Jars of Clay

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Touted by some as Christian music's answer to The Rembrandts, this Nashville four-piece delivers artful, acoustic-based rock. Shipped in to produce two tracks, Adrian Belew captures the band's sweet intensity and clean melodies on "Flood and Liquid," which features a jaw-dropping Gregorian chant sample. --Jeff Bateman

Tracks:

Work
Dead Man (Carry Me)
All My Tears
Even Angels Cry
There Is A River
Good Monsters
Oh My God
Surprise
Take Me Higher
Mirrors & Smoke
Light Gives Heat
Water Under The Bridge

Album Description

Multi-platinum and triple Grammy winning band Jars of Clay have long held a reputation for creative excellence. With their latest record Good Monsters, the band continues to create music that stretches the imagination and offers a new perspective on who we are as a church today. Dan Haseltine explains,

"I was not sure how all of the experiences of the last few years would translate into music. There have been so many things to look at and describe. This record is part confessional, part euphoric love poem, part bitter divorce, and part benediction. It was born out of many experiences and conversations between addicts, failures, lovers, loners, believers, and beggars. And so the language of recovery and the honest discourse about our attempts to live apart from God and apart from each other is a theme. Engaging people who are doing the hard work of laying their lives open to others, and avoiding isolation, has allowed me to see that there is both immeasurable evil and unfathomable good mixing under my own skin and it is grace, mercy and freedom that allow me to not simply be a monster, but to be a good monster."

Customer Reviews:

Despite a few speed bumps, Jars of Clay zooms ahead.......2007-05-09

I wasn't sure what to expect from Jars of Clay's CD before I bought it. On the one had, yes, Jars of Clay has produced solid albums for years. On the other, there was ominous possibility that they'd go down hill and start producing dull, derivative albums barely worth listening to--it happened to Newsboys, and it could've happened to them. Fortunately, it didn't (and I'm still holding out hope for Newsboys).

"Work" eased my mind, as did "Dead Man". Both fast rock songs combined well-written lyrics with catchy melodies and nice guitar hooks, pulling me into the album with strength. The next few albums were a bit of a letdown in comparison, not bad but really rather average. Once "Oh My God" started, however, I was hooked again.

Where the album's beginning was rockier than most of Jars of Clay's other songs, "Oh My God" (and "Surprise", which came a little after it) are quiet acoustic-driven songs, with emotional lyrics that make use of excellent lyric-writing. "Shoot a dream in your arm and sleep away," says "Surprise" as it opens. "It's not the stuff that kills you that keeps your life at bay." Though after that the album trails off a lot in quality (with the exception of "Light Gives Heat," an indictment of the west's treatment of Africans), those songs alone made the album worth its price to me.

Those other tracks, though, keep the album from a 5/5. Actually, "Mirrors & Smoke" alone would have knocked the album from a perfect score. With its repetitive melody and surprisingly dull lyrics, it's a track that I couldn't stand to listen to more than a few times. Likewise, "All My Tears" and "Water Under the Bridge", though no worse than average, are blemishes on an otherwise brilliant album.

Overall, this is an album fans of Jars of Clay should definitely pick up a copy of. The band has done it again, and despite the few mistakes, this release is quite excellent.

This is Good Music.......2007-05-01

If you want a mix of good Christian music this is it and it should be on a best seller list some where in this world. There is worship and rock all mixed into one. This would be a good gift for anyone who is dumb founded into what kinda of music CD to get someone.

Another fantastic Jars of Clay CD.......2007-03-24

I had only heard Dead Man on the radio and wasn't sure what to expect from the rest of the CD, but it's quickly become one of my favorites. The Jars are so incredibly talented and inspirational, too. This one will appeal to younger (teenage) listeners too, since it's got a rocker kind of edge to a lot of the songs.

Great Christian Music.......2007-03-09

I received this CD as a gift and loved it so much, I bought one for my brother and one for my sister.

Great Cd.......2007-03-09

This whole cd is really good. You can get so much spiritually out of this cd. It is worth every penny.

Average customer rating:

Classic Christian Rock
Spirit Food
Defined by the Band as Acoustic,Driven, Alternative Pop
JOC ROCKS!
I have been listening to this album now for ELEVEN years...

Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Much Afraid
If I Left the Zoo
Redemption Songs
The Eleventh Hour
Jesus Freak

ASIN: B00000053E
Release Date: 1995-10-24

Tracks:

Liquid
Sinking
Love Song For A Savior
Like A Child
Art In Me
He
Boy On A String
Flood
Worlds Apart
Blind

Amazon.com

Touted by some as Christian music's answer to The Rembrandts, this Nashville four-piece delivers artful, acoustic-based rock. Shipped in to produce two tracks, Adrian Belew captures the band's sweet intensity and clean melodies on "Flood and Liquid," which features a jaw-dropping Gregorian chant sample. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Classic Christian Rock.......2007-07-12

The debut by Jars of Clay is an album that seems to get better the more one listens to it.

When I first got it, I really liked a couple of the songs. As I began listening to it more, I started liking more and more of them. It is really a CD packed with very good songs. Some notable standouts include the following: Flood, Liquid, Sinking, Love Song For a Savior, and Like A Child.

This CD has really become a classic. I consider it a must have for any fan of Christian rock.

