Justin McRoberts has been dwelling in the independent scene since his label home 5 Minute Walk decided to take a break a few years ago. Since his 2001 independently released Untitled worship EP, Justin has released two full albums and his latest project, Live From Grove City.
McRoberts' live shows merely offer him and his guitar to the audience for what is always a friendly and intimate set. His serious songs mixed with his charm and unashamed humor makes his shows inviting and entertaining. The show feels much more like you're just listening to a friend play in your own living room than a performance. In recent years, worship has become an important focus in McRoberts' songwriting and Live From Grove City reflects this, along with a more serious side of the artist.
The rawness of Live... allows the strength of McRoberts' vocals and songwriting to really shine. Where some artists need production work to polish rough edges, McRoberts does not. And the sound is mixed quite well for such a recording. While most live projects feature crowd noise to boost the live experience, McRoberts lets any crowd affirmation fade into the background to barely be heard.
The song choices for the project range widely across his releases and are a fine mix. Opening with "What Love Is This?" from his most recent record, Intersections, and moving into a cover of U2's "One," the songs progress nicely, even including his 1999 highlight "With Your Eyes." The only thing missed from Live From Grove City is the humorous side Justin displays at most of his shows. But given the more serious selection of songs and the focus on worship, it wouldn't have too appropriate here.
Live From Grove City is one of the better live records you'll find. Simple, raw, but quality, Live From Grove City is further proof that Justin McRoberts is one of the most underrated voices and songwriters today.
- Review date: 1/8/05, written by John DiBiase
David And Nicole Binion Release First of Three New EPs Today Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:19:00 EST |
iNTELLECT Shares How Christ Took Away His Blame On New Single Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:15:00 EST |
Spoken Worth Debuts New Double Single Bundle, "Holy Week" Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:05:00 EST |
Jeff Deyo, Brenton Brown, Charlie Hall, and More Reimagine Powerful '90s Worship Songs on "Break Through the Stars" Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:55:00 EST |
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 |
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 |