New Jerusalem

Item: New Jerusalem
Author: Josh Spencer

(1996)

Reviewed by Josh Spencer

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Label World VisionThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

acoustic rock classic rock hard rock southern rock

There are two schools or extremes of thought in Christian music--those who favor imitating the world as much as possible in order to reach souls, and those who believe in being creative and original in trying to be light. New Jerusalem falls as much in the former category as possible, I think, while the latter sums up my opinion. Bummer.

Let's get one thing straight, though ...the members of New Jerusalem have a lot of musical talent when it comes to rock. Their most common sound is an excellent imitation of Led Zeppelin (from the vocals to the riffs), but they also touch on AC/DC, faintly Pearl Jam/Hootie-ish balladry, even a little southern rock. Acoustic and electric guitars galore, mature and varied vocals, and so on....but in the end all I feel is cheated, like I'm back in middle school listening to one of those bands that travels around and plays the hits, then tells you not to do drugs. You're supposed to think they're cool, and maybe you do....if you're in middle school.

What's the deal? The playing and variety on this album clearly show that these guys have the chops to take their influences and build upon them to create their own unique style, instead of being a rip-off band. The last track, "A Melody, A Symphony, A Song," is the only one that really made me nod in approval. One of two eight-minute songs (the other being a Zep-AC/DC riff-rocker), it's full of emotion and beautiful guitar work. If they could pull off an entire album of great, impassioned, somewhat original songs like that one, they'd be a great band.

It doesn't help matters that a card is included with the CD for some game called "Redemption." It reads: "Play this card simultaneously with the Son of God card and rescue any additional lost Soul in play." (sigh) That's pure evil as far as I'm concerned, a trivializing of the majesty of God and his plan, as bad as any moneychanger in the temple. It doesn't look good for New Jerusalem.

The lyrics seem totally committed to Christ, speaking openly and unashamedly about him, judgment, faith, light, hell, love, forgiveness. None of it is very poetic or creative, just plain and truthful, so it'll depend on your taste in lyrics as to whether or not it does anything for you. I have a feeling those who fall on the side of "imitation is the best way to save souls" will eat it up, though.

As for me, this album is like an Elvis impersonator. It's kind of fascinating to see how well-done it is, but after about a minute you realize how sad the guy is. Maybe next time New Jerusalem will shed the makeup and costume, and find their own identity to share with us.

2.5 tocks