Spirit Food.......2007-05-12

I ordered this CD just for the Flood title, but have realized it is so much more than that one song. I use it to work out to in the morning. My Spirit gets reenergized while my body gets healthier. It's absolutely wonderful!

Defined by the Band as Acoustic,Driven, Alternative Pop.......2007-03-26

Released in 1995, Jars of Clay's self-titled album is based on their "Frail" school project album from their days in Greenville College. The band, who describes their music as "Acoustic, Driven, Alternative Pop" is composed of orignal members Dan Haseltine (lead singer), Charlie Lowell (Piano), Stephen Mason (Guitar), and newcomer Matthew Odmark (Acoustic Guitar) who joined the band after the departure of guitarist Matt Bronlewee in 1994.

The self-titled album contains 10 tracks (Liquid, Sinking, Love Song for a Savior, Like a Child (which is a song about the horrors of child abuse), Art In Me, He, Boy on a String, Flood, Worlds Apart, and Blind) as well as a hidden track entitled 4:7. Established hits such as Flood, Sinking, and Liquid highlight the album to personal favorites such as Love Song For A Savior, Boy On A String, Art In Me, and He.

If you are a fan of Christian Rock, Gospel, or Acoustic music in general, you are certainly going to love the style of Jars of Clay. Each song from this neophyte album -in my opinion - is in a class of it's own and certainly worth your money. Check them out today!

JOC ROCKS!.......2006-11-10

If you want a great introduction to contemporary Christian music, I recommend Jars Of Clay. The instrumentals are so creative and passionate. I feel like I can listen to this Christian music just like I used to listen to my old rock-n-roll....loud and with the windows open!!!
Plus, the lyrics are powerful. I never thought Christian music could be this cool! The tune "The Flood" I believe I first heard on the radio on a local R&R station...for years! It was just recently that I learned Jars of Clay was a Christian band...I'm hooked. I highly recommend JOC for teens.

I have been listening to this album now for ELEVEN years..........2006-09-30

...and i still enjoy it just as much as i did when i first opened it. This is in my opinion Jars best album to date, it will appeal to a crowd drawn to a more melodic, acoustic, timeless type of sound. It will not appeal to people who are looking for top of the line, wicked head banging, rave dancing drum beats. This is a great album to just listen to, letting it play in the back ground while studying, working, reading, or sit down with it and really just reflect in prayer letting the savior minister to your soul. The lyrics are poetic, deep, and meaningful, i only wish Jars would go back and re-create this type of sound with a new album.

Average customer rating:

Classics with a new generation twist
Soft/country rock is nice alternative (but no substitute)
A praise album of substance
Super Duper
OLD CHRISTIAN STANDARDS MODERNIZED

Redemption Songs
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Who We Are Instead
Jars of Clay
Wherever You Are
Arriving
Lifesong

ASIN: B0007TFHHA
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

God Be Merciful To Me
I Need Thee Every Hour
God Will Lift Up Your Head
I'll Fly Away
Nothing But The Blood
Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder
Our Lord Is Crucified
Hiding Place
Jesus, I Lift My Eyes
It Is Well
On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand
Thou Lovely Source Of True Delight
And They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Amazon.com

It would be easy to pass off this latest Jars of Clay release as a marketing gimmick, especially as more and more Christian artists are turning to casting age-old hymns in their own creative image. Has the modern praise-and-worship songwriting well run dry or are artists truly looking back over time to gain that "renewed and refreshed perspective" as Jars describes this effort in the liner notes for Redemption Songs? The thoughtful listener will quickly discover that the latter is true. Jars of Clay's acoustic, organic sound is an ideal approach to presenting "very old words set to almost completely modern music" as never once does the music overshadow the power of the words. The band captures the essence of hope and joy in tracks "God Will Lift Up Your Head," "It Is Well With My Soul," and the rousing "Nothing But the Blood," aided by the great Blind Boys of Alabama. On the other side of the emotional spectrum, the needful ache of man seeking God is well captured with melancholic "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "Hiding Place." Other special guest appearances by Sarah Kelly on "I'll Fly Away" and Delirious' Martin Smith on "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder" all fit well within the reverential mood of this marvelous release. If this record doesn't renew and refresh you, it may be time to check your pulse. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Classics with a new generation twist.......2007-07-07

Many of the classics with a New Generation Twist. I enjoy the added instruments to the oldies. Jars of Clay does a great job. My favorite is "Fly Away".

Soft/country rock is nice alternative (but no substitute).......2007-05-13

If you're looking for a traditional treatment of classic hymns, don't buy this album. But if you enjoy the lyrics of these old hymns and you are open to a slightly different take, try this CD. I grew up with traditional hymns and love them very much. There are no substitutes for those, but this album is a really nice alternative. I appreciate the fact that it's not too worship-y, by which I mean praise phrases are not repeated incessantly. The music is nice, with a bit of a soft rock and sometimes a country rock flare.

I have another JOC album but wouldn't call myself a true fan. There is actually very little Christian music that I like because it is too poppy and praisy. But I very much appreciate this album and rate it 5 stars. (As for my general musical tastes, I love classic rock, followed by alternative rock.)

A praise album of substance.......2007-04-05

By turns rockin' and mellow, this album is always deeply felt music of traditional worship songs and spirituals, given an injection of modern energy and color by a group of real musicians with soul. Even the "weaker" songs grow on one with time. A keeper.

