March 11, 2013
April Wefler
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Among Christian audiences, Jeremy Camp’s name is almost synonymous with popular artists like Casting Crowns, Relient K and Switchfoot.
His seventh studio album, “Reckless,” was released Feb. 12. In it, Camp shares his faith and his wishes for not only his own life, but the world, while drawing in listeners with his enticing voice.
“Reckless” opens the record with a strong statement. In the chorus, Camp sings, “I wanna be reckless / ‘Cause You are endless / I wanna be shameless … I will not be afraid to surrender my way,” telling the Lord that he gives his life to Him, causing audiences to think.
Following is a song that likely appeals more to Christians, but that can also send a message to nonbelievers.
In “The Way You Love Me,” Camp sings, “We learned to love one another / Through the love of the father.” The lyrics are a reminder to love thy neighbor – a message desperately needed in today’s world.
“Free,” while beautiful, is a typical worship song, with the focus being on how God sets people free. Compared with “Reckless” and “The Way You Love Me,” the song is a little disappointing. As in many worship and several secular songs, “Free” starts to become repetitive.
In the next track, the listener is taken directly to “Paradise.” In such lines as “Can’t wait to walk the streets of gold / And see a lion with a lamb / And colors that are untold” and “See the majesty and the glory that makes the earth shake,” Camp uses strong imagery to create the mysterious world of paradise, or Heaven, and to enfold the listener in the afterlife.
“Come Alive” states a strong and beautiful message: “I will continue to fight ’til the world comes alive.” The song speaks of God’s love and how “we” were redeemed, restored and given new life.
“My God” and “We Must Remember” are, like “Free,” typical worship songs and become repetitive. In contrast, “Shine” is not only catchy with a great beat, but it also ends with the inspiring line, “Won’t you move us to the places where the broken find healing in Your name.”
Camp finishes his “Reckless” record with the beautiful “Reign in Me” and “Without You.” In “Reign in Me,” Camp sings, “I have seen so many teardrops fall to the ground.” As if in response, “Without You” has the line “I’ve walked through the fire / And every step You never left my side.”
Although some of Camp’s newest songs are repetitive, typical and consequently lacking originality, the majority of his “Reckless” record is beautiful and inspiring. With his use of imagery and his strong voice, “Reckless” is indeed worth a listen.