Jars are back

Tony Kevin reminded me that Jars of Clay's new CD was out, and so I scampered over to Trader Joes and Christian Supply to buy my own copy. The first Jars of Clay CD was one of two Christian CD's I bought after God seriously got my attention the summer before 8th grade, the other being Steven Curtis Chapman's "Signs of Life" (perhaps his best CD other than "Declaration," or maybe his latest is the best... he's SCC and makes amazing music, period).

I haven't heard the last two songs on "Good Monsters," but I love this CD. I almost ventured to tell my husband it was as good as their first - which means a lot coming from someone who has practically worn a hole in the CD, has "Child" for her ring tone, and remembers lying on her face on the floor listening to "Worlds Apart" and weeping. Yet I agree with one reviewer from itunes who argues that Jars could only create this CD after years together and much spiritual growth. The depth here is amazing - the songs grip your heart, even when you have to ponder the words a bit. "All My Tears" almost brought me to tears - what a way to focus your mind on things above! I told Andy to play it at my funeral.

All of that to say, for those (like me) who lost heart a bit with the Jars boys, in this CD they're back. This is deep, meaty, and truthful. Listen to the songs - they will challenge you. They're both haunting and hopeful - they wrestle, but they praise.