Roots
Artist: Shawn McDonald
Label: Sparrow Records
Length: 12 songs / 49:58

Christian folk-rock Jamiroquoai.

Review over!  Publish!  Man, that was easy... what, four words isn't enough.  Fine.

Shawn McDonald's overall sound can be summed up in four words - christian folk-rock Jamiroquoai.  The delivery of his vocals is extremely similar to the manner in which the white funky boy behind "Virtual Insanity" serves his rhymes.  McDonald's aping or coincidental similarity is not a fault, however, because he does it very well over folk rock guitar and some tasty beats.  Wheras McDonald's first album, Simply Nothing, was interesting but largely repetitive, Roots shows his growth as a songwriter.  There is more diversity in writing and arrangement, with pretty strings, more harmony, and an overall more relaxed vibe.

The most prominent theme in McDonald's lyrics is a child-like awe and love of the Heavenly Father.  "Captivated" is the most poignant expression of it, as McDonald sings "I am captivated by you" over urgent acoustic strumming and lush strings.  As the bridge rises and McDonald cries out, unable to contain his joy, so too will your heart soar.  Truly, the song lives up to its name.  While none of the other tracks approach such depth of beauty and warmth (a difficult task indeed), the remainder of Roots is a pleasant listening experience. "Waltz in 3" is a gentle prayer; "Shadowlands" is a rollicking roots foot-stomper.  If I have one complaint, it is that McDonald's lyrics are very simple and full of christian cliches.  McDonald's engaging delivery and the genuine, joyful sincerity conveyed in his vocals, however, go a long way to forgiving lyrics which are - on paper - somewhat bland.

Roots is not the album of the year, but not every record needs or can be on that kind of plane.  Fact is, Shawn McDonald has delivered a winner that is enjoyable and, at times, indeed "captivating." Also, his name is much easier to spell than Jamiroquoai's.

Ryan Ro