unlike anything else I've ever heard before. "Sinking" fuses folk together with pop/rock and a strong piano line from Charlie. Other musical highlights include "He," which features a sample of laughing children at the end of the track, and "Art in Me," which relies heavily on cellos and violins.

Lead vocalist Dan Haseltine, who pens all of the band's lyrics, has developed quite a bit as a lyricist on newer Jars albums. Still, the songs on their debut album are some of the most poetic and relevant to come out of Christian music... well, ever. Thematically, the album seems to focus on 2 Cor. 4:7, which tells us that God has chosen us to carry His message despite our own frailty. This scripture verse compares humans to fragile "jars of clay." The songs on the CD do an impressive job at adhering to this theme without ever being trite or getting old.

Is Jars of Clay an earth-shattering album? Depends on your definition of earth-shattering. On the one hand, the album really didn't totally shake up the music world, though it did make quite a splash. On the other hand, Jars' debut record is both a one of a kind sonic experience and a stirring collection of good poetry. I'm usually not big on following trends, but I can't help but give this one a high score.

Josh's Score: 5/5