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It takes a great deal of musical confidence to put out a quiet album of intimate, poetic, stripped down songs, but Shawn McDonald’s “Ripen” is confidence personified.
The worshipful opener "I Want to Be Ready" announces his intentions boldly: he will be stretching out. This standout track pierces your heart with its moving expression of deep adoration. It is followed by another bright spot, the rhythmically throbbing "The Rider on the White Horse" which has a passionate jam feel, bringing Jason Upton to mind. Several very mellow cuts follow, all of which highlight McDonald's expressive vocals, as he pleads with God to be his all ("Reason" and "I Am Nothing"). The radio single "Free" picks up the pace nicely, and don't miss the sparkle of the underlying mellotron. It's back to thick atmosphere with the contemplative "Ramblings of a Beggar" and the delicately expressive "My Salvation." McDonald creates a sense of rich intimacy on this album, making you feel as if he is sitting quietly across the room from you, sharing the deep worship of his heart almost unintentionally. While his lyrics fail to inspire, his unique vocal style gets his passion across and lifts his music above the pack. The Derek Webb-like "Confess" fills the room with a sense of loneliness, forcing you to look within. McDonald's own reflective style leads in this direction throughout, and that alone makes this album deeply valuable. The creative moving music is almost gravy to this amazing capacity. McDonald is joined by several very effective players as well; Christopher Stevens' imaginative programming enhances throughout and Roy Brewer's vivid violin work lifts the ethereal "Take Hold" and the moody "Perfectly Done" to the level of must-hear. "Imago" is another welcome interlude, this time with a fantastic flamenco feel, with more of Stevens' superb additions. Again, creative, imaginative, and confident indeed. McDonald's raspy vocals are perfect for the challenge that is "A Little More." Autobiographical closer "Lovely" is heart-rendingly brave in its vulnerability; his cracking voice only adds to the dramatic power, with no sense of force. Simply lovely in its brave honesty, asking the terrifying question "Is anyone out there that finds me lovely?" Like I said, it takes confidence. In Shawn McDonald's case, it is justified. "Ripen" is only the beginning of great things to come from this grateful poet.
The copyright of the article Shawn McDonald's Ripen in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Shawn McDonald's Ripen in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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