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The North Sixty is basically the brainchild of singer/songwriter Jim McDonald.  The recurring theme here seems to be that of a man not wanting to be complacent, of a man not satisfied with himself.   McDonald has evidently been studying the book of Job lately, as seen in “Empty”, which shows the struggle we have in reconciling the bad things that happen in our lives while accepting God’s grace as sufficient:

When Job lost everything he didn’t lose salvation 
He accepted the blessings along with the hurt
And I tell you honestly I’ve heard the voice that calms the seas
And I know my redeemer lives.

McDonald reminds me of Ty Tabor (King’s X) in a way, in that his vocals are very tuneful, and very well done, but very hard to hear at times above the guitars and drums.  This is especially evident in the opening track, “Story of You and I.”  The mix does improve about halfway through the album.

“Merry Go Round” reminds us that no matter how we change in our lives, and how we try to alter ourselves, God does not change: “It doesn’t matter what I’ve been through - the Truth is true.”

My personal favorite on this CD is the song “Float Along.”   A powerful song in the style of “Grip” by Beki Hemingway, it shows us the difference between our desire to be liked by people, and the real love we receive from God:

  I don’t want to be part of the norm
  I don’t want to be man of the hour
  I don’t want to be the flavor of the month
  I just want to be loved.

For a Moment I Saw Clearly is a nice beginning for The North Sixty.  Hopefully, enough people will buy this CD that they can spend some real time in the studio next time out, with some upgraded equipment and a producer - I’d love to hear this album remastered.

Brian A. Smith 9/26/2001