Diamond in the Rough - Jennifer Knapp, Colvin, Shawn
When Nothing Satisfies
Peace
Wow. Twenty-six-year-old Jennifer Knapp has done far more than rest on her laurels for her much-anticipated follow-up to 1998's Kansas--the record is a subtle, yet stellar, leap forward. The songs have pop hooks that stick... more » in your brain for hours; the music is tightly woven and expert, yet rarely too slick. Expertly produced by pal Toby McKeehan, layers of complimentary, warm sound surround Knapp's folk-bluesy, expressive voice like the foam atop a perfect latte. The lyrics are introspective and spiritual but they have this real-life quality to them, and that is her true gift. One has to struggle not to identify with Knapp when she sings, on "A Little More," of the struggle to live a Christian life: "A little more than I can give / A little more than I deserve / Unearth this holiness I can't earn." The only justifiable quibble is that, at 36 minutes, Lay It Down is way too short. --Mike McGonigal« less
Wow. Twenty-six-year-old Jennifer Knapp has done far more than rest on her laurels for her much-anticipated follow-up to 1998's Kansas--the record is a subtle, yet stellar, leap forward. The songs have pop hooks that stick in your brain for hours; the music is tightly woven and expert, yet rarely too slick. Expertly produced by pal Toby McKeehan, layers of complimentary, warm sound surround Knapp's folk-bluesy, expressive voice like the foam atop a perfect latte. The lyrics are introspective and spiritual but they have this real-life quality to them, and that is her true gift. One has to struggle not to identify with Knapp when she sings, on "A Little More," of the struggle to live a Christian life: "A little more than I can give / A little more than I deserve / Unearth this holiness I can't earn." The only justifiable quibble is that, at 36 minutes, Lay It Down is way too short. --Mike McGonigal
Patricia S. (mountaingirlpat) from COLORADO SPGS, CO Reviewed on 11/21/2009...
This is my favorite of all of Jennifer Knapp's music! Her distinct, almost rusty-sounding voice touches my heart every time I hear it. I think she has one of the most beautiful voices of all time.
Michelle B. (forensicpsych72) from TULSA, OK Reviewed on 4/7/2007...
This is an AWESOME contemp. Christain cd. Great pop feel. She has a really good voice.
Bonnie C. (frugalmama) from LAKEVILLE, MA Reviewed on 8/10/2006...
Jennifer Knapp never lets me down. Her writing and music is powerful! Another great one from Jennifer Knapp.
CD Reviews
Spectacular Sophomore Offering
T.J. Tallie | 04/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"She's done it again! When i reviewed Kansas, I wrote that I couldn't wait to see what Jen had in store for us with her next cd. She's blown me away. A Little More, the opening song, is pure magic. The rawly personal lyrics blend with the pleasing music to form a truly inspiring song. The title track follows, rough and bluesy, a tad reminiscent of the Fiona Apple sound Jennifer sported on "Undo Me" from Kansas. Usher Me Down is lyrically perfect and sweetly arranged, it's sincere message adding more powerful to an already beautiful song. There appears to be an Alanis Morissette influence in the next track, a standout, as she tells of a "skin-art junkie, all cute and petite" who's reached an impasse in her life that only Christ can move. The whimsically calypso-fused "All Consuming Fire" is a departure from Jen's folkish regular sound, but she succeeds, and the song is enticing.The latter part of the album has three major highlights. Shawn Colvin must be a particular source of inspiration to contemporary Christian artists; she is a wonderful secular songwriter and singer. Jen covers (and outdoes Shawn) Colvin's late 80's song "Diamond in the Rough," a song about regaining things the innocence of childhood. It fits perfectly on the album. The sincere honesty in the next song is intriguing, and the album closes with great melodies and more messages.Jen shows more growth in this album and her singing is still very diverse. Those looking for another "In the name" or "undo me" need look no further than the fourth track.Jen has grown musically and spiritually in this second effort. I'm almost afraid to see what boundaries the third album might reach."
Great album. Not-so-great Length.
D. Morton | Houston, TX | 03/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The album starts out with a slower song "A Little More" and is a soft, flowing song with strings weaving in and out in a coffee-shop style song, full of lyrics of God's grace. Moves into the faster "Lay It Down" reminiscent of some of Margaret Becker's older stuff. The next song, "Usher Me Down" reminds me of something off of a Paula Cole album, very beautiful with a great chorus. After this "Into You", a faster rock song with plenty of electric guitar, followed by the more eclectic song with the great percussion line "All Consuming Fire". A nice folksy rock song "You Answer Me" follows. Then another song similar to the first one, but a little slower "You Remain" which includes wonderful flowing guitar that swims through your ears like they were played in outer space. Then Shawn Colvin's "Diamond In The Rough" having a gorgeous mandolin part, kinda like Counting Crows. A beautiful song bringing to mind the wide open ranges of Texas that everyone imagines in their head, "When Nothing Satisfies" comes next. The next song, with one acoustic guitar, is a simple ballad. All in all, this was a great album, a bit homogenous, but differing enough to hold your attention. Unfortunately, at a little over 36 minutes, this album is more like an EP in length and leaves someone with more music desired. Hey Jen! Give us some more music! For anyone who likes Natalie Merchant or Beth Orton, the vocals and folk rock style of this album is a necessary addition to anyone's record collection. I would say it's worth the money.Dave"
A rarity -- an artist who actually gets better
William Krischke | Portland, OR United States | 11/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've gotten so used to sophomore slump I've almost began assuming it. Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, Third Day, Sarah Masen... all their second albums were disappointments. They move to Nashville, hang out with producers with toys but no sense of artistry, and release blah and superpolished boring music. They forget who they are and why we loved them. Imagine my amazement at listening to this album. Then listening to it again. And again. Unlike so many of her peers, Jennifer Knapp not only hasn't lost her edge, she's actually grown as an artist and musician. The creativity she exudes here actually makes her first album (which I loved and still like) seem a little boring and timid. Jenn Knapp has learned about the genre she belongs to, and about how she fits in that genre. And while she is doing nothing crazy unique -- not an Ani Difranco or a Radiohead, reinventing genres -- she is making fresh, excellent music. Clearly, I love this album. Honestly, it is one of the best I have bought in a long time -- and I buy and listen to a lot of music. It's just straight solid."
No sophomore slump here!
William Krischke | 05/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As much as I loved Jennifer's debut CD, Kansas, I like Lay It Down even more. It takes the acoustic folk-rock sound of the first CD and refines it, resulting in a more alternative, less pop sound. Although the Christian content of her lyrics isn't as subtle as that of, say, Sixpence None the Richer, she does express her faith in an open, honest, and sincere way that most people will be able to relate to. Rather than trying to come off as some holier-than-thou person with impeccable morals, she is open about her weaknesses and her need for a Savior to make her stronger. Some of my favorite songs on the disc are "A Little More", "Lay It Down", "When Nothing Satisfies", and her cover of Shawn Colvin's "Diamond In The Rough". I would highly recommend this CD to fans of her first CD, as well as newcomers who haven't heard her music before. And if you like this CD, be sure to check out the latest CD's by Third Day (Time) and Caedmon's Call (40 Acres)."