Following The Path Ahead
Posted January 12, 2015
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Author of a heartbreaking yet hope-filled memoir, ordained minister, father to three adorable kids, husband to a beautiful wife, worship leader to millions: Jeremy Camp wears many hats. Not to mention the gold-certified albums, live recordings, number one songs, numerous major awards (including five Doves) and Grammy nomination he has under his belt. There are few things to be done in Christian music that he hasn't already done, and he has done it all well.
But Jeremy's life has seen its share of darkness too. After losing his first wife to cancer, he battled through a season of grief and sorrow unlike any he'd ever known. Although by far the most difficult thing he'd ever faced, God used Jeremy's pain to birth songs of hope and a testimony of redemption. Since then, much of his music has centered on the faith and trust that carried him out of that darkness, and I Will Follow is no different.
"Living Word" opens with the energetic sound we've come to love from Jeremy's previous projects, smoothly transitioning into the title track, on which Jeremy revisits the rock roots his earlier music displayed. Lead single "He Knows" has had major radio success and overwhelming positive listener feedback already since it was released in September, continuing to impact hearts with its comforting message of truth.
"Finally Home," definitely a stand-out track, brings a new sound into the mix and shows off the incredible talent of the band backing Camp. One of Jeremy's richest elements in this album are the power-packed, encouraging lyrics found in songs like "Christ In Me," "'Til The End" and "Here I Am."
Bringing the standard version of the album to a close, "Only In You" and "Same Power" focus on finding our strength in Christ, while southern flavored "Can't Be Moved" and rock-styled "We Are The Dreamers" shine as highlights of the musical journey that is I Will Follow.
As for the deluxe edition, Jeremy seems to revert back to his deepest passion: worship. "Spirit Now" is a heart cry for more of the presence of God, leading into "Be Still," a powerful yet emotional ballad sure to leave you in an attitude of praise. Climbing back to up-tempo, "Perfect Love" takes Biblical truths and presents them in a way both sonically and lyrically strong enough to have been a leading track in the standard cut. The deluxe edition ends with acoustic versions of "Here I Am" and "He Knows."
Closing Thoughts:
Being the eighth studio album, one might think that Jeremy would be running out of things to say on I Will Follow, but that seems to be exactly the opposite in this case. Each collection of songs seems to come from a different season than the last with a new message for listeners. The overarching theme of I Will Follow is to continue walking the path God has laid out for us, no matter how unexpected or uncomfortable. The album is full of rock vibes, upbeat energy and new sounds that make every song an enjoyable listen, leaving us ready to hear more.
Jeremy's band played a huge part in the making of these songs, and as much as the vocals and lyrics will be part of its success, the incredible instrumentation and background vocals stand out as a major part of why I Will Follow is such a well-rounded effort. I'd dare to say this is Jeremy's best work to date, a pleasant evolution of sorts from his past albums. It's clear that the Camp crew shows no sign of stopping anytime soon, and that is a reason for Christian music fans to rejoice.
Song to Download Now:
"I Will Follow" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By CaitlinLassiter_NRT | View CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Profile
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