Search - Todd Agnew :: Need

Solid, God-Honoring Music

Matthew Robbins | Ohio | 10/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like most people who know who he is, I was introduced to Todd Agnew when I heard his huge hit, "Grace Like Rain" way back in 2003. Agnew then released my favorite of his albums, Reflection of Something, in 2005, which featured great musical diversity and challenging messages. Then, I kind of forgot about Agnew, not picking up his Christmas album in 2006 or Better Questions in 2007. So I was very curious about what I would encounter with his new release, Need, which hits stores today.



There are two things I've always appreciated about Agnew: his honesty and his focus on Jesus (not in that order). He's never afraid to challenge pre-conceived notions and doesn't sugar-coat convicting truth, but it's always about Jesus. That doesn't change on Need, where all of the songs center around the theme of complete dependence on Christ. Songs like the poignant "I Need No Other" and the southern-flavored, hymn-like "Give Me Jesus" focus solely on Christ. "Tell Me The Story" basically walks through a summary of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. And "The Love of God" beautifully paints a grand picture of God's love and explores the implications of that characteristic.



Other favorites include "Higher Ground," which alternates between driving rock song and gospel hymn, and the rocker "Breakable," where Agnew essentially puts Philippians 2 to music with a chorus that states, "You are glorious, infinite and wise. You are mighty, holy. There is none beside You. But to save me from my brokenness, You became breakable." Great stuff.



My favorite song, though, would have to be "Did You Mean Me?" Here, the lyrics deal with the struggle to accept grace and the truths of the gospel. Agnew sings, "You said all things could be forgiven, but did you mean me?" The gospel's truth is amazing and we might affirm it, but many of us struggle to accept personally the implications of it. This is powerful songwriting.



Musically, the album is very diverse, including elements of rock, acoustic, gospel, and even some blues. Agnew's trademark baritone sounds as good as ever, and the song writing is pretty sharp. I have to say, though, that I don't think the album reaches to level of Reflection of Something for me. The songs are solid, and there are a few standouts, but there's just something missing.



Agnew's fans will likely not be disappointed by this album, and the lyrics are outstanding as usual (hence the pretty good rating), but I still can't help feeling that he's capable of a little more musically. As I said, the album is very diverse and the different styles are performed well, but it's also a little un-focused for my tastes. I enjoyed the album, but I don't really see it having a whole lot of lasting appeal for me."

Todd's Best Work Yet

Rhonda Abston | 10/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Todd truly speaks what it means to "Need" the Lord and how his personal struggles has forced him to honestly admit what his real "need" was.

The soft piano melodies in "Love of God", hard guitar refs in "Breakable" to the joyful soul sound in "Deep Love of Jesus" and country temp to "Give Me Jesus" gives this album a wide range of sounds and messages.

This is his best work since 'Grace Like Rain'. His true heart was poured out into this whole album as he keeps reminding us how much we need Jesus and how much He Loves Us despite our mistakes.



Awesome Work, Todd. God Bless"

Todd!

J. Cheek | 10/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always loved Todd, but this album stands out as his best to date. The vocals are more impressive than ever before and the hooks catchier than ever before."