Closer
Artist: Shawn McDonald
Label: Sparrow
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Duration: 12 tracks, 46:20
Merriam-Webster defines a ‘musician’
as a composer, conductor, or performer of music. The same
source defines an ‘artist’ as one who professes and practices
an imaginative art, a person skilled in one of the fine arts, a skilled
performer, one who is adept at something. In one package, these attributes are
found in Shawn McDonald. Closer
represents McDonald’s fourth full album release containing all the story
telling, praise and worship, and musical prowess as previous efforts but with a
much more polished pop sensibility.
Readily apparent in this grouping are the fine qualities of
McDonald’s vocal gifts, inspired lyrics and song writing, accompanied by a smooth
mix produced by Christopher Stevens of Sanctus Real
fame. With this release, you will wear out the CDs pamphlet reviewing the
lyrics again and again.
Closer opens with “Better
Way”, setting the stage with the refrain ‘I believe that there is a better
way’. “Hope”, co-written with Joy Williams, is a light pop full of its
namesake, listen for the rising orchestration in the background symbolizing
hope rising. “Closer”, which is currently climbing the FM charts, is a piano
led story of despair and the need for redemption symbolized in the verse
‘looking for color in a shade of grey, looking for love in a drop of rain’. With
a deep base and fingers clicking, “Something Real” lays the foundation for the
answer to a question we all ask with ‘how could we miss the point when it’s all
about love’.
Musically, “Rise” shows the roots of McDonald’s music with
acoustic guitar and brushes smothering the snare drum, together welcoming this
song’s message of praise. “Eyes Forward”
has the rollicking piano and the vocal adventure that only McDonald can provide,
this song showcases his vocal range and ability. The message of ‘Don’t take
your eyes off the prize’ is far from lost in this incredible song. The album
ends with “Mystery” which debuted during his 2009 tour. This offering sums up
the trials of life and the message of hope Closer
portrays with ‘Now I’m sailing on the sea of mystery, and I’m floating on the
ocean of unknown, and I’m not going to come ashore until I find that I’m
looking for, I’m not coming back ‘til I find love’.
While most songs in this collection were written during a
three year low period in McDonald’s life, the album as a whole contains a
hopeful message. Out of this dark period come light and hope in the form of McDonald’s
music, and his faith and hope. Together, they underline the age old phrase ‘He
builds everything new again’.
SS Mertens
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