Super Duper.......2007-02-20

If you enjoy old hymns with a little more peppy pace - this is for you.

OLD CHRISTIAN STANDARDS MODERNIZED.......2007-01-12

Jars of Clay continue to be one of my favorite Christian artists to listen to. If you enjoy hymns as much as I do from the perspective that they are "simple" yet glorify God then this is the perfect CD to purchase!

Average customer rating:

Much Afraid is "a departure, but more of the same" -JOC
This album made me a Jars fan.
an excellent album, even for non-christians like me
Much Afraid...Timeless
best gospel album ever

Much Afraid
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Jars of Clay
If I Left the Zoo
The Eleventh Hour
Who We Are Instead
Redemption Songs

ASIN: B000000550
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Overjoyed
Fade To Grey
Tea And Sympathy
Crazy Times
Frail
Five Candles (You Were There)
Weighed Down
Portrait of An Apology
Truce
Much Afraid
Hymn

Customer Reviews:

Much Afraid is "a departure, but more of the same" -JOC.......2007-03-26

Much Afraid, the title of the sophomore release of Jars of Clay, was based on a book by Hannah Hurnard entitled "Hind's Feet on High Places" which is an allegory of the every individuals journey being closer to God.

Dan Haseltine, the group's lead singer described the album as "a departure (from their first production, but fans can expect) more of the same." Upon hearing this album, I immediately fell in love with their new sound in hits such as Weighed Down, Overjoyed, Portrait of an Apology, and Team and Sympathy.

Much Afraid contains 10 new tracks (Overjoyed, Fade to Grey, Tea and Sympathy, Crazy Times, Five Candles (You Were There), Weighed Down, Portrait of an Apology, Truce, Much Afraid, and Hymn) as well as the title track from their Frail Demo CD entitled "Frail."

In my opinion, this album is the perfect follow-up to their self-titled album as this is one CD which you can just pop into your player and sit back and relax. It's worth every dollar! Get your copy today!

This album made me a Jars fan. .......2006-11-16

I had heard of Jars of Clay in 1995-1996 and even had their debut album, but it wasn't until I saw Jars of Clay live in 1997 that I realized what a truly great band they were. They were promoting their new album, "Much Afraid", when I saw them in concert. I didn't own "Much Afraid" at the time so I wasn't familiar with the newer material, but a song that Jars of Clay sang that night stuck with me. I bought "Much Afraid" after the concert and when track #3 started playing, I quickly realized this was the song that struck a chord with me that night - Tea and Sympathy. It quickly became my favorite Jars of Clay song, and it remains my favorite to this day.

I have seen Jars of Clay two more times since then and have bought all of their records, including their newest masterpiece, "Good Monsters." Jars of Clay's music has always been new, exciting, and relevant. They know how to reinvent themselves musically yet be true and fresh lyrically with each album that they put out.

"Much Afraid" will always hold a special place in my heart because this album is truly what made me a fan of the band. I don't regard this album as their personal best overall, but I do think that Tea and Sympathy is one of the best songs they have ever put on any album. That song makes this album shine. Other favorites of mine from this album are Fade To Grey, Crazy Times, and Portrait of an Apology.

an excellent album, even for non-christians like me.......2006-11-15

Most of these reviews are written by Christians. First of all, I hate the song Flood. I hear a song on the muzak at work and it really catches me. One day, I'm flipping channels and I come across the song and video. Until the end, I didn't realize it was Jars of Clay. About this time, I signed up for a CD club and put this album down (this was really pre-pirate downloads) so that I could get this song. I had also heard that this was more of a non-Christian album. So I gave it a try. No, I didn't convert. I found this album had a lot of catchy songs, that were well written and musically complex (Portrait of an Apology has duple rhythms against triples in compound time). If you are a Christian you will find Christian meaning in this album. If you are not a Christian, you will find music where the writer has a lot of questions, a lot of doubts and vulnerabilities. The lyrics tend to be vague enough to allow the listener their own interpretation of the lyrics (except for the last track Hymn).

Much Afraid...Timeless.......2006-07-19

Much Afraid has to be one of Jars of Clay's best albums to date. Each song has so much expression. Much Afraid is timeless, In 2007, the album will be ten years old and the songs will never become outdated. Jars of Clay are a genius group, I know each track had to be ahead of Its time. I think It may have been overwhelming for some, but Much Afraid is a very deep album. From the start when I first heard Crazy times, Fade to Gray, Frail and Truce, I was hooked. These are the songs that become timeless. I think Jars of Clay has broken the barriers of conventional music and ingenious composition.

best gospel album ever.......2006-07-13

This is still my favourite gospel (rock) album ever. Although I also like Adrian Snell's The passion. What sets this apart from other releases are the catchy melodies, the heartfelt lyrics and pure emotion. I'm a music fan and this is just a good catchy record. Don't let the 'gospel' genre scare you there's a lot of good music in this genre, rock and rap.

