Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Moulded by expectations on their self-titled debut, restricted by a fleeting recording trip to England for Much Afraid, and misconstrued by production on If I Left the Zoo, Jars of Clay has been unable to express themselves this independently until The Eleventh Hour. Close to their best album so far it provides sheer promise for the future of this enchanting four-piece.
It is encouraging for me to hear a Christian band expressing hardship within faith, which makes it disappointing to hear fellow reviewers attacking the lyrics of The Eleventh Hour. I find concerns about the lack of a direct Gospel message narrow-minded. I would say that Jars of Clay's ministry is not based on evangelism, but discipleship; not birth but growth, and this is as essential as foundational evangelism.
Start and Finish: Disappear opens The Eleventh Hour with vintage Jars of Clay passion, while the album is concluded eloquently by The Edge of Water, an example of a thoroughly new direction for the group.
Revolution: The same goes for Revolution, an early highlight and a great rock song - surrounded by Something Beautiful and Fly, both demonstrating Jars of Clay's continued focus on strong melody.
Silence: Having read the lyrics to the powerful Silence prior to hearing the song I had high expectations, perhaps a song reminiscent of the exquisite Frail, from Much Afraid. This aching reflection on the inexplicable silence we can all face is a gutsy and poignant hinge-piece for the album.
The Eleventh Hour: This mood of unease holds until the redemption of the title track, which also feels to me like a musical path yet untrodden by the group. Herein lies the mature message of salvation that Christians must be reminded of; the Gospel encapsulates hope as much as it shows grace, and this outstanding song provides a story of both.
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Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
