Jeremy Camp has gone from new artist to 2-time dove winning male vocalist of the year in the few short years he has been performing.. After the heart-wrenching loss of his wife, Camp thought he would never be able to do music again, but God clearly had other plans. Now, four years since his smash debut Stay, he has been happily remarried, fathered two children, and has made time for a new album as well. Many, including myself, have said that Camp's sophomore effort Restored was just a continuation of the music featured on his debut. So has Camp stretched his boundaries to break new ground with his latest release Beyond Measure?
Jeremy has definitely matured on this record, and it is evident even from the first track, the lead single "Tonight." Better production is obvious throughout the album, and the singer's songwriting has matured as well. Songs like the emotional title track showcase the troubles Camp has been through, and evidences all the while how God has pulled him through. More piano is also featured on parts of the album as well, on tracks like the worship-oriented "Give You Glory" and "Take A Little Time," which almost gives a sort of country vibe during the chorus and bridge. The edgier guitars we heard mostly on songs like "Take My Life" and "Lay Down My Pride" are still there, but they are clearly delivered much better, such as on rock tracks "No Matter What" and the slower "Feels Like." Another highlight is the continuation of Camp's involvement of his wife Adrienne on some tracks, like the pop/rock gem "Let It Fade," the beautiful surrender of "I Am Nothing," and her solo in the album closer, "Give Me Jesus."
Overall, it is safe to say that Beyond Measure is by far Camp's best work to date. It still may have a few elements of his previous releases, but for the most part this is new territory for the singer, and stretches Camp beyond what most would have thought to be his own limits. Jeremy has definitely gone above and beyond for this album, and it was worth it.
Justin Mabee |