Average customer rating:

The rarest type of Christian music
A Masterpiece.
ok, but not really
What happened?
Polished and Perfect

The Eleventh Hour
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Who We Are Instead
If I Left the Zoo
Much Afraid
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ASIN: B000060PCC
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

Disappear
Something Beautiful
Revolution
Fly
I Need You
Silence
Scarlet
Whatever She Wants
The Eleventh Hour
These Ordinary Days
The Edge Of Water

Amazon.com

After releasing three widely acclaimed discs and receiving a plethora of awards and accolades, Jars of Clay return to their roots on The Eleventh Hour, revisiting the guitar-driven pop formula that launched their careers. Gone is the experimentation of If I Left the Zoo, replaced with more direct approaches, like the pounding rock of "Revolution" and the acerbity of "Whatever She Wants." Matt Odmark's fine guitar work and Dan Haseltine's Everyman vocals resonate with gut-wrenching soul searching and joyous redemption, as the haunting doubts of "Silence" are answered by the hope of the closing "The Edge of Water." Once again, Jars of Clay have released an insightful masterpiece on the human spirit and those in-between days that define our struggle for faith, and it stands as a road marker for just how far these four talented lads have come. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

The rarest type of Christian music.......2007-04-07

An excellent album, with at least four very good songs on it. Jars have no business being included with most other Christian music. That category is almost entirely devoted to songs about faith. Jars' songs are songs about doubt. You are unlikely to run across another "Christian music" piece as bleak, questioning and emotionally powerful as "Silence." Buy the album and hear the songs for yourself.

A Masterpiece........2006-03-10

This is their best yet.

It was Produced by Jars of Clay, Mixed by Jack Joseph Puig, Mastered by Bob Ludwig.

A Masterpiece.

ok, but not really.......2006-01-20

this cd is not the good old jars of clay that I know. it's kind of weird and its just not them. i really only like "these ordinary days", but the rest are just ok. theyre not as acoustic and doesn't sound jars of clayish.

What happened?.......2005-06-21

Let me say that first and foremost Jars of Clay is my favorite band and I have been listening to them for nearly a decade. The first three albums were superb, and Who we are Instead is also an excellent album. This album is definately JoC's most bland and cookie cut album. The biggest problem I have with this album is that it's song are of a typical mainstream christian idealism, a category that a lot of contemporary christian artists have unfortunately been emmersed in. Don't get me wrong, songs about God are more than encouraged, I love Worlds Apart, Much afraid, Hymn, and just about any other jars of clay song. But there was a level of uncertainty, passion, and doubt in Jars of Clay's songs. The songs on this album are, like I said earlier, christian cookie cut. There is nothing special about the lyical content of this album. I also have to say that revolution is one of my least favorite jars of clay songs. A song that basically states over and over again, hey, you don't have to conform to the rest of society to become a revolution. Weak lyics, it is very obvious that you need not conform to change stuff, but it stops there, it would also seem obvious that one would be required not to conform to society to be any influence to another person. I'm dissapointed to be writing such a lack luster, whiny review about my favorite band. If you like cookie cutter christian songs, get this album, also be sure to pick up Avalon too.

Polished and Perfect.......2005-03-19

As another reviewer said, The Eleventh Hour, is Jars of Clay's first polished album. You can tell they really spent time getting this one "perfect" and it is! DISAPPEAR is a great starting song, with electrifying guitar sound. ELEVENTH HOUR is truly a masterpiece, with wonderful lyrics, melody, and very cool keyboard effects. WHATEVER SHE WANTS is their only non-God related song. A very good, darker and louder song that is about a dependent relationship. SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL really is beautiful in itself. The poignant lyrics mirrored the deepest desire of my heart.REVOLUTION talks about how "you don't need to fight or make yourself belong, to be a revolution" with fun lyrics and heavy rock. This album is a different sound than the previous one, like all of Jars of Clay's cds! They each have a different sound. With the Eleventh Hour they decided to go with an arena rock sound, and they succeeded.

Average customer rating:

Challenging but Cohesive and Greatly Rewarding
Very good, with a few glitches
Top Knotch Album
Best work behind them???
I play this album OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER...

Who We Are Instead
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
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Redemption Songs
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Much Afraid
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If I Left the Zoo

ASIN: B0000DYVRQ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Sunny Days
Amazing Grace
Lonely People
Only Alive
Trouble Is
Faith Enough
Show You Love
Lesser Things
I'm in the Way
Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
Jealous Kind
Sing
My Heavenly

Customer Reviews:

Challenging but Cohesive and Greatly Rewarding.......2007-02-26

When Jars of Clay released their fifth studio album, Who We Are Instead, in November 2003, many fans initially dubbed it a return to the sound of their first album. They were wrong, and some of them later revised their opinion. This album is a mostly downbeat work that is challenging both lyrically and musically. At the same time, it could alienate many fans, but those who persist with it will find their efforts rewarding.

The album contains two songs that are arguably Jars of Clay's most optimistic lyrically. The band leads off with "Sunny Days," a song with mostly cheerful lyrics (even Jars' "sunny" songs always have some touch of melancholy in them), complete with an allusion to Sesame Street. At the midpoint of the album, "Show You Love" is almost as upbeat and was the album's first (and most successful) single. (It later was used in trailers for the 2004 film Spanglish.) "Sunny Days," however, is lyrically and musically the more impressive track.

The other eleven tracks are considerably more melancholic. Lyrically, they focus on themes standard to the band: human brokenness/frailty and the great distance between God's holiness and human sinfulness. "Trouble Is" contains the album title and neatly sums up the album's theme: "Man, the trouble is/We don't know who we are instead." The other songs generally explore this theme in a myriad of introspective ways -- as Jars of Clay did consistently through every album prior to their most recent album, Good Monsters. (Good Monsters keeps some of this emphasis but also takes the band in some new directions lyrically.)

