The album opens on a solid note, but the first song that really stands out is "Just Say It." At the song's core is a classic, doo wop rhythm, with a mix of Weezer and the Beach Boys to fill out the rest (a bit heavier on the Weezer...think "My Name Is Jonas"). The lyrics are simple but sweet, as Jones expresses his need for his wife: "Hold my hand and take me where you want me to go, I'll understand, no matter how illogical, I'm your man, your wish is my command, just say it." It's the album's highlight, as far as I'm concerned. However, the following song, "Your Song Carries Me," gives it a run for its money. It's a big shift in sound and message, with a more acoustic rock vibe, a la mid-'90s Jars of Clay. It's still a love song, but one that drips with love for Jesus: "Hope is in Your breath, Your breath flows through my lungs, Holy Spirit reign in me forever, don't let go."
A few tracks later, we're treated to a strong, piano-led ballad called "Heaven Appears." If the track had some louder, more anthemic guitars, it could almost pass as a power ballad from an arena rock band. The melody is catchy, and Jones displays a very nice falsetto on some of the lines he sings. "Fireflies" almost seamlessly picks up where "Heaven Appears" leaves off. Not only is it a Ben Folds Five-esque piano ballad (with a hint of Pacific Gold in the production and synth), but it almost plays off of the idea of Heaven appearing, as Jones is singing to someone, encouraging them to remember that we'll be leaving the earth for our new home. A couple of rock tracks follow, including another pop punk-tinged highlight called "First Love," but Jones makes a wise decision to end the track with another piano ballad worship anthem. The song is one of desperation: "Lord stay with me, I need You by my side, Lord stay with me, there's nothing left to hide, God of second chances, I've used up all of mine, stay with me one more time." These are words all believers can relate to.
As influential as the '90s were for alternative music, there isn't much in the way of '90s music that I enjoy revisiting. The same can usually be said for modern artists emulating the era. Brian Jones' Where I Belong is an example of a '90s-influenced artist that gets it right. Fans of older Jars of Clay, Plankeye, and Weezer will find a lot to like about this album. It can be difficult to describe an artist like Jones without name-dropping similar acts, but I would hope that anyone reading this wouldn't take him for just an amalgam of the aforementioned bands. His music can hold its own, for sure, and I recommend giving it a listen to see if you agree.
- Review date: 9/12/17, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
NEEDTOBREATHE's Sold Out Red Rocks Performance Set to Stream Globally May 19 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:25:00 EST |
Hezekiah Walker Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Love Fellowship Tabernacle Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:15:00 EST |
Alex Henry Foster Announces New Album, "Kimoyo" Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:55:00 EST |
Barbara Mandrell's 'Precious Memories: 20 Hymns and Gospel Classics' Tops Christian Albums Chart Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:15:00 EST |
Patrick Mayberry Earns First No. 1 At Radio With Psalm 23-Inspired "Lead On Good Shepherd" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:10:00 EST |
Atlanta, GA's Grungepunks To Release "The Fall Blues EP" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:00:00 EST |
Ryan Stevenson Delivers Summertime Vibes with "Just As You Are" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:30:00 EST |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |
LIFELINE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, GRUPO NELSON PUBLISHERS CO-HOST BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING FOR “WHOSE AM I?” Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0000 |
EEM’s Bibles for Kids Initiative to Provide 570,000 Free Bibles to Children & Teens in 2024 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:33:43 +0000 |