Since springing onto the pop music landscape in 1995 with its self-titled debut album, Jars of Clay has been a textbook example of creative growth, never shrinking from the challenge of expanding both individual and collective musical horizons.

Emerging from the tiny campus of Greenville College in Illinois, fostering its sound within the supportive community that Nashville provides, and honing its signature style and substance via countless miles traveled and hundreds of shows performed, Jars of Clay built for itself critical and commercial success, a fervent fan base and an impressive catalog of songs.

But through the nearly decade-and-a-half existence of the band, the creative core has remained the same, something rarely seen in the rigors of today’s music industry. Charlie Lowell, Matt Odmark, Stephen Mason and Dan Haseltine have weathered the personal and professional storms of being in the pop culture eye, and continue to be committed to the music this unique partnership engenders.

Jars of Clay Greatest Hits features digitally remastered tracks and kicks off with the massive international hit “Flood,” which propelled the band into the forefront of public awareness. The project goes on to chronologically chart the band’s willingness to tackle issues both musically and lyrically, simultaneously showing vulnerability (on songs like “Frail,” “I Need You,” “Like A Child”) and strength (“Crazy Times,” “Show You Love,” “Work”).

With the brand new track “Love Is The Protest,” Jars of Clay points toward a vital and vibrant future for the band, flexing that creative muscle that 15 years of making music together provides. “We wanted to write a rock ‘n’ roll song that brought light to what it means to err on the side of love rather than judgment,” Haseltine says.

The Essential Records project releases to both retail and digital outlets Tuesday, April 1.

Jars of Clay Greatest Hits Track Listing:

1. Flood
2. Love Song For A Savior
3. Like A Child
4. Worlds Apart
5. Crazy Times
6. Frail
7. Unforgetful You
8. I Need You
9. Show You Love
10. Amazing Grace
11. God Will Lift Up Your Head
12. Dead Man (Carry Me)
13. Work
14. Love Is The Protest (NEW)

Jars of Clay launched its career with the universal hit, “Flood,” in 1995. Since then, the band has amassed more than five million in career sales along with several RIAA certifications (5 Gold, 2 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum) an American Music Award nomination, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing. While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa. Compelled to make a difference, members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. The first effort of this non-profit was the “1000 Wells Project” with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. To date, 200 wells have been constructed bringing clean water to more than 100,000 people.

For more information on Jars of Clay, visit www.jarsofclay.com.

 

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