Here is the best and worst thing I can say about Jeremy Camp: his music is as good as anything on modern rock radio. He would easily fit in with the Nickelback/Linkin Park/Disturbed/Limp Bizkit crowd, or any of the plethora of nu metal bands currently plaguing the airwaves.
Camp's vocals can be summed up in one sentence: he sounds almost exactly like Scott Stapp, formerly of Creed. This is most evident on "Innocence" and "Nothing Else I Need". He looks the part as well, with rugged good looks, multiple piercings, and more ink than a typesetter (although this is airbrushed out for the CCM packaging).
Restored is almost a theme album, detailing the pursuit of Christ and the failings of man. "Take You Back" is a dialogue between God and man, in which the subject details his own shortcomings, followed by God's response:
I'll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back always
Even when the pain is coming through.
"Even When" shows Christ's acceptance despite man's nature, and "My Desire" illustrates the longing of man to be like his Creator. God's conviction of sin is shown in "Be The One", pointing out that He will always "call [us] out". "Letting Go" is a portrayal of that need.
Camp will appeal mainly to the junior high through young adult crowd, and his style is very conducive to being successful with that demographic. Restored is an album that is better lyrically than musically, but that's a judgment call based on preferred styles of the listener. Modern radio types will embrace this album for its sound, hopefully not missing the message within.
3.5 tocks
Similar sounding releases
2005Seventh Day SlumberOnce Upon a Shattered Life
2004Building 429Space In Between Us
2005Sister HazelLift
2005KutlessStrong Tower
2004MercyMeUndone
2002Daily PlanetHero
