The four members of modern rockers The Turning worked hard and long to get to RKT Music. But “Learning to Lose” is the pay off and we are the happy beneficiaries.
Five years of touring, writing, learning and recording come to a head in the compelling major-label debut that is "Learning to Lose." Former worship leaders all, their background is evident, but this music avoids the usual clichés and instead offers up plenty of hard-driving guitar hooks, personal lyrics and a bass player that just won't quit. I don't know when I've heard an album as informed by an intuitive bass. Jeremy Little's bass lends just the right bit of neck-snapping edge to these infectious songs.
"Learning to Lose" offers 12 original songs that, for the most part, promote freedom and a strong spiritual perspective toward the loving sovereignty of God. They're songs that teach in an indirect and appealing manner, with subtle lyrics packed full with deep truth. Another attractive aspect of this project is in the song list; producer Nathan Dantzler has arranged these diverse songs so as to be completely effective, in terms of listening pleasure and spiritual movement. Nicely done.
The exhilarating opener "Never Again" is an upbeat declaration of freedom, rich with catchy hooks. Pay attention to these noteworthy lyrics. Next attention-grabber is the radio single "Out of My Hands," a Crowder-like pop-rock anthem of surrender. Songwriter/vocalist Jacob McGinnis credits the genesis of this song as a significant turning point, when God "saved me from myself." "Through All the Earth" is next, and it is one of the songs in which Little's throbbing bass line lifts this worship song above the pack. "Numb" examines the way sin desensitizes us, confessing, "Only God can save me now, Only God can break my heart."
The emotive vocals of "Change" speak of our longing for that glorious day when we'll "fly so far away." The following track, the glorious "Lift You Down" serves as the centerpiece of the project. Perfectly positioned, its melodic chorus is lovely enough to produce an ache in the back of your throat. It is the single contribution of Robert Ellis Oral, with co-writers McGinnis and guitarist Matt Warren, but Oral made his one appearance count, and then some. "Escape" stands out for both its sparkling acoustic arrangements (oh, those strings!) and its tender vulnerability. It's impossible not to enjoy the passionate piano ballad, "For You," by which McGinnis proposed to his wife, with the insightful lyric: "I raised my voice to fight a war but lost the will to speak, I'm learning to lose." Probably more significant than he knows in a marriage proposal.
Exuberant rocker "Everything Matters" addresses priorities, and the jangly guitars of closer "Heart is Free" leads to a place of joyous release and recognition, declaring the wonderful lyric "When the world is on your shoulders, let Him in." The music of The Turning has convinced me, moved me and uplifted me. I think you'll find the same.
