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(More customer reviews)Most people will already have their mind made up about Jeremy Camp' new album, We Cry Out: The Worship Project, before they ever hear it. For some, he's the epitome of what they love about CCM. He's a passionate, talented Christian who isn't afraid to sing about his faith. For others, he's the epitome of why they never turn on K-Love on their radio. He's cookie-cutter, manufactured music from the CCM machine.
I've criticized Camp in the past myself for a lack of creativity, and for straddling the line between CCM and worship. That problem disappears on this album, as Camp is completely in his element simply worshiping God through his music. Camp has said that he originally intended to launch as a worship artist, and if this album is any indication, he should spend more time as one. This style of music is definitely his sweet spot.
Now one look at the track list for this album will reveal that Camp, like seemingly every other worship artist, included a cover of Hillsong's "Mighty to Save." They're great songs, but I'll admit I rolled my eyes when I saw that, along with Brenton Brown's "Everlasting God" and Matt Redman's "You Never Let Go." But here's the thing: the whole album feels like Camp is just worshiping and letting us listen, and these feel like songs that have meant something to him, so it mostly works. I still wish he had gone with some newer stuff instead, but his versions feel very genuine and not included simply because the songs are popular.
The real strength of the album is simply Camp's obvious love for the Lord and faith in Jesus Christ. I love the fact that he explicitly mentions the name of Jesus on almost every song, and not in an Oh-look-I'm-singing-about-Jesus way. He's just praising God the Father, and we can only do that through his son, Christ. It's refreshing to hear a worship artist so singularly focused on Jesus in his songs. From the lead single, the gospel-proclaiming "Jesus Saves," to the powerful and catchy "Not Ashamed" (I'm not ashamed of the gospel, I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ, I will stand and boldly say, This is my life), all the way through the closer, "King Jesus," Christ is lifted up on this album. Camp gets out of the way completely.
Other highlights include "The Way," which features a fantastic bridge of hand claps and choir that seriously works, and a cover of Desperation Band's "Overcome." I've seen the length of this song criticized in other reviews, but I honestly had listened to it multiple times before I realized it was almost 8 minutes. I was just lost is worship and the power of the Bible-saturated lyrics. It feels like a live performance, and the climaxes in the song are weighty.
Some will still find things to complain about with this album. The complaints have some merit. It not overly-creative, the melodic surprises are pretty minimal, and there are some songs that have been done way too much already. But no one can doubt the heart of Jeremy Camp. He loves the Lord. He loves Jesus. He loves praising his Lord for the salvation he's been given. That's infectious, and it's hard to listen to him and not feel your heart moved towards God. That's about all you can ask for from a worship artist, and Camp clearly fits that category.
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We Cry Out: The Worship ProjectGrammy-nominated and RIAA multi-Gold selling artist Jeremy Camp is set to release his seventh studio project, We Cry Out - The Worship Project. Once again Camp teamed up with award-winning producer Brown Bannister to create a heartfelt, worshipful project. Returning to his worship music roots, he co-wrote with other notable worship leaders Matt Maher, Reuben Morgan (Hillsong) and Brenton Brown. "It is an overwhelming joy to see how the Lord has been faithful even though I am undeserving of it," shared Camp thinking back on his career. "I just want to continue to seek Him in all that I do, and want to always remember that it's the Lord doing the work...not me!
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