Much Afraid
a review by Bright Eyes
Much Afraid as a Whole
In Christian music today, there may be nothing more wondrous than experiencing the triumph of the human spirit changing from a fearful, fragile, broken mass to a bold, beautiful, mended soul full of child-like faith. This metamorphosis is clearly and vividly illustrated in Jars of Clay's MUCH AFRAID. Learning to trust Jesus completely and gaining strength through our weaknesses are just two of the several essential lessons found within these eleven songs. If you search them closely, you may find they contain some of the secrets of victorious Christian living: humility, giving, and service to name a few.
Overjoyed
"Overjoyed" expresses the feelings experienced as we strive to find the willingness to be transformed completely so that we may become the person God desires for us to be. We have reassurance through peace in knowing that His pure love will conquer all things.
Fade to Grey
This powerful, updated version is absolutely wild with feeling! It shows us that although we may be inside a downward spiral of ignorance and even when we are falling away from God's grace, growing faith can be the result of our despair.
Tea and Sympathy
"Tea and Sympathy" contains such urgency in its lyrics! These words are the broken cries of a heart whose love has been dashed on the rocks by bitterness and misunderstanding. The heart is learning that only true love can sweeten the worthlessness of our intentions, our actions, and our words. It is pleading for a way to change --- a path through the difficult times --- so that love will not be lost.
Crazy Times
This song does not hold back its message in any way. It places a cold heart on display and describes someone whose mind has deceived them into believing they are alone in their suffering and pain. This person denies the truth and is falling apart inside their lonliness. They need to see that their empty tears cannot heal --- only God can.
Frail
"Frail's" whispering, breathtaking nature is more than enough to put even the hardest-hearted person on their knees, maybe even in tears of surrender. For if we were strong and comfortable with no fear, we would become vulnerable ... we would be frail.
Five Candles (You were there)
"Five Candles" is a very catchy little tune that expresses the thoughts and hopes of a small child who knows he cannot trust his father's good intentions. He is trying to wade through the pain and despair his earthly father has caused in hopes of letting it all go and turning to his Heavenly Father instead.
Weighed Down
Musically, "Weighed Down" is the sister song to "Four Seven" from Jars' previous releases. The lyrics question the stability of our faith and the possibility of the church being able to fulfill its purpose while being trapped inside our senseless rules and traditions. However, the King of Love is all powerful --- not burdened by these things --- and continues to wait for us to wake up and see that it is time to come home.
Portait on an Apology
"Portrait of an Apology" is a lovely, poignant lament full of stirring imagery that cuts deep into your heart. The song's reflective lyrics portray someone who is begging their heart to go back to the way it used to be for just a little while longer so their soul may be renewed and they can break free from their self-made prison.
Truce
A heavy mixture of drums and keyboards provides the backdrop for "Truce," a reminder that if we accept our sorrow and suffering with joy and humility, the Shepherd will never abandon us in our confusion. He is always standing by, waiting for us to receive His blessings of peace.
Much Afraid
"Much Afraid" is a tender, heartfelt prayer which moves along slowly, allowing the listener to fully absorb the lyrics. This person is calling out of the empty darkness and disonance of their soul to their Heavenly Father who will never release them from His Love.
Hymn
The sheer beauty and lifting harmonies of this "Hymn" express a deep yearning to know the Truth that neither fear nor death can lead us. If we will place our will at Christ's feet and look only to Him for peace, He will always be our shelter and our heart's desire, even in the hardest times.