In a little over a year, Justin McRoberts has put out 2 albums, toured with the likes of the Ws, Bebo Norman, Five Iron Frenzy, and recorded duets with Nichole Nordeman and Andrew Peterson. With a fall tour pending opening up for Caedmon's Call, Justin will be taking his new material from his sophomore album, Father on the road.

For those who haven't caught Justin McRoberts' highly entertaining live show, he's known for performing with merely his guitar while standing alone on the stage. With his first recording, Reason for Living, the CD was chock-full of all the production bells and whistles which are non-existent in the live performance. Justin's goal with Father was to give the fans something more like the live show, but still sounding more complete.

Justin's strong, yet delicate voice is stretched farther this time around. He flip flops from what we're used to hearing-- his jazzy, passionate vocals like on "Follow You" and "Ready When You Are," to a more folk-rock feel in "Heroes" to a soft, emotional almost-wail in "Waiting on Your Love." Justin has the uncanny ability to make you feel like you're not just listening to the music of a married man in his mid-to-late twenties, you feel like you're hearing the thoughts of your best friend. "Be Still" pops forward as a pseudo-ballad reinforced by pop beats and a bluesy-radio friendly vocal track.

Father is more versatile, more refined, more matured and personal. One can only watch in anticipation at where McRoberts is headed next. This is one career I will be more than pleased to keep after. Unlike a lot of new artists these days, Justin has something to say, so let's listen, shall we?

- Review date: 8/28/00, written by John DiBiase