After coming together as a band in 2000, Fervent Records' Big Daddy Weave went on to be dubbed the best selling new Christian artist in 2002 with their debut album One and Only. From that album came a radio-worthy single that most people have heard called "Audience of One." and following One and Only, was their 2003 sophomore release Fields of Grace. The five members that make up Big Daddy Weave have appeared with the likes of FFH, Warren Barfield, and Rebecca St. James.

Big Daddy Weave's third album, entitled What I Was Made For, produced by their own Mike Weaver (lead vocals, guitar) and Jeremy Redmon (guitar), is a more guitar-centered album then their past projects. With a mixture of electric and acoustic guitars, and a little less saxophone than usual, they seem to have more of a Dave Matthews sound than ever, especially in "Killing Me Again" and "Give Up, Let Go." The album was created following some tough times, including the disaster from Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Leading off What I Was Made For is the title track, a more upbeat rock song than what some may be used to coming from Big Daddy Weave. Album highlights include "You're Worthy of My Praise," a modern worship collaboration with BarlowGirl, and later "Words of Life," a slower and more relaxing track. The last song on the album is five minutes of "Quiet Time," literally a track of silence.

Big Daddy Weave has definitely made an impression in the adult contemporary Christian genre. Their sound seems to be making a shift for a more rock oriented sound. It will be exciting to listen as their sound continues to mature. If you enjoy their secular equivalent Dave Matthews Band, Steven Curtis Chapman, or any contemporary Christian bands of today, check out Big Daddy Weave's newest album.

- Review date: 7/25/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop