Caedmon's Call - Caedmon's Call

Wednesday 1st October 1997
Caedmon's Call - Caedmon's Call
Caedmon's Call - Caedmon's Call

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 6112-5966
LABEL: Warner Alliance 6463
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The next time one of those knock-the-cosy-sub-culture Christians sounds off to you about the stifling insularity of Nashville-run CCM, cite to him the case of Caedmon's Call. For in some ways this superlative band from Houston are America's Delirious?. No, they don't pay guitar-driven hook rock, a more delicate folk roots/rock synthesis is Caedmon's Call's direction. But, like Delirious?, this band have built up their huge US support base themselves, away from big record company help, touring around and releasing recordings privately that sold like the proverbial hot cakes. So when they finally went with a proper record company, the well-oiled Warner Bros marketing machine was able to ensure Caedmon's Call debuted at number one in the US CCM charts. It's an album worth its huge American success. Cliff Young has a memorable, husky emotive voice, not dissimilar to Jars Of Clay's lead man; their second lead Danielle Glenn has equally impressive pipes that convey a haunting vulnerability; the songs here are full of strong melodic hooks; their lyrics make spiritual points with considerable subtlety so that non-Christians as well as believers can relate to their haunting imagery; and the subtle blend of acoustic settings is beautifully caught by top engineer/producer Don McCollister. A fine, mature album you'll play for years to come.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Sample Track Listing:
7. Hope To Carry On [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 20:50 on Aug 5 2014

First full mainstream debut in late March 1997 without ccm listener disappointment. I love the band's approach to music style and harmony.
I love the lyrics to starter "Lead of Love", lead vocalist Cliff Young has that nice folksy vocal, pleasing to the ear. Did Rich Mullins have
the opportunity to hear the band's cover of " Hope To
Carry On", the name of Jesus is heard! Extra bgvs are added for "Close of Autumn" Daniell on lead.
Member Derek Webb belts out his self penned
"Not The Land". I love "This World".
Great talent on Tack Piano by Brandon Bush on
"Bus Driver" another Derek Webb composition,
great song wtg Derek.
The 6 minute Ep song from '95 "I Just Don't Want
Coffee", another top notch Derek Webb song.
Years later ccm artist Chris Rice would entertain us with another "coffee" song.
Deep cut-to-the-bone lyrics on Derek Webb's "Center Aisle"; life is so fragile, let us not take it
for granted. Let us "THANK GOD".
CD closer "Coming Home" has hit written all over it.
I totally love it, wtg all. We are headed for home,
but we still got so very far to go. God Bless, Don



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.