Shawn McDonald – Closer
Mar 13, 2011 CD Reviews
Posted by
wiegmake
Shawn McDonald
Closer
Sparrow
Grade – A+
Armed with his guitar and heart on fire for God, singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald is back, after nearly three years, with an album of hope and redemption. The record was written during a very difficult season, and McDonald hopes its transparency and honesty will help encourage and inspire listeners in the same way the songs did for him. Although he wrote the majority of the 13 tracks himself, artists Joy Williams and Brandon Heath lent their talents for a few of the songs. Musically, the album has the same acoustic guitar melodies and heartfelt lyrics Shawn McDonald fans know and love, but the album carries a more soulful sound than the some of his previous releases.
“Better Way” kicks the album off with a fun, groovy atmosphere and hummable chorus. “Closer” was the record’s first single, and is a beautiful, passionate declaration of surrender, repeating the line, “I am Yours, You can all of me, anything, everything, I just want to be ‘closer’, throughout the chorus. “Don’t Give Up” is an encouraging reminder to keep fighting when we feel like giving up, while “Eyes Forward” paints a picture of the spiritual battle that takes place daily as the enemy tries to turn us from the road we’re on. “Hope”, penned with singer-songwriter Joy Williams, paints a picture of God’s love through vivid imagery and metaphors. “Mystery” describes God, as being a mystery -something we can never fully understand or answer through clever analogies. “The Space In Between” is a plea for God’s power to replace our own strength in the things we face throughout life and it’s message sums the album up perfectly. “Storms”, the final track on the album, is written as a story, but not in the way many would expect. McDonald narrates the song, allowing listeners to insert their own stories and struggles into it, making it a very personal, prayerful experience, also tying the album off beautifully.
I’ve always loved Shawn McDonald’s music, and “Closer” most definitely does not disappoint. It’s a new chapter in his career as an artist, and more importantly a child of God. I loved the honesty and vulnerability in the album. While he speaks of brokenness, the strong themes of hope and redemption are constantly found, reminding listeners of a loving, merciful God. I know the album will connect with listeners in a very powerful way, as it did with me. I would recommend this album to anyone. It’s a strong album musically and the message is undeniable, making it one of my favorite albums of the year.
Tom F.
