After their much-hyped but short-lived sophomore effort, Jars of Clay faced the predicament of whether to return to the successful formula of their first release or to continue exploring new avenues. As it is they seem to have found a way to combine the two possibilities as the sound here has more of the folksy influences of their debut but is not limited to that album's formula.
Setting simple mandolin driven tracks such as "No One Loves Me Like You" next to earthy electric tracks, the band has come up with a much more compelling collection than last time out. The lyrics are their trademark well written poetic verse, with less angst than before they are simple but compelling.
Dan Haseltine's vocals still sound a little thin from time to time, particularly when he reaches for high notes, but aren't too difficult to get used to. This is a richly produced album, but not overproduced and is one of the better high profile Christian label releases of the past year.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstWell, as usual, I find myself in the minority among music fans. I mean, I've been ridiculed for my slight lack of enthusiasm when it comes to the Beatles, and some people seem to think it odd that I don't like Radiohead's Pablo Honey or any of Delirious?'s albums. But this is just beyond strange: I actually love Jars of Clay's third record, If I Left the Zoo. In fact, I think that, in some ways,…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterAs long as God keeps putting people on the earth, there will be music. If people stop, the trees and rocks will start singing. We can't escape music. We don't want to. It infuses all we do. It's just that some of us are better at creating (discovering?) music than others. Jars of Clay is four talented musicians making great music--music from life; music that honors, glorifies, and praises God;…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerWith the possible exception of MxPx, Jars of Clay may be the group most accused of selling out--both musically and lyrically. Many fans grew accustomed to the coffeehouse feel of the band's debut, and, as is typical of Christian music fans, did not like the follow-up, Much Afraid, wanting a repeat of the first album. Fans who did not like Much Afraid will likely be critical of If I Left the Zoo…Similar sounding releases
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1996NewsboysTake Me To Your Leader
1999Charlie PeacockKingdom ComeMore from Jars of Clay
2002The Eleventh Hour
1997Much Afraid
2005Redemption Songs
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1995Jars of Clay
2003Furthermore: From the Studio, From the Stage