Caedmon's Call's follow-up to their debut album is a project worthy to bear the band's name. 40 Acres is an acoustic, pop driven record which compels the listener to think about the redeeming power of Christ.
This seven-member ensemble covers a gamut of songs ranging from simple melodies all the way to excitement packed rockets. The principally acoustic guitars and strong rhythm/percussion section provide an extraordinary accompaniment to exemplary lyrics. Again, Danielle Young, Derek Webb, and Cliff Young take turns providing excellent lead vocals. The addition of instruments such as a dumbek, udu, dulcimer, and cello give some of the tracks a slightly Celtic sound with a huge amount of American twist. Most of the tunes possess a strong acoustic folk sound. The two ballads of this project, "Shifting Sand" and "Somewhere North," are skillfully separated in the lineup so as to not slow down the mood of the project.
Songwriters Aaron Tate and Derek Webb are by far two of the paramount reasons for the success of this project. No matter where your spiritual convictions lie, this album is a clever piece of music. For those wanting spiritual meat that relates to the world, as best we understand it, the project holds plenty. According to Caedmon's Call, this is exactly what 40 Acres is all about, "The welfare system in the 1800s consisted of giving someone 40 acres of land and a mule"--it was their chance for redemption. "There You Go," the lead song, explains,
There You go working good from my bad
There You go making robes from my rags
There You go melting crowns from my calves
There You go working good of all I have
Till all I have's not that bad.
The theme continues through the ups and downs of the project. While most listeners of contemporary Christian music will absolutely love all of the lyrics, some denominations will have difficulty in a handful of the ideas expressed in the words of "Thankful":
So what part can I play in the work of redemption,
I can't refuse, I cannot add a thing,
'Cause I'm just like Lazarus and I can hear Your voice,
I stand and rub my eyes and walk to You,
Because I have no choice.
Personally, it's my favorite song on the project. Perhaps it's the interesting use of trash cans as instruments, but, I can't seem to sit still during the song or listen to the tune just once.
As many people across the United States have discovered, there are two versions of 40 Acres in circulation. The difference in the two is that the Limited Edition version includes what are known as the Austin Sessions. These are songs written by Derek Webb and recorded while in Austin, Texas. This bonus CD includes a slightly different rendering of the tunes "There You Go" and "Table For Two." The first is slower and softer, the second is similar to the cut that made the "official" project. Each has more of a live sound. The third song on the Limited Edition CD is entitled "The Rich Song." This is a song written just after singer/songwriter Rich Mullins was killed in a car accident. Rich Mullins already had a deep impact on the band as a whole and this song is portraying some memories they have of him. If you have a chance to purchase the Limited Version, it's worth the couple extra dollars.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #24Reviewed by Derek WalkerThe eyes of Rich Mullins peek out from behind the songwriting of Derek Webb and Aaron Tate, Caedmon's Call's chief lyricists--not a surprise considering Mullins' well-known influence on the band. Their attention to detail and love of metaphor, coupled with the bold acoustic guitars and pop smarts that have become Caedmon's Call's musical trademark, makes 40 Acres an enjoyable piece of rock 'n'…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksCaedmon's Call, the seven member acoustic folk-rock band from Texas, released its second national album on Tuesday, April 13, 1999 called 40 Acres. It's the follow up to their 1997 self titled national debut that sold more than 250,000 copies. Caedmon's Call tried to capture their compelling live show in 40 Acres, and they succeeded. The album is dynamic, fun, passionate, and honest. "When I was…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerCaedmon's Call is an alternative band in the best sense of the word. Stylistically, their sound falls into the light acoustic folk/rock camp, but the secret of their success lies in choosing unorthodox alternatives to the decisions every band has to make. Instead of the easy route of playing at churches for youth groups, this thoughtful group of Christian musicians found their niche on major…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydFollowing up a successful debut isn't easy, but 40 Acres proves Caedmon's Call has met the challenge. Although none of the songs grab me like "Bus Driver," this isn't surprising when you consider even their initial release took awhile to grow on me, yet now sees heavy rotation in my CD player. Like their previous album, these new songs are about Christianity lived out in our everyday lives, and…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartCaedmon's Call's debut label release planted them firmly on the list of Christian artists who could shift units with the best of them, but the band are eager to leave that category and return to their roots touring colleges. And it is probably a college audience who will best appreciate the self-aware lyrical confessions and many-levelled allusions contained here. As the album title suggests,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinWith an album as solidly strong as 40 Acres, the catapulting popularity of Caedmon's Call is no conundrum. Delivering great multi-generational appeal, their pleasant mix of pretty pop folk and good-time honky-tonk-lite is safe yet honest, catchy but not cliché. You'd be hard pressed to find another band this consistent, and every familiar song here will bring a big ol' happy smile to your face.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesCaedmon's Call is back, on a new label, but with the same signature sound as the first album contained. If there is a weakness to this new album, that would likely be it--it just doesn't seem to be breaking any new ground. I'm not suggesting that the old ground was anything to be ashamed of. What Caedmon's Call does, they do very well. The acoustic guitars, percussion, and organ blend well…Similar sounding releases
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