Justin McRoberts (An Album Review)
Justin McRoberts has been circling the “Christian” music scene for several years now. Since 2001, he has been an independent artist, foreshadowing the growing movement of artists separating themselves (for a variety of reasons) from label involvement. Getting his start on the now-defunct and sorely missed 5 Minute Walk Records, Roberts has continued to carve a comfortable spot for himself among the cadre of “singer-songwriters.”
Deconstruction is McRoberts’ seventh release and demonstrates a maturity and self-assuredness often lacking in this genre. Many “singer-songwriters” often find themselves in the trap of wanting to sound so sensitive that they’re rarely willing to say anything with force. Yet in “America and the Soul,” McRoberts sings “You’d rather sell your soul to America than take a chance on me. You’ll have to take a chance on me.” A song examining the state of the soul in modern America, skillfully weaving dobro and “Americana” sounds with confident but troubled self-exmination.
The album holds on to hope, even in the midst of life’s very real and very many challenges. In “A Hope Deferred,” McRoberts sings: “a hope deferred can kill a heart and make a mockery out of what’s really art. So set your sights upon the day. May your eyes be free to see the light again.” Set with a catchy “hey la la” chorus, the song nudges its way into your thoughts, providing comfort.
The music is often a bit scaled down, focusing on acoustic instrumentation. This allows the focus to remain on the lyrics, which McRoberts delivers convincingly. The two work well together, dancing around the edges of both folk and pop, combining the two nicely.
Deconstruction is a solid, thought-provoking album that reminds us that the most enduring artists are often the ones going about it their own way.
you should edit the review to fix “Roberts” to read “McRoberts.”
Yes I should.