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Derek Webb--The Ringing Bell December 17, 2007 2007, INO Records Reviewed by Ann Ahrens Derek Webb, former member of Caedmon's Call, is a unique
artist with a great deal to say. Upon first reading the press release of Webb's
fourth solo project, describing “well-known controversial lyrics and theories
regarding war, peace, relationships,” I admit I had to raise an eyebrow. However, as I listened I couldn't help but shake my head a few
times in agreement, and not a little conviction, at his views. Webb doesn't
address the upfront, basics of Christianity here. No worship songs, no hype, no
“shout beat.” Rather, with raw honesty he tackles social, political, and
relationship issues and how, as Christians, we should deal with and react to
them. Webb asks many questions that I think a lot of us secretly ask, but never
give voice to. Christianity Today describes Webb as, “Too openly
Christian for the masses, too provocative for Christian music, and let's face
it, too brainy and introspective for general listeners.” I wholeheartedly agree
with this assessment. You cannot casually listen to this project. Webb doesn't
offer biased opinions; rather he raises questions, and openly leaves those
questions in the listener's hands. As for the music, two names instantly come to mind: Bob Dylan
and the Beatles. Although I am not a great fan of 1960's rock, I felt myself
strangely drawn in to this music. It is what you would expect: guitar, drums,
some piano. The press release states it best: “Punchy, vintage sounding
electric guitars, percolating bass lines and snappy drums that would make Ringo
proud….” As for the lyrics, there does not seem to be any great rhyme
scheme that Webb is trying to follow. Rather, he simply says what is on his
mind, throws in some chords and there you have the song. The overall theme of
the album is one of peace, questioning violence and hurt that, in Webb's
opinion, has overtaken the world at all levels. The lyrics seem to call the
Christian to examine themselves and the state in which we live. There are several songs addressing war and unrest. “A Love
Stronger Than Our Fears” calls for honesty in treating others as we wish to be
treated. The question is asked: Are we willing to die for our faith? When does the means justify the end? What would you do if someone told you the truth But only if you torture them to death? What would you do if someone held a gun to your head And asked you to tell a lie….to keep yourself alive? Also following this theme is “I Don't Want To Fight,” a song
with a message of refraining from violence. Never asked me to save anyone not whole or in part. God is some kind of Holy Ghost come to change their hearts. You know the tree by the fruit… Don't do what I want, but what I'm taught…. Facing enemies on both sides of the gun… Here is Webb dealing with thoughts about war and whether or
not he, personally, would go and fight to kill for freedom. Again, an agenda is
not pushed, rather the listener is asked to consider. I think he admits that
war is not a cut and dried, “yes” or “no” answer. This is the issue he deals
with in this song. Finally, following this theme is “I For An I.” Webb sings: “I for an I will never satisfy. It's harder to love than strike back. I love 'till you cross the line…. Tell me who Jesus would kill?” Following a more politically charged theme is “A Savior On
Capitol Hill.” As you might expect this is a more driving rock sound with
“in-your-face” lyrics. There is a clear message of frustration with political
corruption that I believe everyone can identify with in one way or another: “You can always trust the devil or a politician to be the devil or a politician…” [They have their] hands in their wallets and their hearts full of sin…. Walk right past the reflection pool In his combat boots and ten-thousand dollar suit.” I think we get the point. Love, Marriage, and More Departing from this socially charged theme are two songs which
Webb wrote for his wife, “I Wanna Marry You All Over Again” and “Can't Be
Without You.” The first is obviously his proposal to his wife to live their
courtship and marriage all over again. It is clear from the details of the
lyrics that it is an open, honest recollection of their relationship. The
second song in this set is more of a sad love song, in which I did not see the
connection to his marriage. There must be something he is not completely
revealing to the listener here, which makes me think it is a personal song to
his wife that only she would fully understand. Finally the song that moved me the most was the last, “This
Too Shall Be Made Right.” This is a song addressing our tendency to rationalize
world atrocities. I will let the lyrics speak for themselves: “People love you most for the things you hate and hate you for loving the things you can't keep
straight.” Children can't learn when they cannot eat… [world
hunger] Trading comfort for human life And that's not murder, it's suicide The Earth the sky and sea all holding their breath. Wars and abuses have nature groaning with death. Looks like we're trying to stay alive, But looks much more like a way to die. I don't know the suffering outside my door, And join the oppressor of those I chose to ignore…” These are all challenging lyrics. Politics we can argue, but
I appreciate the call to be Christ-like. Again, this is not a CD for casual listening. But I admit, I
need to hear this message and I appreciate that someone will step up and
proclaim it loud and clear. © 2007, Ann Ahrens ---------- Ann Ahrens teaches at Gateway College of Evangelism and Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis where she pounds the ivories for a living. In addition to teaching she also enjoys history, travel, Cardinals baseball, her cat Mama and spoiling the cutest niece in the world, Miss Alli Jo. |
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