The evolution to a pure ock sound on Jars of Clay's seventh studio album, Good Monsters, is not a far cry from traces of alternative rock that surface on nearly all of their recordings in one degree or another. Fans accurately predicted a return to a harder-edged ock outing after the band's three previous efforts -- 2003's Furthermore and Who We Are Instead, as well as 2005's Redemption Songs -- leaned primarily toward a stripped-down folk sound. Monsters stretches the four-piece band past any set of expectations and results in its boldest effort to date. Known for introspection and openness, their lyrics this time around offer no singular message other than an unapologetic admittance that they don't have all the answers. Songs bounce from haunting to lilting, pensive to provoking, ultimately creating a set list that is cohesive only in its self-examination. Among the many standouts, the jarring opener, "Work," manifests within seconds that acoustic guitars have been set aside in lieu of a more raw, glaring sound. "Dead Man (Carry Me)" gets going with a jangly guitar riff and heavy beats resembling secular contemporaries the Killers. "There Is a River" finds its place among the band's greatest, taking an Americana drive ŕ la Counting Crows' "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" or Ingram Hill's "The Captain." "Mirrors & Smoke" features a duet between lead vocalist Dan Haseltine and ex-Sixpence None the Richer frontwoman Leigh Nash. The bandmembers continue to bear sonic ode to Toad the Wet Sprocket and U2 on this record, but they draw upon enough of their own trademark sound that only isolated moments would evoke comparisons to the latter's mid-decade classic How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Good Monsters doesn't aim for arena rock, but it remains well-crafted and vulnerable at the core. Jars of Clay bear the cross of being compared to their self-titled debut with every following record. Good Monsters is a departure from that debut, but assuredly a welcome one that yet again demonstrates the band's depth and talent.
Ok, there is something you should know: I don’t listen to a lot of Christian music, as much of it is preachy, mediocre, or blind to the hardships that face people of faith. However, let it be known that there is one band on the Christian music scene I’ve always been a fan of ever since being introduced to them in the mid-90’s: Jars of Clay. And if you’ve never heard of them, maybe now is y
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...not tomorrow, not next week, not when it's in the bargain bin at Sam Goody.... NOW! Seriously, folks, this is a great album from one of my all-time favorites. They are thoughtful and don't try to give easy answers to life's tough questions. For those with ears to hear, buy this album!
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I was really surprised by this album. Jars of Clay came out back in the early 90's and they were always the sissy band, all disaffected and effeminate. So I heard them on the Relevant podcast, and man, they sounded good. So I checked out their 2006 album, Good Monsters, and it is great. Buy it. Their Christmas album sounds pretty decent, but after browsing their 13-year library of music, G...
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Ok, there is something you should know: I don’t listen to a lot of Christian music, as much of it is preachy, mediocre, or blind to the hardships that face people of faith. However, let it be known that there is one band on the Christian music scene I’ve always been a fan of ever since being introduced to them in the mid-90’s: Jars of Clay. And if you’ve never heard of them, maybe now is y
More >
...not tomorrow, not next week, not when it's in the bargain bin at Sam Goody.... NOW! Seriously, folks, this is a great album from one of my all-time favorites. They are thoughtful and don't try to give easy answers to life's tough questions. For those with ears to hear, buy this album!
More >
Oh my God, look around this placeYour fingers reach around the boneYou set the break and set the toneFlights of grace, and future fallsIn present painAll fools say, "Oh my God"Oh my God, Why are we so afraid?We make it worse when we don't bleedThere is no cure for our diseaseTurn a phrase, and rise againOr fake your death and only tell your closest friendOh my God.Oh my God, can I complain?You ...
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 "Good Monsters")
