Search - Shawn Mcdonald :: Ripen

Adam G. (adamandlisag) from COLUMBIA, TN
Reviewed on 6/27/2007...

this cd is incredible. if you like acoustic soulful heartfelt music then you will love this artist and cd.

Wow...

L. E. Allan | N Richland Hills, TX | 03/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I like this CD better than his first one, but not as much as "Live in Seattle." "Live" was just so real, and beautiful and heartbreaking and soaring. "Ripen" is pretty darn amazing as well. I love "Free" which is a song about wanting to break out of bondage. It's so easy to relate to- whatever is holding you down- a relationship, a job, sin, sorrow, doubt- this song will speak to your heart. Another great song is "Perfectly Done," with encouraging lines like, "Hey little brother, Oh I know life has been rough, But I believe in you, cause in God you are tough."



Unlike a lot of "joyful" Christian music, Shawn is more serious, and doesn't even crack a smile in the CD art. When you aren't in the mood for the bombastic style of Praise&Worship music, sit down on the couch with a cup of coffee and soak in "Ripen." More about man's struggle than God's glory, this CD tends to feel like a series of personal yearning prayers being sung. Very much like the Psalms. Not quite as poetic, but just as honest."

Simply Amazing

Joseph B. Pannell | Medford, OR | 04/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Something seriously lacking in today's music culture is "realness" and "honesty". This is especially true in the Christian market. But, when an artist is able to strip away these bounds, he makes music that makes fans truly attach themselves to in a strong way. This is the beauty of authentic art! Such is the case with Ripen. This collection is as real as it gets. The songs are raw in every sense...from their stark acoustic sound to the raw emotion in each lyric. It is like you are an old friend and Shawn is opening his heart to you.



His vocals are grasping. His pure yet rough voice pushes itself to the edge, at times even breaking, but providing a connection that is almost unnerving in its openness. The lush music is full and rich, while somehow managing to sound simple and bare at the same time.



Before hearing it, I heard one reviewer say he liked it as much as Sufjan Stevens. As crazy as this sounded, I am starting to understand. Ripen is an album that deserves widespread mainstream accolades but will not get it.



It is a great piece of music from an amazing young artist."