UMC.org Music Review
Label: INO/Columbia
Sound/Style: Classic pop/rock that purposely straddles secular and Christian pop genres
By Steve Morley
UMC.org—Those who are new to the Derek Webb bandwagon may not understand why he’s been the object of such controversy in Christian circles. In a nutshell, Webb defected from popular Christian band Caedmon’s Call in pursuit of free expression consistent with his increasingly evolving interpretation of the Gospel. By following his convictions and writing hard-hitting topical songs that offered no easy platitudes, he has made some fellow Christians uncomfortable, if not downright angry. The ensuing discord also suggests that Christian music companies and fans expect their artists to present a unified and conservative public face—something Webb has declined to do. His song "I Don’t Want to Fight," while central to the theme of peace on his album, The Ringing Bell, could just as easily address Webb’s precarious position on the tightrope between mainstream and Christian factions: "So I’m walking away from this/ Before I hurt someone/ ‘Cause I’m facing enemies on both sides of the gun/ I don’t want to fight…"
Webb aggressively questions how Christians ought to view war, politics and poverty. He may not want to stir conflict, yet his thoughtful songs might threaten those with a cozy, broken-in theology. In truth, Webb’s meanings aren’t always clear or easy to grasp, so they might invite misinterpretation for those who aren’t following the online discussions. In order not to read anti-Bush sentiments into "A Savior on Capitol Hill," you have to somehow know that Webb isn’t intentionally aiming at the current U.S. administration. His assertion that a mortal in high authority shouldn’t be expected to wield God-like power rubs pointedly against the present alignment between Republicans and conservative Christians: "All of our problems gonna disappear/ When we can whisper right in that President’s ear/ He could walk right across the reflection pool/ In his combat boots and ten thousand dollar suit/ It’s the way of the world, the way of the gun/ It’s the trading of an evil for a lesser one/ So don’t hold your breath or your vote until/ You think you’ve finally found a savior up on Capitol Hill."
Even the song’s overdriven guitars and raw vocals carry an attitude likely to win approval from younger liberals, Christians and non-believers alike. The unfussy immediacy and post-modern pop/rock aesthetics on the disc seem designed to attract a hip, youthful audience—one that knows Webb has broken loose from the typical Christian music stable, though he is indeed talking to those believers willing to listen. Biblical references and extensions of Scripture abound, such as the paraphrase of 1 John 4:18 ("perfect love casts out fear") in "A Love That’s Stronger Than Our Fear." The propulsive pop-rocker decries the justification of torture to prosecute terrorists, pointing instead to the biblical directive "love your enemies." Webb implies that the urge to seek security by maintaining control—through violence, if need be—is a fear-based tactic as well as a surrogate for trust in a sovereign God. His declaration of devotion to God in the plaintive piano ballad "The Very End" should mollify fans in search of worshipful moments: "You are the anti-curse/ Death going in reverse/ And I’ll love you to the very end/ The very end."
Webb is at his most accessible on "Name," a protest against labeling others based on preconceived notions ("Don’t be satisfied when someone sums you up with just one word"). As he does elsewhere on the record, Webb tempers the weighty content with rich melodies and exhilarating pop settings that evoke Revolver-era Beatles.
On Webb’s The Ringing Bell, the musical strengths alone will likely catapult him into the mainstream, where his lyrics have the opportunity to engage people of all persuasions, just like any ringing bell should rightfully do.
Audio Clips
"The End"
"The Very End"
"A Love That's Stronger Than Our Fear"
"I Wanna Marry You All Over Again"
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