While the lyrics are almost uniformly excellent, this album really stands out musically. This is not the acoustic musical journey of the band's much loved self-titled debut, nor is it a return to the sound of any other previous album. Rather, the album is chock full of slow, deliberately plodding songs that head the band in a folk/roots/blues/gospel/country direction. As such, it's challenging, and you may either love the music or hate it. If you want high-energy pop/rock, your one bone on this album is "I'm in the Way," a song so jarringly different musically from the remaining tracks that it should have been a b-side.

In all of this, the band reveals their musical influences. A cover of America's "Lonely People" makes the band's love for 1970s folk pop explicit if anyone somehow missed it in their previous albums. "Sunny Days" is lyrically and musically evocative of a typical Christine McVie tune from Fleetwood Mac's Mirage (1982) era. (The opening riff and the guitar and keyboard playing throughout are very Macish.) "I'm in the Way" sounds like a distant, much faster-paced relative of Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Good Intentions" from the early 1990s.

Regardless of their influences, Jars of Clay certainly do not lack ambition. The album's most complex and epic song, "Faith Enough," essentially is a "Worlds Apart" (a much-loved tune from their debut album) for the whole world as opposed to an individual. "Amazing Grace" steals the title of the classic hymn and provides a more melancholic take on the same subject matter. "Jealous Kind" examines a topic rarely (if ever before -- I cannot think of one instance) covered by contemporary Christian artists: God's jealous love for his people.

The latter two songs are graced by vocals from the always welcome Ashley Cleveland. There's a surprise, though: lead singer Dan Haseltine's vocals actually prove the equal of Cleveland's. Some Jars of Clay listeners have criticized Haseltine's voice as being childlike and too sweet. I think there's a smidgeon of truth to those complaints; while I like Haseltine's voice, it hasn't sounded in the past like he's stretched himself very much. That's not true on these two songs. It's amazing to hear Haseltine in his own way match Cleveland's formidable vocals. He, and not Cleveland, makes these two songs work. (Cleveland's presence is a bonus.) When he sings "You know I've been unfaithful/With lovers in lines" near the end of "Jealous Kind," it seems to come from a deep well within him and is wrenching.

How much you like Who We Are Instead may well depend on your musical tastes. Do you like a slower-paced album full of thoughtful lyrics that delves into a variety of musical genres but almost entirely avoids a pop/rock sound? If so, you may love this album. Personally speaking, I've found that while I don't listen to it regularly, I'm always amazed by how good it is when I do give it my attention. Lyrically and musically, it's nothing short of excellent.

Postscript: An early special edition of the album featured an extra disc with two additional songs and special internet features. The two songs are both very good to excellent, even though the first one, "Tonight," is labeled a B-side. "Tonight" is catchy and upbeat musically; since it fits in well musically with the rest of the album, it would have been a better choice for the album than "I'm in the Way." More significant is "Shipwrecked," a tale of a life on the rocks that could have been sappy but surprisingly is moving. Even though it sounds like a demo, it should have been on the album.

Very good, with a few glitches.......2006-12-06

If I could choose 3.5, I would have.

First of all I have to say Ive listened to this cd many many times over the last 3 years. I enjoy and respect Jars venture into the more bluesy and earthy sound on this disc. They seem comfortable with it, and for the most part, they are successful with it. Two songs on this cd stand out as two of the best songs they ever wrote...Faith Enough and Jealous Kind. Both songs are moving, honest, and challenging. On Jealous Kind, Dan Haseltine proves that, despite the fact he doesnt have an earth shattering voice, he knows HOW to sing. It is a powerful song, but he doesnt oversing. He uses brilliant restraint in his delivery and lets loose at the end. The listener cant help but ache with him. A beatiful performance by him and the rest of the band.
My complaint with this cd is that there are 3 or 4 songs that just dont seem finished. "Show You Love" is one those songs. The chorus goes "I'm gonna show you love in every language" and thats basically all the song says, the idea is just repeated over and over in slightly different ways. There just needed to be more lyrically to flesh out the song, but as it is, its just very good sounding filler. Stellar performances by Matt, Charlie, Steve, Aaron, and the drummer (Ben I think)keep the song from being a complete throw away. Another song that needs a little work is "I'm In The Way". The idea seems to be that the singer knows someone who he realizes he needs to allow to fail in order for that person to learn and grow. But all the lyrics to the song are over in the first 65 seconds(with another minute or so of repetition) and that includes the first 15 seconds of music intro at the beginning. It just seems like they had a good idea for this song, but the idea wasnt completed; it just sounds rushed. "Sing" is another song that flirts a tad with being a bit fluffy, though not quite to the extent of the other two.
Some have complained a bit about "Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet". This sing is very repetitive (same 2 lines over and over) but on this song the repetition is intentional and for some reason it works. The instrumentation on this song is perfectly done and the 2 lines Dan sings become more and more infectious. It really gets under your skin and its hard not to be singing along by the end.
I really do thoroughly enjoy this cd, but I believe the points I made should cost it 2 stars. I have however gotten my moneys worth...and then some. Its 3 years since the release, and Jars certainly nailed it this time with "Good Monsters"...a true 5 star masterpiece.

