Reviewed by John Daniels

I don't know but perhaps Derek Webb has been unlucky in love. At least that could be your first impression of this album, with tracks such as the atmospheric opener "I Want A Broken Heart", "Nothing Is Ever Enough", "Better Than Wine", "Lover Part 2" and even arguably "Reputation". Having said that at least the last three can also be seen in the context of our relationship with Jesus. But the 12 song set is more than just a few love songs, including as it does some quite hard hitting "social comment" songs often highlighting the struggles of living the Christian life. "I Repent" shows up the inconsistencies of life in middle class suburbia. (Or is it a comment on America's approach to the rest of the world?) "T-Shirts (What We Should Be Known For)", although rather jolly, focuses on the less pleasant aspects of "Christianity" and the way it's perceived, with the all too often "self-righteous" attitudes and immovable stands on trivial issues. "Ballad In Plain Red", in a pop/folk style reminiscent of Stealer's Wheel, hits out at the growing commerciality of the Christian scene, "Everything is for sale in the 21st century!" On a more encouraging note, the U2-ish, "The Strong, The Tempted & The Weak" looks at the way Jesus' love is there for us whether we are strong, tempted or weak, and we are all three, at different times. You have to wait until the last track for the album's title to appear in a song. "What Is Not Love" shows up the apparent contradictions in Christianity and Jesus death and resurrection. Yes, as the one-time Caedmon's Call songsmith shows here, life can appear upside down.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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