Pros: Experimentation and synergy(and a baby!)
Lots of "relationship" songs
Cons: N/A
The Bottom Line: Caedmon's Call has come out with another excellent album and are worthy for an award for their hard, dedicated, coffeehouse style of music.
LifeStar's Full Review: Long Line of Leavers by Caedmon's Call
I remember when "Long Line of Leavers" was about to debut, a lot of Christian retailers were heavily advertising it, plus making crazy discounts and special deals for the early buyers. I really had no idea what was the big deal about this release.
Don't get me wrong, I love Caedmon's Call, but their release was in the midst of many other star-studded releases which were more important on my mind. For example, Crystal Clear - Jaci Velasquez and OneDay Live - Passion Conference came out around the same time. I have written reviews on those two by the way. So, I have to confess, I bought the album, but it took me a # of months to ever get around to listening to it.
I also wasn't too thrilled with their second album, 40 Acres before. It didn't catch my attention as their 1st did, well before, things changed, I changed, I love that album now (Review coming). So, basically I bought this album b/c of tradition, and I wanted to have the right to say "I have all 3 Caedmon's Call public CDs, how about you?"
Anyhows, onto the review...
The Love Affair
Well, one night I was flipping through epinions and decided to look for any reviews on Caedmon's Call. I found a review by divad23 about this album and thought, "Why not?" So I checked out what he had to say about this "lukewarm" album for me at the time. I was definitely informed to say the least!
With that, I took out the CD from it's case (slightly dusted it too), threw it into my computer and played it. This time I really listened to it and the words. I was blown away.
Let me give you a sense of the album is like:
Prove Me Wrong - It just so happened that when I decided to relisten to this CD, a close buddy of mine was having major issues with his faith. When I listened to this song, it basically says everything that he told me. This song is about a guy who is basically confessing that he's losing his faith in God. It's not encouraging you to drop God, but rather it's an honest song about wanting to have your faith restored in God.
"Cast out my doubts, please prove me wrong.
Cause these demons can be so headstrong.
Make my walls fall, please prove me wrong.
Because this resentment's been building.
Burn them up in your fire so strong.
If you can before I Baal, please prove me wrong."
Very deep, and applicable song, esp. for all of us who've had times of doubts and fears.
The Only One - The 1st song on the CD, which also where the title comes from. This song got me because CC compares the typical "love" relationship with God's relationship w/us. We have certain expectations of each other, and don't expect either of us to ever go beyond the call of duty. That's why when it comes to God, we're always left surprised, b/c not only does he go beyond that call, He doesn't do what we expect(not in a bad way), but in a very good way. Kinda makes you rethink how you treat your significant other.
"I betrayed you with a little kiss
I thought you'd find someone better
And you forgave me even for this
Came to the upper room
You dragged me from the tomb
There is none both good and true
Then there's you"
Love Alone - This is, in my opinion, one of the most moving songs on this album. It's a slow ballad, and it goes along the lines of Prove Me Wrong, except it's not an acknowledgement of losing faith, but an acceptance that we need his Love Alone. Made me cry when I listened to it for the first time, cause I know the feeling so well of wanting to do things all on my own, but in the end crumbling underneath the weight. Only his love was what could have lifted me up.
"No one would love me
If they knew all the things I hide
My words fall to the floor
As tears drip through the telephone line"
What You Want - Boy was I confused by this song at first! First off, this has to be the most rocking song I've heard from CC as of date! There's no acoustic guitar in this song and definitely no organ! All you can really hear are pure electrics, bass, keyboards,& drums. PLUS, I had never heard Derek sing with such passion! He wrote this song too, and it must have really meant something to him b/c once you hear him, man, he is so out there, screaming his lungs out!
So what do I think this song means? Honestly, it seems to be about Derek's feelings for a girl that he really cares for. He shows a duality in his thinking b/c he says she's a bad thing that could happen to him, but also someone that he wants to be with. The conflict of emotions, feeling you're not worthy, scared, yet a flood of deep care. Or it could be just me projecting my experience unto this song.
The most glaring, and brutally honest parts of the song comes at the bridge. I don't know, I feel for you Derek, and you encapsulated so much, within so little, GREAT JOB!
"But the lie's always cheaper than the truth
And the lie's all I've ever known of you
So maybe none of this is true"
Overall, I love this CD! All the songs are really well done. I hear the hard work at arragement, the multiple layers of sound put into each song, and just the passion that came through the playing and singing. Now, I totally understand why people made a big deal about this album. This album shows so much of the talent and musical talents this overgrown coffeehouse band has.
I was wrong about this album, and I lacked a lot of insight into this album before. I totally forgot that a lot of CC's songs take a couple of listenings for you to really appreciate the meaning of the songs, and the album overall.
I totally recommend this album, but please take the time to listen to the songs, and not just listen to the beat. That's the trap that I fell into, but thankful I finally heard the clear messages in the album. It's a relational album, with each other, and ultimately with God.
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