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Artist: Justin McRoberts
Label: Keeping Records
Length: 12/46:39
As I listened to Grace Must Wound… , the thought that keep recurring was "Derek Webb." Like Webb, Justin McRoberts seems to have a deeper perspective in the difference between who Jesus Christ was, or the Americanized version of Christianity – the two are often mutually exclusive.
The title here is taken from a Flannery O'Connor quote, "Grace must wound before it heals." The songs and lyrics here reflect that philosophy. "Into Your Home: rails against taking the easy way out, and strains against the snares of temptation. "Change" reminds that life can only begin when a radical decision is made. "Safe" covers some of the same ground, detailing the choices of being sheltered or actually living life.
"Secret of the Easy Web," a Pedro the lion cover, speaks to the problem of feeling disconnected within the church:
Could someone please tell me the story"Be Not Far Off" is Psalm 22 set to music, a lament of David mourning his distance from God, while "If We Go It Alone," a New Orleans-influenced song, reminds of the futility based in man's solo efforts. "Picking Sides" is an anti-political track that combines the best of Derek Webb's ideas with the questioning of T-Bone Burnett.
Of sinners ransomed from the fall
I still have never seen you
And some days I don't love you at all.
McRoberts is an introspective writer, making it clear that his songs are not just for the hearer, but for himself as well. Mostly acoustically based, his music falls somewhere between Derek Webb and a male version of the Indigo Girls, with occasional forays to the edge of country music. Grace Must Wound… is one of a few albums that I can honestly say I needed to hear because of its lyrics. Thankfully, the music makes it an easier pill to swallow.
Brian A. Smith
3 April 2006
