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Justin Fox has been one of my favorite American indie artists in recent years so I eagerly tore open the plastic wrapping in which "Can't Bring Me Down" was sheathed. And what's inside? Justin's most accomplished album so far!

Here's a collection of songs that are more than satisfying both musically and lyrically! Inspired by some of the personal spiritual battles that he has fought in recent times, Justin takes into the studio a set of songs that have been born in struggle. When his baby developed medical complications, the experience brought Fox and his family to their knees in prayer and toughened his faith as they sought God for an answer. Now he's through the experience and his kid is healthy, this new set of songs does have a gutsy optimism that has been fashioned by difficult circumstances.

The music here is also gutsy so you get a variety of things happening. The title cut is a determined anthem that speaks against the power of circumstances to rob you of your faith. "Beautiful" has vertical lyrics and an enthusiastic raggedy groove propelling the band forward. Other highlights include "Surround Me" which talks of the security to be found in a relationship with God and you can imagine Justin writing "This Distance" in a hospital corridor dreaming of taking his baby home and holding on to Jesus in the middle of his distress. Because it is born in real experience, the song seems to explode with greater power. After a pile of edgier pop rock, the album closes with an acoustic, vibey song with an almost hymn like quality as Justin finds spiritual refreshment. It's an understated and yet upbeat way to finish the album.

I guess I only have a small quibble in all of this. I wonder at the honesty of calling this a Justin Fox Band album since none of the band played on the recording. Instead Justin has employed the use of some top Nashville session players without having the album become too smooth and CCM in style in a similar fashion to how Chris Taylor created the "Down Goes The Day" album.

Still, not really a serious complaint and the resulting material is so good that the theme of God working things out for your good if you stay faithful and the overwhelming sense of passion that emerges from the speakers when you play the album make this very special.

Mike Rimmer 10/23/2003