In the 1980s, the term "college rock" was used to refer to groups such as R.E.M., who scored big with college radio stations and in the process became national stars. Christian college rock was almost nonexistent in the 80s, with the possible exception of The Choir, who never quite made it to the status of rock stars.
The 90s, however, are a different story. Bands like Caedmon's Call and SonicFlood are threatening a takeover of Christian colleges, and it appears that the 1990s version of college rock is going to be held in the folk-rock idiom somewhere. New 5 Minute Walk artist Justin McRoberts fits nicely into that idiom, with most of the songs on his debut being built around acoustic guitar, piano, and Hammond B-3.
McRoberts, who has had the luxury of touring with ska bands Five Iron Frenzy and The Insyderz, sounds like a combination of Cliff Young from Caedmon's Call and Justin Stevens of the late Dime Store Prophets. The DSP comparisons are especially warranted on the slow, moody "The Story Stands Alone," with McRoberts' voice being drowned in a quietly intense mixture of piano and lap steel.
McRoberts shows much potential in his poetry, quoting John Donne in "Not Free," and penning tender verses like this one from "Michael's Hands":
Wednesday evening, 10 o'clock
Crowd is leaving, he is stuck somewhere
In-between the darkness and his shaking hands
Can't see past his burning cigarette
Won't look up at all
"There's not much left of me," says this seventeen-year-old
However, he also has the potential to write clichéd, cheesy lyrics such as those found in "5th Wheel":
I am the 5th wheel
I am the 53rd card in the deck
I got a "kick me" sign hangin' 'round my neck, Lord
I'm on the outside looking in
As a whole, though, Reason For Living is an excellent college rock album, with thought-provoking lyrics and well-played music. Here's hoping some Christian college radio stations get a hold of the album.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ConradThis is adult Christian Contemporary music more than anything else. If the praise leader of your church put out an album and tried to put a little groove into the songs - it would sound like this. Production and all are fine, but this is definitely not for most young'ins. C-Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianI don't know a whole lot about the CCM Music Scene, but if I turned on the local Christian Radio station, this is exactly what I would expect to hear. This CD is probably gonna be big, if it's not already, with the Youth Group Oriented Contemporary Christian Market. Musically the CD is really good, great musicians, great songwriting, and good vocals. This is kind of groovy, funky rock. Modern…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Israel KlossJustin McRoberts has a clean sound, but that doesn't mean he steers away from gut-level vocals with bluesy piano hooks. Guest musicians especially enhance his music. Only three songs utilize the same four musicians; the remaining enlist the help of nine guest musicians, according to the CD liner notes. This contributes significantly to the freshness of the album, avoiding the repetition that can…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksHave you ever heard about one more new artist with more than skepticism, just to be blown away when you actually heard the CD? Enter Justin McRoberts. Not only does he have to stand out from all the other rookies, his first major tour was opening for three highly successful bands in a genre far from his own. The amazing thing is that McRoberts has risen to the occasion. Reason For Living is…Similar sounding releases
2000Caedmon's CallLong Line of Leavers
2004The Pool BoysDays to Summerville
1997Grover LevyWrestling Angels
1997Rick EliasBlink
1999Big Tent RevivalChoose Life
2002Counting CrowsHard Candy
