Jars of Clay – The Long Fall Back to Earth
Gray Matters/Essential Records
Fourteen years ago a few unknown students from Greenville College in Illinois released a single that, unbeknownst to them, would change their lives forever. Within a few weeks of its release, Jars of Clay’s 1995 debut single, “Flood” topped both Christian and secular charts, beginning an era of success that continues to this day.
Jars of Clay’s popularity can be attributed to the band’s catchy melodies, radio-friendly songs, and honest, introspective lyrics. Over the years, the band has tweaked its sound as both their musical tastes and skills have matured, but the heart of the band remains the same.
With their 2006 release, Good Monsters, Jars of Clay put down the acoustic guitars that made them famous and fully crossed over into the realm of rock. In the same vein as Good Monsters, Jars of Clay released its 10th studio album, The Long Fall Back to Earth, on April 21, 2009.
This 14-track album is full of electronic beats and synthetic elements that are reminiscent of 80’s bands such as Tears for Fears and The Cure. Other tracks evoke Death Cab for Cutie, The Fray, and Snow Patrol, but all with a Jars of Clay twist. Lyrically, The Long Fall Back to Earth explores relationships and community in a bold and honest manner. The album makes it clear that Jars of Clay still has some great music left in them.
The album starts off with “The Long Fall,” a mid-tempo, piano-driven instrumental track that transitions into the drum- and guitar-heavy “Weapons.” The third song, “Two Hands,” which is currently #15 on Christian charts, has the familiar Jars of Clay radio-friendly pop sound most fans are familiar with. “Heaven” and “Closer,” on the other hand, boast a retro electronic, synth-driven sound. Next is the introspective and peaceful “Safe to Land,” which is reminiscent of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” followed by the acoustic guitar-driven “Headphones.”
The Long Fall Back to Earth then changes gears with “Don’t Stop,” another poppy electronic/synth song. Next is “Boys (Lesson One),” a softer song that features strings and a light electronic beat, written from the perspective of a father to a son. The following song, “Hero,” turns up the volume with driving guitars and strong drums, claiming “We need a hero to save us from ourselves.” Returning to 80s synth-rock, “Scenic Route” is a call to get to know someone deeply rather than just surface level conversations. “There Might Be A Light” and “Forgive Me” are classic Jars of Clay songs. The album closes with “Heart,” a long, beat-heavy song that could be mistaken for a mellow MuteMath song.
Clearly, Jars of Clay’s musical sound is greatly influenced by the bands they enjoy listening to. While this makes for enjoyable music, it can also feel like unsatisfying leftovers of the bands Jars of Clay appears to be emulating. Of course, Jars of Clay fans who may be unfamiliar with such bands may find The Log Fall Back to Earth refreshing.
Jars of Clay continues to create quality music that most music lovers, especially those that favor Christian music, will enjoy. Overall, The Long Fall Back to Earth makes for an entertaining listen, but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re interested in listening to the album before you buy it, we suggest you visit www.lala.com and stream the whole album once for free.