I'm not really sure where you can place this new offering from Lizotte on the musical spectrum. It certainly doesn't fit the preconceived notion of an "alternative" rock album in the sense that the songs have too much of a "mainstream" feel. It doesn't fit into the general CCM market either--the music isn't slick and neatly marketable. It is an appealing collection of honest songs rooted in faith and love.
Many of the songs speak of a very deep, real love for Christ. The songs feel honest and genuine. If you've been reading the bsj for long, you know I am something of a champion of the artist who is willing to embrace all aspects of Christianity in his or her music--the good and the bad. Artists like Kevin Clay or Mike Knott or Mike Pritzl have all been particular favorites of mine because of their honesty and bravery in being willing to say that being a Christian isn't always easy.
Big Heavy World might seem like the antithesis of recent works by those artists with its deeply rooted faith themes. But, I beg to differ. It is more of a companion to works by those artists.
The opening track, "The Almighty" assures us that God holds us in his hands. "The Breath of God" shows us that Lizotte isn't perfect: "Sometimes I wish that I had lived in the days of Jesus Christ. I would have walked right up to him and touched his robe and been completely healed." It also displays the wit of Lizotte with its chorus: "I don't want to feel the breath of God on the back of my neck anymore, I want to feel it on my face." The subtle humor of this cut reminds me of some of Warren Zevon's best work. Lizotte even sounds a little like Zevon, especially on this tune.
"You Know My Name" is another of those great faith and praise songs. "Thank you Lord that you know my name, and you look at me and everyone as the same. Your love is strong. It never changes."
"Gold" offers hope to the sad and the suffering. "All your heartaches, all your sufferings, all your trials are gold." Something of a unique perspective on pain and sorrow. And, it is a beautiful song.
"Far And Wide" is a love song "for Kristy." "She is what I was missing and all that I long for." Whoever Kristy is, (his wife, I think) she must be quite a wonderful person.
Lizotte outdoes himself on the album's epic title cut. "How do you sleep at night? What goes through your mind? I hear your pain in songs you write...You, my friend, you have been on my heart." "Don't let this world become a living hell where you feel you can't go on. Lord knows I've felt that way before. There's only disappointment when your life is in the hands of the world."
When I hear this song, I can't help but think of The Violet Burning. Is it a coincidence that Shawn and Lonnie Tubbs who, along with Lizotte himself, have been closely associated with The Violet Burning in the past, are so closely associated with this effort? (Shawn produced, co-wrote some of the songs and plays many of the guitars while Lonnie plays drums.) While the last Violets album seemed to chronicle so much struggling with the world versus being a Christian, this album juxtaposes those feelings and assures us that God is there and as long as we trust him, everything is going to work out.
I don't mean to imply some significance that doesn't exist. Just trust me when I say this is one wonderful record that deserves your attention.
Similar sounding releases
2003John MayerAny Given Thursday
2005The Jeff Berry BandAll That's Left of Us
1999Adam AgainWorldwide Favourites
2005LarryLucy, I'm in Love
2000Mitch McVickerChasing the Horizon
2004Dick PrallFizzlebuzzie
