At first glance, Waterdeep's debut label release, Everyone's Beautiful, may seem simple. Despite expectations normally associated with big-time label debuts, the band refuses to portray anything flashy or showy here. Instead, their rock/worship/acoustic sound is merely an outlet for the group to pour out their souls. The lyrics paint a picture of real life - the hardships, the pain, the questions, the bad days. Yet the message of hope breaks through, and not in a cheesy or superficial way. She spilled her coffee in her Chevy on her way to work at 8:05 hits pretty close to home.
This release is actually far from simple; its lyrical vulnerability and openness shows great depth and spiritual acumen. A legendary indie band with an already rabid following, Waterdeep has always been down-to-earth. Everyone's Beautiful - their label debut - actually just adds another flavor to an eclectic musical catalog already some six albums deep.
One of Waterdeep's strengths has long been their proficiency in writing lyrical ballads, which most obviously reflect the introspective, soul-searching depth of the members. And while those are indeed represented on this album, there is actually something here for everyone.
Everyone's Beautiful kicks off with a few rote, sing-songy tunes, including a cover of Van Morrison's "Whenever God Shines His Light," the soothing "Sweet River Roll" and the lullaby-ish "Go Find John."
Then, the electrics get plugged in and funk rock gushes out. On "Confessions of a Broken Down Man," vocalist/guitarist Don Chaffer belts out his humanity: I give up, I give in, I can't do this anymore. "Wicked Web" is another edgy, grooving wail, with wife Lori Chaffer on leads this time. The song erupts in a blast with this raw appeal for truth. It's a spin-off of Shakespeare's famous line, "What a tangled web we weave," with added alliteration. The straightforward, unflowery lyrics, thick beat and unrelenting passion combine for one of the album's most profound moments.
The title track provides a softer balance of Waterdeep's organic rock foundation. The Chaffers shine in "Hush," a track whose bottled energy represents the group's calling card: distinctive dualing harmonies that are subdued while still high-energy. The album comes full circle and closes with the tender, worshipful "Still You Would Be Found True."
Everyone's Beautiful is overflowing with sonic variety, and actually comes close to capturing the full musical spectrum - from melancholy and soothing to raw and edgy - reflected in Waterdeep's live show. Some albums fall into a rut after the first three tracks, but Everyone's Beautiful uses a plethora of sounds, lending this album unique, added dimensions. Don and Lori's strong counter harmonies throughout give the music a layered effect like none other.
The album's open vulnerability is at times shocking, at times gut-wrenching, but the reality of life rings true from beginning to end - reflecting not only deep spiritual truths, but also the quest of pursuing Christ in all aspects of everyday life.