Five years later and Mitch McVicker still has Rich Mullins' legacy hanging over him. Being associated with Rich would be an honor for any performer, but McVicker continues to forge into new territory with Without Looking Down. This is the first project without a Mullins song credit, and it shows that McVicker is a brilliant songwriter in his own right.
This album is dominated by themes of depending on God for everything, and the constant fight to be submissive to His will. The radio-friendly "You Have Everything" opens the disc, speaking of the subject's desire to get God's attention, then realizing there is no need:
'Cause you have everything
There's nothing you could ever need
There's only one thing I can give to you and that's me
You have everything but what you want is me.
"Take the Wheel" is a Beck-like song about submission that shows how well the players here mesh as a band. Brad Layher, "Cobra" Joe Curet, Mark Robertson, Jordan Richter, and Steve Latanation are all featured here. With Curet, Robertson, and Richter all present, why not a tour featuring Layher's solo work, This Train, and McVicker?
"I Need You Jesus" is a simple plea. "Nowhere Else" is about life on the road, and finding God in the midst of it. "Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled" reveals Christ's promise of John 14, and a hope of peace. "The Lion Lays Down" deals with the fears we all face. "Deeper in Love" is a I Corinthians 13-inspired appreciation of grace.
"Turning Tables" describes Christ at the temple, and also the change He brings in eliminating sin:
Consumed with the truth,
You are turning tables
Your love for your Father
Has got You turning tables.
Everything in life turned upside down
The darkest night has been flipped over and over
Sin is disappearin', somehow.
You have turned the table and I'm overwhelmed by You.
"Stargazer" could be a companion to "The Lemonade Song" from McVicker's first solo work. It portrays an innocent young woman with a simple faith that gives her a childlike quality, trusting in God. It offers the hope that that quality can be maintained, and not lost or tarnished.
Add McVicker to my ever-growing list of artists that deserve wider audiences. His style may doom him to the coffeehouse circuit, but his talent could fill arenas and stadiums. Without Looking Down is a wonderful album.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Curt McLeyWithout Looking Down is far more produced than Mitch McVicker's earlier projects, Chasing the Horizon and Mitch McVicker. If you prefer that sparse sound featuring prominent acoustic guitars, you may not appreciate this CD as much as the others. Topically, it's the same McVicker all over again. McVicker's writing isn't particularly poetic or deep, but he is amazingly gifted in writing with…Similar sounding releases
2002Dan BernNew American Language
2001Charlie HallPorch and Altar
2004The KryGod of Infinite Worth
2000Aaron SprinkleThe Kindest Days
2004Alva StarEscalator
1997Eric MatthewsThe Lateness of the Hour
