Justin McRoberts is a solo artist from California. He plays acoustic guitar and sings. His music is folk/acoustic pop. Think you've heard this one before? Probably, but Justin McRoberts is worthy of more attention than most.
Father is the second release from Justin McRoberts. It has the same passionate vocals and solid guitar work that can be found on Justin's first release, Reason for Living. The biggest improvement is the evident lyrical maturation. The lyrics on the first album were good, but Father contains some of the more beautiful, worshipful libretto I have heard in some time. From front to back, Justin's songs speak of powerful love for Christ. Often, it's as if you are listening to this lyricist pray intimately to God. On my favorite track, "After My All" Justin speaks of relying on God even in tragedy.
After my all has been run through, I'll give what's left of me to you knowing in time I'll be renewed, walking again
progressing to:
So before my all has been run through, I'll give the whole of me to you wait for your word in all I do, walk in your strength
Justin also speaks of overcoming differences in beliefs to be with Jesus.
"Am I praying in the wrong way, do I worship in the wrong way what are we fighting for? So I will meet you at the cross, if that's the only place we meet, that's fine by me"
The only place in which this CD is lacking is, unfortunately, an important one--there isn't quite enough musical variety to keep the listener's attention throughout. The songs begin to fade into the background as the disc progresses. Each song is fundamentally the same, which in itself isn't a problem, it's just that the music from track to track is overly similar. Justin and a guitar with background vocals. One definite highlight is the aforementioned "After My All." Just as the music starts to fade in to the scenery, the raw, honest passion of the opening vocals tear you back. The BGV's are done very well, by, I believe, Sarah Masen on most tracks. There is also a pleasant duet with Nichole Nordeman.
If you have a chance, go and see Justin McRoberts on tour this fall with Caedmon's Call. I have seen him live before and it was very entertaining. I believe that his albums don't do justice to his live show. I admit, I saw him opening up for the W's, The Insyderz, and Five Iron Frenzy so the show may not have been representative of what you will see this fall. It is a daunting task to ask a guy with an acoustic guitar to get a crowd of 500 punks and skankers warmed up, but he answered the call superbly. He played a few rock songs (or maybe "rock versions" of his songs" and did an outstanding cover of "Livin' La Vida Loca." If you go and see a Justin McRoberts show (and you should) and the set is coming to a close and he hasn't played it yet, start yelling till he does. It'll be worth it, I promise.
This project, as a whole, is very good. I recommend it to anyone who likes acoustic pop or contemporary worship. It is a CD worth owning.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Krista H.Justin McRoberts' album, Father, is an impressive sophomore release. With acoustic guitar and a full band, Father delivers a good mix of refreshing ballads and upbeat, acoustic pop-rock songs. Strong melodies and steady percussion will draw in listeners, yet McRoberts' lyrics are still clearly heard. The vocals and music are not competing with each other, but instead working together as a unit.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Bert GanglDropping his hat into the musical arena popularized by acts like Jars of Clay and Caedmon's Call during the mid-'90s, Justin McRoberts adheres, in large part, to the folk-tinged pop-rock template laid out by these groups and the numerous artists who have followed them during the past five years. "Always Deeper" is a pleasant composition that features a relaxed vocal delivery and full-bodied low…Similar sounding releases
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