By Lydia Akinola
GENRE: POP/ROCK/ ACOUSTIC
LABEL: INO/ARDENT
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2009
RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5
Todd Agnew is one of those men in the Christian music industry who need no introduction. Adored by a growing legion of fans and 5-time Dove Award nominee, this simple guy with a gentle growling voice is an unlikely rock star, especially when you consider he has been known to do concerts barefoot. But that is simply how he is.
Todd Agnew has always been known for his insightful and astute lyrics, as well being famous for his deep, low baritone. And both shine out in this album: Need does not lack strong vocals or perceptive lines. But when I look back on his past offerings, such as the stellar Christmas album“Did You See What I See?” (never was Christmas so good) and the his top hits such as “Grace Like Rain” and “Unchanging One” it seems to me that whilst Need is good, it is a little bit disappointing from someone who I have grown to respect so much. There is no “Our Great God” which immediately stands out to me.
Whilst that can be seen as a negative, I think it only goes to show generally, how well rounded the whole album is, and how much one has come to expect of Todd Agnew. In Need Agnew obviously spent a lot of time making sure that each song had a message to tell, Need feels like a concept album, with the continuing theme of our need of Jesus’ grace and love in our lives and the liberation trusting in Him brings. Time and time again, this sentiment is reaffirmed, but skillfully, and without much repetition.
There are some noteworthy tracks, with interesting arrangements. In particular, “Higher Ground” a mix of the old and new which successfully alternates in tone, mood and style, whilst sustaining interest with a fantastic ending with a superb choir. “Did You Mean Me?” showcases the lyricism Agnew is famous for with soul searching honesty like ‘Did You mean me, when You said, we were made in your image, because I don’t see much of you in this reflection, did You mean me, when You said we would do even greater things, because I don’t see anything that I have to offer You, did You mean me?’
For long-time fans of Todd Agnew there is a lot to love here, he really does nothing to deserve much disappointment, and for those who have never heard of him and are sufficiently piqued, this is a solid introduction to the man, but for everyone else do you ‘need’ this album? Maybe not, but I’d get it anyway.