Top Knotch Album.......2006-07-06

These guys are really, really good musicians, plus, they love Our Savior! Saw them in concert this year for the first time and would love to see them again. Some very moving songs here; a terrific listen!

Best work behind them???.......2006-06-23

This album was a disappointment..I judge good music on how often I find myself going back to listen to it. Quite frankly this album just doesn't have the songs to keep you hooked..There are 4 good songs on this disc which I suppose is okay considering the "one hit" wonders out there. Sunny Days, Trouble Is, Show You Love and I'm in the Way are all good songs. The rest of the music detracts from them..One of the other reviewers commented that the return to "root" and folk music made the album good. I think it made it ridiculous. After all, these are 4 white guys who, from the best I can tell,were not born in the bayou!! Anyway, Jars first album was by far the best. Each album has had a few good songs which keeps fans coming back but they need to seriously stop doing the "bluesy" stuff and return to their former style. Half a star for each "good" song!

I play this album OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER..........2006-06-23

This album just has a way with speaking to me about Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you haven't listened to it, I highly recommend that you do. You will not be disappointed. It's that plain and simple. May you enjoy the sweet, gentle journey in God's grace and mercy!

Average customer rating:

Good Cool Down Music
This CD Rocks!
First Exposure!!
Experimenting Jars
AWESOME!

If I Left the Zoo
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Much Afraid
The Eleventh Hour
Jars of Clay
Who We Are Instead
Redemption Songs

ASIN: B00002EPKW
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Goodbye, Goodnight
Unforgetful You
Collide
No One Loves Me Like You
Famous Last Words
Sad Clown
Hand
I'm Alright
Grace
Can't Erase It
River Constantine

Amazon.com

Jars of Clay admirably stretched the boundaries of Christian pop music when their self-titled debut scaled the charts in 1995. Two releases later, the group's peculiar yet appealing brand of alt-acoustic-Christpop remains a study in irony: relatively simple on the outside, brooding and introspective on the inside. If I Left the Zoo returns to form with a renewed focus on songwriting; the disc is a stripped-down and more organic effort than the richly layered but equally rewarding Much Afraid (1997). The opening song "Goodbye, Goodnight," with its lighthearted accordion and mandolin, quickly sets the tone. While the tune itself is a sprightly sing-along, lyrically the Jars hit you with end-of-the-millennium social commentary ("Raise a glass for ignorance / drink a toast to fear / The beginning of the end has come / that's why we all are here"). The oddly attractive "Unforgetful You," the bittersweet "Famous Last Words," and the melodic rocker "Can't Erase It" are sure-fire radio hits. While the playful, digestible quality of the band's music is undeniable, they've become equally effective as songwriters for a generation. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Good Cool Down Music.......2005-06-27

Being an athiest, I always had a love for bluegrass, and folk music. This cd, while not fitting in either genre, and more into alternative rock, I found I was more than pleased to play the CD, while yes this CD is of course, christian, I found I can put many of the songs on this one (and their debut album), onto a secular stand point.

This CD Rocks!.......2005-01-08

I love this CD. My favorites are "No One Loves Me Like You Do" and "Hand". I enjoy all of Jars of Clays' albums. This one is well-done and musically it's superb.

First Exposure!!.......2004-11-13

I loved it. This was my first exposure to new "Christian Rock/Altenrative" whatever you want to call it. Other than Stryper from and Petra from the 80's, I had never heard any "Christian" music.

Anyway, I picked this up about 2 1/2 years ago and couldn't get enough. So, I bought "Much Afraid" and didn't like it as much. Different type of music. It's interesting to see how a group can have such different sytles in a 2 year period. I haven't picked up any other works of theirs since, but I plan to. I guess I'm "Much Afraid" that I won't like it as much as the "Zoo"!!

I recommend this album to anyone that loves music and God!

Experimenting Jars.......2004-09-02

Why is this band not known at all outside the USA? All the albums have hits and all of them would fit perfectly to european radio. Hmmm....it happened to P.O.D., so why not Jars of Clay. Is Europe really just a totally closed market for christian music? We certainly need a change!
Anyway, this is a review, so let's get to it.
I have been a big fan of Jars of Clay for more than 5 years now, and like the way the band has evolved, I feel like I have grown with the music.
I wasn't really too fond of The Zoo until a couple of years after it's release. I guess I was looking for something like Much afraid, and this album was just too different for me. I did not appreciate the experimentation and quirkyness, but still liked songs such as Goodbye goodnight, Collide, No one loves me like you and River Constantine. Very slowly I found out that If I left the zoo was just the "happier" side of Jars of Clay and today I love it. The acoustic sound, the strange synthesizers and all the funny extra details in the background are great and like most other Jars albums I listen to it over and over. One very important detail about The Zoo is that this album made me finally fall in love with Dan Haseltines voice.
The reason why I "only" give 4 stars for this album, is that I still prefer Much afraid, The eleventh hour and Who We are instead just a little bit more.

My favourites are:

1. Goodbye, goodnight - Very ironic lyrics and a whole lot of good old Beatles-atmospheare with the strings and vocals.

3. Collide - A great rock-song with crunchy guitars and soaring mellotron-strings. The chorus sticks to your brain after just one listen-

4. No one loves me like you - A bluegrass-inspired ballad with pump-organ, mandolin and strong sweet vocals. The lyrics talks about how love can be the most wonderful thing, and how it can also hurt.

