An independent release is a Catch-22 for an artist. Normally, the artist has the freedom to record without the constraints of a label and marketing plan, and thus, can make the project more of a true artistic endeavor. However, that freedom can often lead to lack of discretion in the making of the project, and the artist is normally forced to cover the entire project's funding.
This is the situation that Justin McRobert's finds himself on his newest offering, Trust. His fourth album and second independent release after a stint with 5-Minute Walk Records, Trust is filled with acoustic guitar driven songs that linger around relational circumstances and the vulnerability that comes with relationships.
"Dangerous" finds McRoberts seemingly scoffing at his own lack of trust in relationships. With a charmingly quirky, piano melody as a backdrop, McRoberts sings, "Blame it on my parents, blame it on my past...you can call on my fear and insecurity I'm just trying to rescue from saving me. I don't want your love it's dangerous." The opener is one of McRoberts best, both lyrically and musically.
"Not Tired Yet" follows and seems to be the other side of the opener. Sung from the perspective of one persevering through a relationship, the song responds to much of McRoberts struggles in "Dangerous." "Portland" introduces the listener to the "melancholic McRoberts" dealing with his first time away from his wife. McRoberts bleeds brutal honesty as he sings, "It's amazing just how still this place can be. It's amazing just how far away you seem when you're only in Portland."
Other highlights include an enjoyable musical romp on "You Wouldn't Know" (a loving, backhanded slap across the face to those who love to hear their own voice) and the title track, which is one of the only songs on Trust that deals primarily with relationship between God and man.
Often times comparable vocally to Derek Webb of Caedmon's Call, McRoberts never gives a half-hearted effort in his vocal delivery, yet slips occasionally on the lyrical side. "She" and "They Care," bonus tracks serving as the caboose of Trust, might have been better left off the project. The songs contain some of the most personal content on the album, but could use some serious lyrical polish or be better served as McRoberts' own personal rant-relief.
McRoberts is a talented musician who deserves more of a musical spotlight and Trust might garner him more recognition. However, he might want to be a bit choosier in the song selection process next time.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Brian A. SmithJustin McRoberts is a completely new artist to me. Until listening to Trust, I knew nothing about him, hadn't heard any of his music, and basically went in with absolutely no preconceptions. I can now say that Justin McRoberts is a very talented songwriter who has crafted a wonderful album in Trust, an album that looks at all aspects of life, and love, and does so without the usual CCM…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadJustin McRoberts is by no means a new name in Christian music, having already released two albums on Five Minute Walk Records. However, now with Five Minute Walk's temporary hiatus, McRoberts has set out on his own with his independent release Trust. The fact that Trust is an independently released album may help it to appeal more to those who like music for the sake of music and not popularity.…Similar sounding releases
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