Jars of Clay by Jars of Clay (CD, Oct-1995, Essential/Jive)

Released in 1995, Jars of Clay's self-titled album is based on their "Frail" school project album from their days in Greenville College. The band, who describes their music as "Acoustic, Driven, Alternative Pop" is composed of orignal members Dan Haseltine (lead singer), Charlie Lowell (Piano), Stephen Mason (Guitar), and newcomer Matthew Odmark (Acoustic Guitar) who joined the band after the departure of guitarist Matt Bronlewee in 1994.

The self-titled album contains 10 tracks (Liquid, Sinking, Love Song for a Savior, Like a Child (which is a song about the horrors of child abuse), Art In Me, He, Boy on a String, Flood, Worlds Apart, and Blind) as well as a hidden track entitled 4:7. Established hits such as Flood, Sinking, and Liquid highlight the album to personal favorites such as Love Song For A Savior, Boy On A String, Art In Me, and He.

If you are a fan of Christian Rock, Gospel, or Acoustic music in general, you are certainly going to love the style of Jars of Clay. Each song from this neophyte album -in my opinion - is in a class of it's own and certainly worth your money. Check them out today!

Arguably, this is the best cd from a classic Christian band. They can be defined as being acoustic-pop for introverts. Great music for reading or studying to.

The instant crossover hit, Flood, vaulted Jars to stardom instantly. While teens then rushed to their concerts to mosh, they instead found the band to be lyrically probing. The appeal of Jars is especially pertinent for the 20-something crowd.

The musicianship is smooth and is easy to listen to. They make a great coffee-house band and their lyrics are good fodder for discussion. Their music is emotive and their lyrics provoking. They make Christianity accessible. They are contemporary yet artsy, spiritual yet not too preachy.

After Flood's reign on radio, Liquid then provided a 'sneaky' evangelistic take on the cross. Once local stations figured out what the song was about, many then pulled it. It is the gospel in a digestive form.

Many churches even adopted Love Song for a Savior as a worship chorus, which is a curious environmental transference indeed. Art in Me is not only a cry for genuine appreciation, but a cry for recognizing the divine image in all people and in all things created by God.

As with all Jars cd's, there are also hits and misses. The misses depend more upon personal preferences and present moods than anything. A song that you don't care for now may find a greater pertinence in future circumstances. A song that you don't get now, you might get later under different conditions. The relevance of their music is often dependent upon specific situations in which new meaning is thereby embraced. They display their skills and then simply let the Spirit of revelation do His part. While there might be, just might be, some hits and misses here, this cd probably provides more hits than any other.

These guys are genuine and the real deal. They have proven themselves committed to their calling, even while reinventing themselves later on.

I bought the self titled release Jars of Clay because I remembered hearing the track "Flood" on the radio years ago and I liked it. I loved the entire cd! My most favorite thing about it is that I could enjoy every song. I hate to buy a cd but only have one or two tracks that I like. Every track on the cd offers very poignant lyrics original music and soulful vocals. If you're looking for honest, straight to the heart christian lyrics backed by powerful vocals this is the cd for you. You'll love it start to finish.

This cd is one of the best cd's jars of clay has put out. I love listening to it. The band still makes great music on the radio and has a great message.

The CD is scratched, but it's okay because my favorite song "Flood" is not; i really like Jars Of Clay. I needed this album.