6. Sad Clown - Very slow piano-driven ballad with a lot of Beatles-influence. Dans voice reaches new heights on this one.

9. Grace - This song is about God's everlasting grace that always makes us return when we have turned our back on Him. Musically it is very good folk-rock driven by a mix of guitar and accordion.

10. Can't erase it - it's just a strong country-rock song with great lyrics and vocals.

11. River Constantine - A beautiful, somewhat mysterious ballad about letting the holy spirit take over. In the chorus, Dans vocals gives me shivers.

AWESOME!.......2004-07-14

This is a CREATIVE Christian band...So many other Christian Bands attempt to take a secular group's style and make it Christian, to attract secular listeners. Jars of Clay can attract any crowd, Christian or non-Christian because of their unique sound and creative lyrics. This CD is one of my favorites...all of their CD's are awesome but this one really speaks to you...the lyrics are deep and poetic. No clichés here. At times their sound goes from Jazz to pop and from Rock to Blue Grass / Gospel... Their great vocal harmony gives them a professional polish. In addition to vocal talent, this band mixes all sorts of untraditional instruments with traditional rock instruments...They successfully blend accordions, toy pianos, organs with drums and guitars...Their sound is fresh and their spiritual music reaches out to you... They're awesome.

Furthermore: From the Studio/From the Stage

Average customer rating:

My First Jars CD, And My Favorite.
Excellent mix of acoustic and live
Incredible Album
2 disks - how can you lose?
One of the best

Furthermore: From the Studio/From the Stage
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Who We Are Instead
The Eleventh Hour
Redemption Songs
If I Left the Zoo
Much Afraid

ASIN: B000084TTM
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

Overjoyed
Something Beautiful
The Valley Song (Sing Of Your Mercy)
Liquid
The Eleventh Hour
Dig
Redemption
Love Song For A Savior
Frail
Needful Hands

Tracks:

Disappear
Like A Child
Crazy Times
I Need You
The Eleventh Hour
This Road
Fly
I'm Alright
Revolution
Flood
Worlds Apart

Amazon.com

Jars of Clay are well established as one of Christian music's pre-eminent bands. In less than a decade, Jars have racked up numerous awards and sold millions of CDs, and prompted musicians of all stripes to marvel at the group's magical guitar interplay. But can they pull it off live? Furthermore answers that question with a riveting live-performance disc curiously paired with a less-than-riveting studio disc. From the powerful opening riffs by Stephen Mason and Matt Odmark in "Disappear" to Dan Haseltine's dramatic vocal in "Worlds Apart," the players prove that their master musicianship carries over to the live setting. The band even rocks out hard in the raveups "I'm Alright" and "Revolution." The studio disc is highlighted by the beautiful "Valley Song (Sing of Your Mercy)" and the poignant "Needful Hands." Unfortunately, the rest of the studio set is filled with rather uninspiring versions of previous Jars hits. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

My First Jars CD, And My Favorite........2007-05-26

I enjoy this CD more every time I listen to it. There are a few odd songs like "dig" and "redemtion" but over all it's an excellant CD and it brings me closer to God.

Excellent mix of acoustic and live.......2006-04-29

This double CD from Jars of Clay shows the strong mix of their acoustic songs and live performances. Overall, the live CD is the better of the two. But, both provide a nice overview of this important Christian band. The strongest songs on the Live CD include "I Need You", "Revolution", and "Flood".

The acoustic CD is a little slow at times, and I prefer some of the original versions compared to these. Since all the tracks are acoustic the pace of the album is pretty slow and can drag on at times. Having said that there are some new tracks that are quite good.

I recommend this album to any Jars of Clay fans. It is a nice addition to your collection. If you are new to the band, this album could serve as a great starting point.

Incredible Album.......2006-04-24

I'm actully listening to it as i write this review. This is such an incredible selection of music. i actully bought it at SoulFest 2004. I'm actully going back this year to hear them again. If you buy this album you won't regret it. it's packed with music with lyrics and rythems that you won't forget. Some highlights i thought were good were Disappear, Eleventh Hour (disk 2), Overjoyed, and Fly (remembered it well from the concert). I would recomend this to the die hard fan right down to if you've never heard them before. worth every penny. good job guys.

2 disks - how can you lose?.......2006-03-07

initially i was more captivated by the studio, more acoustic cd. among the new songs, redemption is my favorite. it expresses the duality of victory and regret, joy and sorrow, as the speaker examines his road to redemption in hindsight. dan haseltine does an excellent job conveying all these contrasting emotions. the redone songs are full of surprises as well, showing how much they've grown tighter as a band, and what they are able to accomplish using only minimal instruments. liquid is full of creative piano fills, overjoyed is laid back and redone to sound more lounge-y, and needful hands is stripped down bare bones to just guitar and voice as an excellent, heartstrikingly honest cry.

after listening to it a couple times, the studio cd eventually captured my attention. again, they are able to produce a sound that is unlike other mainstream christian bands through the use of strange keyboard and electric effects, combined with dan's unique and ethereal voice. some gems are

disappear - an excellent opening. lyrically profound too - we put out our faces to a crowd while our real self disappears into the background.
fly - the final stages of death.
the eleventh hour - a beautiful song about our tendency to become impatient with God. a call for Him to rescue us from our cynicism. our tendency to only call out to Him as our last resort. a catchy piano riff and a tight groove to deliver.
crazy times - a fun/fan favorite
worlds apart - never gets old. "a song about letting go".

if you get a chance you should buy the 11th hour dvd to see what good showmen they can be. for example, you may not be able to tell just by the recording, but during 'faith like a child', dan actually gets on stage and plays a second set of drums along with the drummer! the cd captures the energy of the show and also proves that jars can still rock out live.

