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Joey Witham--Great Homesickness February 18, 2008 Reviewed by Ann Ahrens Joey Witham is a worship leader and singer/songwriter from
Dallas, Texas, who has been writing music for 12 years and leading worship full
time for seven years. Joey has now released his third album, Great
Homesickness. The album is a mix of music ranging from worship songs, “Send
Your Glory” and “Speaks Aloud,” to upbeat rock singles, “Call Out” and “Spirit
Bound.” The title track, “Great Homesickness,” speaks, although indirectly, of
the Christian's longing for heaven and reunion with the Creator. Witham not only does all the lyric writing and vocals, but
also electric and acoustic guitar. The songs are all in the rock,
guitar-infused style that has become mainstream. This is definitely a
youth-focused album, with lyrics that speak to issues that this age group faces,
such as being captivated by the world or surrendered to God (“Lose Control”) and
unashamedly living for Christ in a society that often negatively views a godly
lifestyle. Lyrically, I would like to see more direct references to God.
Although the lyrics are positive, upbeat, and promote all the attributes of a
godly lifestyle, I would not know for sure if this were a secular or Christian
artist. With the exception of “Speaks Aloud,” which references the redeeming
blood of Christ and God's worthiness, I found the message of the album to be a
bit vague at times. I agree that the positive message Witham is promoting is
important and needs to be heard, but I believe it could be strengthened with
more direct reference to the Christian message. Vocally, Witham fits into the mainstream rock/youth style with
rough, inexact pitch. This vocal style fits the genre well and thus makes the
album appealing to the youth demographic. With praise from various youth pastors nationwide, Witham
appears to be fulfilling his mission to “bless people, and lead them to His
throne.” © 2008, Ann Ahrens ---------- Ann Ahrens is a regular contributor to Notes, the Apostolic music blog. |
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