"10 Years And Still Ticking"
A Review of "Who We Are Instead" by Jars of Clay
By Geeves

After 10 years together and 5,000,000 units sold, Jars of Clay returns to its acoustic roots with the release of their fifth Essential Records studio recording of new material cleverly titled "Who We Are Instead." Painting an overall message of hope, the band continues to challenge the audience with topics of faith, love, and struggle. Hitting the shelves of retail stores on November 4th, 2003, the band runs into some competition with other new releases from familiar artists like Tait, P.O.D, and Jennifer Knapp. However, this one is sure not to disappoint.

The project opens up with the up-tempo "Sunny Days." With a lighthearted feel, this track easily catches the listener's ear. The guitar melodies are so unique and so simple, you'll be humming it for the rest of the day. The country-esque "Amazing Grace" slows it down a bit. With a laid-back feel, I found myself asking if this really was Jars. It displays the maturity of the band after ten years, tackling almost any kind of musical genre. "Lonely People," a cover song originally performed by 1970's band, America, rounds out the first three tracks. Most Jars of Clay fans have probably seen them live numerous times over the years. They probably noted that the guys will pull off a cover tune or two. It's only natural to include one on this record since it's going "back to their roots." Although most cover songs performed take away original interpretation, this performance does the song justice by combining the amazing vocals of the band, without taking away any of the original music. If it's missing one thing, it's the harmonica, but keyboardist Charlie Lowell's solo fills in beautifully.

Up next is "Only Alive," a song that aches to be slow-danced to. This piece may have romance written all over it, which is something we haven't heard since If I Left The Zoo's "No One Loves Me Like You." Similar to the Zoo track, it's got that ambiguity, where it can be lyrically directed to God or a loved one. Yet, it's a love song nonetheless. In fact, it'll make you want to go out to the porch swing and snuggle with your significant other.

Changing directions, "Trouble Is" comes in next with a bold declaration to it. Driven by beats that have a negro spiritual flavor with a lot a soul, this is new territory for the band. "Man, the trouble is....we don't know who we are instead." This is probably the most powerful statement of the record.....if you think about it.

Rounding out the first six tracks is "Faith Enough." I first heard this live in February of 2003 during the acoustic tour with Caedmon's Call. Musically, this is probably the weakest song of the album. It lacks the intensity and creativity that we've come to know from the band. Lyrically, it's wonderful. Dan Haseltine and Co. chooses eloquent words that teach the listener to trust in God through struggle.

For a band to be successful, every record needs a radio single. On "Who We Are Instead," you'll find "Show You Love" at the heart (no pun intended) of the recording. It should sound the most different of the songs of the album, well, because of its radio-friendliness. With its pop feel, my hope is that it attracts new listeners to go out and get the CD.

"Lesser Things" kicks off the second half of the recording with their classic acoustic sound. Though some may find it a bit bland, the upbeat tempo will keep your feet tapping. Following "Lesser Things" comes "I'm In A Way," a pop/rock tune that just bursts with energy. The younger fans are going to love this one!

Up next is "Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet." Simple in form and words, the band came up with the chorus years ago from another composer. This track has a lazy, bluesy feel to it....in fact, it may just put you to sleep. However, being a fan, I've discovered that the beauty of Jars of Clay is that they can write and perform something that sounds so simple and so easy that sometimes I'm itching for more. I have a feeling that "Jesus Blood..." will be one of those.

The last three songs really shine. Dan Haseltine's voice in "Jealous Kind" moves up to another level that most of us have never even heard! It gave me goosebumps and almost similar feelings of when I first heard "World's Apart" from the debut CD. "Sing" is one that I can just tell that guitarists Matt Odmark and Steve Mason love to perform. Finally, "My Heavenly" is another great example of Haseltine's crystal-clear vocals.

I've been asked by many people if this is their best recording to date, and honestly, I think that's an unfair question. Each one is so completely different it's like asking a mother who is her favorite child....you just can't do it. Each one has its own traits. That's what I love about this band. With each record comes a new sound, a new feel, and a new emotion. After ten years, I'm glad we haven't found Jars of Clay's sound. That's part of the fun and I hope that continues for the next ten.