One of the best.......2005-11-28

I have to respectfully disagree with the editorial review's downplay of the studio set. For me, that disc is what makes this album worth buying. Though it was recorded in a studio, it is nonetheless a live recording. It is important to note that at the time Jars of Clay introduced this CD, they were doing an all-acoustic tour that sounded remarkably like the studio disc in this set.

It was one of my favorite concerts, and the studio disc is one of my favorite recordings. "The Valley Song" is especially touching, though I don't think theres bad track on this disc.

Average customer rating:

Jars of Clay Tribute to Human Sacrifice
Great Teaser. Now Where's the Complete CD?
Amazing Simplicity
Merry Christmas Everyone!
great Christian music

Drummer Boy
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Jars of Clay
If I Left the Zoo
Much Afraid
Redemption Songs
Furthermore: From the Studio/From the Stage

ASIN: B000000569
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Tracks:

The Little Drummer Boy
The Little Drummer Boy ( Grinch Mix )
Blind ( Fluffy Sav Mix )
Wicker Baskets

Customer Reviews:

Jars of Clay Tribute to Human Sacrifice.......2007-03-26

Released in 1997, The Little Drummer Boy is the first Jars of Clay EP released after the band's self-titled debut album. It contains four tracks: Two versions of a christmas song (The Little Drummer Boy, The Little Drummer Boy (Grinch Mix)), a remix of one of their hits from their self-titled album (Blind (Fluffy Sav Mix)), and the instrumental "Wicker Baskets" track.

Dan Haseltine, the band's lead singer, described the beauty of The Little Drummer Boy as a representation of human sacrifice. Jars of Clay is reminded of a little boy who's only talent in the world was to play a drum. The boy used this talent to the best of his ability in order to honor our Lord Jesus Christ.

Overall, the strings used in this EP are astounding. It is an album that can certainly be used during the Christmas season or during a period of self-reflection. Grab your copy today!

Great Teaser. Now Where's the Complete CD?.......2004-11-22

When I started listening to Jars of Clay's music, this was one of the first CD's I bought because of my love of Christmas music. It perfectly blends a traditional Christmas song with their unique style. It whetted my appetite for a complete Christmas CD from them.

There are a total of four songs on this CD. The regular recording of "Little Drummer Boy" is followed by the Grinch Mix of the song. I tend to like the original arrangement of a song and not care too much for remixes, and that rule applies to this as well. Same can be said for the next song, the Fluffy Saw Mix of "Blind" from their debut CD. Finally, we get "Wicker Baskets," an acoustic instrumental piece I really like.

It's been almost 10 years since this hit the market. Here's hoping they finally get around to following it up with a full length Christmas CD soon. If this is any indication, it would be great!

Amazing Simplicity.......2003-10-27

The best way to explain this album is that "It works". Jars take a classic christmas song and make it thier own without detering from the original feel. on Drummer Boy, the blend of accoustic guitar with stings and haunting backing vocals is really amazing. And they make it sound so easy. Coming from a huge Jars of Clay fan, this review might be slighted, but this really is a gem. The "grinch mix" may not appeal to everyone instantly, but after repeat listenings, it catches on. The Blind remix is another example of Jars' awesome range creativity parting completely from the feel of "Drummer Boy". And ends perfectly with "Wicker Baskets", an instrumental works really well with this collection. If you can find the original release of the Drummer Boy cd with "God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (a dark accoustic rendition), and an accoustic version of "He" from thier self-titled debut which is amazing, I HIGHLY advise you buy it. Bottom line, this album works well anytime of the year, I listen to it reguardless of the season.

Merry Christmas Everyone!.......2002-12-26

I became a casual fan of Christian rock group Jars Of Clay through their hit single "Flood", but once I heard their version of one of my favorite Christmas songs on the radio several years ago, I instantly feel in love with its modern acoustics which blend flawlessly, and without detracting from the original feel of the classic Christmas tune, perfectly! I can seriously listen to this one song over and over again without growing tiresome of it! That's honestly how good their rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" really is! And while the Grinch Mix of the same song pales in comparison to the original single version, having it be slower in pace as it reduces to nothing but drums and subtle synthesizers work rather nicely.

The next two songs aren't exactly Christmas tunes but they're very nice to listen to if you feel the need to relax or to rewind from the stresses that Christmas sometimes generates while trying to manage your money while shopping!

I especially enjoy the Fluffy Sav Mix of "Blind", which I would recommend buying if it was a song by itself! And then there's "Wicker Baskets" which is a short, mellow instrumental that closes the album with calm acoustics.

great Christian music.......2001-09-22

Excellent Christian music. Only 4 songs, but each one is so great. This was my very first CD, great for all Christians. Really something to keep your faith strong.