Ask most fans of contemporary Christian music if they know the name Andrew Peterson and they will probably shrug and shake their heads. However, among Christian musicians Peterson has earned a level of respect as a musician and songwriter that many artists could only dream of.
He recently released Counting Stars, (recorded in only 8 days in Washington state), is a personal and introspective look at life and faith and family. This album diverges a bit in style and theme from his other works, yet carries on that incredible songwriting tradition that has garnered him comparisons to Rich Mullins and Keith Green.
The New Perspective Found in "Dancing in the Minefields"
The first single off the album (which recently hit #19 on the adult contemporary charts) "Dancing in the Minefields" is representative of the sound and feel of the whole album. Written as a reflection on his own relationship to his wife, Peterson compares marriage to "dancing in the minefields" and "sailing in the storm."
He brings honesty and vulnerability to a topic that is usually reserved for unrealistic love ballads and mushy poetry. And he vaguely quotes his song "Don't Give Up On Me" from Resurrection Letters Vol. II as a backing drone on the chorus. All in all the lyrics are a powerful testimony to the true nature of Christian marriage.
Accompanying the incredible lyrics of the song is a stripped down folk acoustic style, reminiscent of some of his earlier work on Carried Along. The instrumentation basically consists of two acoustic guitars, bass, piano, and light percussion.
In a day where electronic processing seems to pervade every genre it is refreshing to hear an album based on good old fashioned musical talent. As always the guitar and piano work are top notch (which is a given with guys like Andy Gullahorn and Ben Shive backing him up), and the production leaves plenty of room for each instrument to find it's place in the mix.
Andrew Peterson's Musical and Lyrical Vulnerability
The scaled down musical feel continues throughout the album with songs like "The Magic Hour" relying only on a piano and string quartet for accompaniment. "Isle of Sky" adds a gorgeous french horn part to give an almost orchestral feel while still maintaining the musical space Peterson seems to be after. Other songs like "Planting Trees" and "Fool With a Fancy Guitar" reveal his love for the guitar-led folk singer-songwriter genre that fits his style so well. The album gives you the sense of sitting in Peterson's living room listening to him and a couple of friends just sing and play music because they love it.
Yet, while the style is innovative in its simplicity, the real songwriting meat comes in Peterson's lyrics. Instead of focusing on a single concept (as he did with the critically acclaimed Resurrection Letters Vol. II) his songs seem to be random reflections of his own thoughts and emotions. Some, like "Many Roads" and "World Traveler," give voice to the sojourner side of Peterson. Others reflect his wresting with his own demons. The songs "In the Night" and "You Came So Close" are some of the most raw and honest musical refelctions in the contemporary Christian music world to date. And Peterson ends, as he often does, with the hope of God's restoring power in the song "The Reckoning."
A Bit of Folk Monotony
While each of the songs on Counting Stars easily stands alone as impressive musical offerings, together they don't quite make up a complete sounding album. Peterson's minimalistic instrumentation works on individual songs, but gives the whole album a monotone feel, allowing the songs to blend together a bit. The album lacks the soaring highs of Resurrection Letters Vol. II that provided the necessary contrast to make the more reflective parts seem that much deeper.
Yet, once again it is hard to argue with the sheer songwriting talent and poetic spirit that Peterson brings to table.
Andrew Peterson's Counting Stars: The Verdict
Peterson's reputation as one of the best songwriters in the CCM sphere is well deserved and Counting Stars proves it all over again. He effectively communicates true vulnerability both musically and lyrically in an artistic world where so many artists struggle to find that same voice. However the album can seem monotonous at times with the lack of true instrumental variation. There are fewer bad songs on this album than on his previous ones but also fewer true hits, making this a solid yet still slightly disappointing offering from such a fine artist.
References:
The Andrew Peterson Official Website
Steve Wilburn - Steve is currently a Worship Director at a suburban Philadelphia church, and a seminary student. He is a classically trained vocalist with ...
