Search - Caedmon's Call :: Overdressed

Most of the lyrics pander to typical, cheesy Christian radio

Sandra Dee | 05/14/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have been an avid Caedmon's Call fan for over 10 years. But this album was a great disappointment to me. They seem to have lost their musical rawness and lyrical subtlety. Most of the lyrics do not feel genuine but instead sound like something written for airplay on cheesy Christian radio stations (for example "There is a Reason" and "Share the Blame") instead of written out of personal experience and struggle. I can't even make it through the whole song for "Share the Blame" because I find it so cheesy.



It is great to see Derek Webb back with the band, and there are a few good songs. And although I was originally skeptical when the band added another lead singer to the mix, I like Andrew Osenga's leads the best on this album ("Hold the Light" and "Expectations").



Caedmon's Call is one of the best live bands I have ever seen, and I've been to almost all of their tours. But the music on this album is overproduced and lacks the raw feel that they have in person and on their earlier albums. For example, "Love Grows Love" probably sounds better in person without the over-production.



There were few songs of normal struggle that Caedmon's Call had always brilliantly written in the past. I find it to be the worst of all of their albums."

Coming Back Home

Philip Fung | Denver, CO | 02/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is more like the Caedmon's of old that some of you may have been yearning for after their meanderings with ITCOA and ITCOA2.



With the addition of Andrew Osenga (formerly of The Normals), the band would appear to be a little crowded, but honestly, they seem to spread the duties around well, and that allows for each singer/songwriter to shine in their own way. Osenga adds a more melancholy and introspective flavor (Hold the Light) that is more reminiscent of the Normals, which I do miss as a band, and reminds you of Center Aisle and a few of the oldies.



As expected, many of the band members are now in new stages of life, including multiple kids for the Youngs, and marriage for Derek Webb. With these changes come songs with a different feel and focus. Love Grows Love and Ten Thousand Angels are both in that category, and while they have the same fun folk-rock feel, the topics have matured literally, talking about having children. :)



All in all, I definitely recommend this CD for any Caedmon's fan, and even more for those who tried Back Home or ITCOA and weren't hooked. This is what some of long-time fans have been talking about when we talk about the Caedmon's Call we fell in love with.



If you liked this one and are looking for other CC albums, go with the self-titled, My Calm//Your Storm and 40 Acres.



"

Not quite.

Troy W. Isakson | Spokane, WA | 01/25/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Caedmon's Call is capable of more than this. Nothing will beat their debut CD. How many band members do they need? "Sacred" is the best song. There doesn't seem to be much songwriting anymore."