Introducing Chris McClarney

Chris McClarney is releasing his first major label record here in early 2010, but his blossoming career began quite a while ago. Gaining recognition from his independent debut, and have one of his top tunes selected as the Jesus Culture movement's theme song, set him on a platform above most new artists of the past year. Kingsway music, home to artists such as Brenton Brown and Ben Cantelon, grabbed the opportunity and are now distributing the album full throttle into the contemporary Christian music industry, while creating some significant hype along the way. But is this young worship leader's music really worth all the attention it's getting? My answer is more mixed than I expected.

Hailing from Tennessee, I was expecting over-saturated pop/worship with an acoustic flair, but Chris' gritty vocals and clear blues rhythms caught me by surprise, and I was torn which side to take. "Still Saving Me" is certainly one of the best here, offering a raw praise texture, while maintaining a bit of that Chris Tomlin-esque church service style. The follow-up "Defender," is another nice addition, again mixing some of his unique worship sound in with the somewhat unoriginal, but popular soul-inflected production. Wrapping things up nicely come the slow-paced "Blessed Assurance," turning the well known hymn into a lengthy, but quality rendition of the initial piece. If this track is any indications of what this artist could have in store for us in the future, and this song alone could keep me on the alert for coming discs. (Wow, I know!)

While is doesn't take to much away to the fans ears, the producing of the CD is probably the biggest problem. There is just not the freshness and upbeat flavor that most Christian radio listeners will be hoping for, and that could be a draw back for the new audience he will certainly reach with this effort. Not necessarily an overall musical mistake, but with the tension he has built in this arrival, I hope it won't a letdown to the anticipating public.

So while this album does not stand out as a whole, there are some obvious positive elements that point to the future more than instant success. At times, the lyrics fall short due to generic themes, but this will most likely change as Chris matures and grows into what could be the next big thing we have all been waiting for. I wouldn't recommend this album overall to the reader, but I would urge you to keep him in mind, and remember his name is he get's another attempt to prove his place in the music scene. ~ Christian Lingner

2 1/2 0f 5 stars