Description
Roots is the third studio album by the American singer and songwriter Shawn McDonald, released on Sparrow Records in March 2008, manufactured by EMI CMG Label Group, distributed by EMI CMG Distribution. Also marketed and distributed in the EU by Kingsway Communications Ltd. The album was recorded by Christopher Stevens, assisted by Kevin Powell, at FabMusic in Franklin, Tennessee; with Stevens producing. Mixed by Christopher Stevens at FabMusic. Strings arranged by Stevens. All songs written by Shawn McDonald except track 1 co-written with Christopher Stevens and Jon Foreman, track 2 co-written with Christopher Stevens, track 3 co-written with Marc Byrd, track 8 co-written with Ben Glover, and track 10 co-written with Christopher Stevens and Neal Vickers.
Comparable with Kristian Leontiou, Daniel Powter and Jack McManus, this beautifully crafted third studio album from American singer/songwriter McDonald is a selection of acoustic-based songs filled with listenable hooks, catchy melodies and lyrics which show a knowledge and love of Scripture, especially Psalms and Proverbs. The title reflects McDonald’s desire to return to his “alt-folk” roots and to be rooted and grounded in Christ and he is obviously someone comfortable, or perhaps more accurately, secure in his faith. He does like to mix ‘n’ match musical styles, and though the overall feel of the album is of mellow pop there is variety too, such as the bluesy sound of the title track, the funky feel of «Greed» where the growing instrumentation gives a feeling of greedily adding more and more to the song, the acoustic groove of «Shadowlands» is a masterful reworking of Psalm 23, «Captivated» is a light pop song expressing wonder in a creation that points to an amazing God and «Time» presents the well known words of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 in a folky dance format. The closing track «Hallelujah» is not the oft-covered Leonard Cohen creation, but a haunting reflection on the beatitudes starting with a simple guitar-based backing and working up to an orchestral crescendo. A perfect end to a near perfect CD from a man at home with his faith and his music who invites us to share in both. [Alastair McCollum, Cross Rhythms, August 2008]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/roots/863189098)
CD tracklist:
01. Clarity
02. Captivate
03. Wash Me Clean
04. Shadowlands
05. Light
06. Waltz In 3
07. Roots
08. Slow Down
09. Greed
10. Time
11. Winter
12. Hallelujah
Note: Songbook available.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.