In their third release Big Daddy Weave rock more than they ever have before. They start fast with the title song and hardly slow down until the last two songs.
What hasn't changed is the emphasis that "a moment by moment relationship with God is what we were made for." Almost every song addresses God directly. Words like "It's not about me / It's all about you / It's not about my pride / It's all about Your truth" may be familiar, but they are a welcome reminder that "Jesus, it's all about You."
Two special guests highlight a couple of songs. Label mates and the increasing popular BarlowGirl lend their vocal talents to the hit radio song "You're Worthy of My Praise." Though it's a familiar song, the production and the vocal tradeoffs give the song new life.
The funk infused "Killing Me Again" features special guest Fred Hammond. The song is about addiction, and Hammond comes in on the chorus as the voice of God, "When I see you running away, it makes me want to cry / When I see you reminding me of the day I had to die / Don't you know that in my heart, I still can feel the pain / because when I see you, it's like killing me all over again."
One of the unique aspects of Big Daddy Weave's sound is their occasional use of saxophone. It works well and is not overdone.
The beautiful, U2-sounding "Without You" slows the tempo leading into the last song. "Words of Life" is a song about quieting oneself to hear God speak. Listeners are then given the opportunity to do that with a five-minute track of silence that closes out the recording.
Fans of Big Daddy Weave will welcome this recording along with those who like modern pop/rock with lyrics that encourage and build up believers in their faith. The tight band sound and crisp production have taken their music to a new level. Though I have only heard them a few times before, this sounds like their best work.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jonathan AvantsBig Daddy Weave's made a pretty big name for itself in the Christian marketplace. A handful of radio hits, solid record sales, and the ultimate Catch-22 of recognition--a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards--certainly a great way to snatch the attention of the slice-sized Christian subculture of the music industry orange, but also a show renowned by many for its celebration…Similar sounding releases
1998The NormalsBetter Than This
2004SpymobSitting Around Keeping Score
2002Ed NicholsonOut of My Hands
1998Smalltown PoetsListen Closely
1997PFRThe Late Great PFR
2004PivitplexUnder Museum Quality Glass
