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Aaron Benward On some CDs, you get what you expect--similar songs, one style of music and messages with the same theme. Aaron Benward's solo debut album, Imagine, is anything but that kind of predictable. Although his name may sound familiar from the days he sang in the father/son duo Aaron*Jeoffery, his first individual CD has a very modern musical feel with a little something for every situation. Do you like new age, folk, classic rock, pop, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay and everything in between? Then you'll find what you like on this CD, in which the mood swings from pop happy tunes reminiscent of summer cruising and sitcom openings, to driving ballads in the form of reflective prayers. While some may dislike this lack of cohesion, I enjoyed the ride and was entertained by not knowing what was coming next. Like any good worship service, Benward's music goes from crazy beats and electronic instruments down a mellow slope to guitar strums and piano, bringing the most hyper listener into prayer and introspective thought (before bringing them back to crazy happiness again at the end). The only consistency throughout Benward's music is his ability to fit each song into his purpose of showing God's support and encouragement. The lyrics are a pep rally to get us going. 'God's Here' gives a shoulder to drop our worries: "God's here / watching us all / He's near / right where we are / so close your eyes / and let all your doubts disappear." 'He Believes In You' reminds us that God created us to be great: "All the dreams you dream of / every hope and prayer you lean on / He will see them through / and know that day / is waiting just beyond tomorrow." Standouts on the album include 'Captured,'an uplifting song with a "we are His" feeling and driving electrical guitar, the title song, 'Imagine,' in which Benward calls God's often overlooked greatness to the forefront with a calm longing, 'Renaissance Love,' more of a rock song that inspires head nodding and free dancing, and 'He Believes In You,' an inspirational slow and inspiring piano number that rings encouragement to the depths of a heart. My few dislikes? 'Famous' has a twangy country beat with a banjo appropriate for a do-se-do, hand- clapping celebration, and 'Salt' flips to a slow, airy, raspy plea to God. Other then that, Benward's calm but rough-around-the-edges voice has a genuine, passionate ring. The lyrics are very understandable words written from a definite 'love perspective' of God. Many songs are written as prayers or thanksgiving. And since ten of the eleven songs are co-written by Benward, they have real experience behind them. Last summer, Benward, his wife, and two children were in a terrible car crash that caused their truck to flip four times. Remarkably, each of them walked away with only a few scratches. This moment gave Benward a whole new perspective on how God is caring for each of them and gave him a new urgency to spread the gospel "as a roaring lamb." That paradox is exactly what he has done with a gentle, driving but compassionate message. Benward's wish is that this CD is an inspiration. He hopes that every listener will "…walk away with the sense that God is not your biggest critic, but your biggest fan! He has birthed your dreams in your heart, and He longs for them to unfold. So don't think small; imagine bigger and greater things. Go into each day with a new love for life." Whether you need God's encouragement on the bad days or need some music to celebrate with on the good ones, Benward's simple messages will hit the spot. This creatively fresh music is a successful collection of reflection, thanksgiving, and joy that comes from finding this new love for life. (Danielle F.) |
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