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"I'm afraid I see nation fighting nation/I hear war has gathered in the air" is the opening line to Paul Colman Trio's new album, One.  It's a collection of tunes written between 9/11 and the second war in Iraq.  However, unlike artists like U2 or Bruce Springsteen who confronted these confusing times head on in search for answers and communion, Paul Colman plays it safe and
just hints at a deeper point. 

Throughout this fantastic sounding album, Paul Colman weaves journal entry after journal entry of fear, stability, and peace in Christ backed up by a guitar-pop sound that sounds like something John Mayer's older brother would release.    In nearly every track, Colman sets up verses of conflict and doubt, but uses every chorus to reassure God that he's staying true till the end.  Take this passage from "Your Man":

I've been a tough man, I've been a hard man
I've been a man who's been willing to start a fight or three
I've been a harsh man and
I've been a "get things done" man
And I've seen a lot of things man
But now all I want is

I want to be your man.

That's great, Paul!  Did I mention this album SOUNDS great? At first I thought that a good dose of defiant American Rock 'n' Roll would be a great response to the times.   Perhaps some primal screams or fists in the air, and maybe a finger for good measure.  But the thing about U2 and Springsteen is that they acted like they may have some answers, or at least were able to offer some support.  But there aren't any answers, and Colman knows that.  He knows that if you don't have anything to say, don't act like
you do, and I respect that.  He plays it safe with hooky guitar-pop instead of Rock 'n' Roll because he knows Rock 'n' Roll requires that you take a stand.  Instead, Coleman sticks to what he knows:  instantly forgettable CCM full of bumper-sticker theology.  It's a formula that Colman perfectly milks throughout the entire album.  If you like every other Christian album put out this year, you'll LOVE this one, too.

Andy Odom  9/29/2003