Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
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Many believe that Stained Glass will be the breakthrough album for Clay Crosse -- and with good reason. Although Crosse may not be a newcomer to the ears of many Christian music listeners, he's still not yet a household name. In fact, listening to how his voice changes from song-to-song on this pleasant album may bring to mind a number of already established household names, like the soulful power of a Russ Taff, the upbeat strut of a Bryan Duncan, or the youthful sincerity of Steven Curtis Chapman.
While he often comes across as a kind of musical chameleon who can quickly inhabit the musical stylings of his peers, Crosse is still able to exhibit a truckload passion for the songs he sings.
Crosse's style can best be labeled "pop Christian." There once was a day when Christian music could easily be segregated into such ready-made categories as inspirational, Black gospel, rock, and Southern Gospel. But when an album, such as this one, includes hints of almost all of these flavors, what can you call it? Besides, labeling is for folks who spend their time storing preserves for the winter, and not for those who love to explore the vast musical universe. For our exploration of this release, letıs start with the best. "He Walked a Mile" is the album's standout track, and reminds listeners of how the Savior has truly walked in our shoes, feels our pain, and understands our struggles. Written by Dan Muckala -- one of the primary songwriters for this project -- this song sounds like an old Celtic folk song. The melody paradoxically sounds both ancient and new at the same time. A rare accomplishment indeed.
In addition to the more meditative songs, Crosse has also chosen to get down with a little funky soul. "Somethin's Missin'" is anchored by some swampy guitar licks and the kind of organ fills which make you reach back for your 70s Al Green records. Its lyrics explain how we seem to fill our lives with everything except the thing we need most, and that without the Lord, there's still something missing.
"Saving the World" continues in this same deep-fried musical style. It appears to be directed towards the listener who may have been turned off by something that a minister has said in the name of God. And although there may be a lot of denominations giving mixed messages about spiritual truths today, Jesus came for the purpose of "dying on a cross/Saving the world/Rising from the dead/Doing what He said." With so many non-essential issues getting all of the press when it comes to the church's public face these days, Crosse just wants to make sure the world doesn't miss the Bible's most important points.
Although most non-believers will get a clear presentation of the Gospel from Stained Glass, Crosse seems most intent on speaking to the church. With "Sold Out Believer" he encourages all to give their whole lives to God; in "Consider the Choices" he stresses how each and every action is followed by a reaction, and that the poorly chosen ones have dire consequences; "Love One Another Right" adds an exclamation of the word "right" to the commandment to love one another -- which means that even with our best intentions, we often get the whole neighborly love concept wrong.
Fortunately for the listener, the album's weaker cuts come at the end. One of these is a cover of the 70s pop hit "He Ain't Heavy." Giving it a modern musical take, with an understated percussion track, saps this emotional heart-tugger of much of its strength and power.
The song "Wicked," with its chorus about how God will reign on the wicked, sounds out of place next to the rest of the record's words of hope and encouragement. It's well played and sung, but sounds like a fish out of water, with that emotional tone.
Still, Crosse comes out ahead by exemplifying the kind of talent and confidence to play with the big boys. One hopes that he will also add more originality to his list of accomplishments, but for now we can be satisfied with this solid music of Stained Glass.
Dan McIntosh is a music reviewer in Los Angeles.
Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com