By M. Christian Anders
GENRE: WORSHIP
LABEL: THE HEIGHTS CHURCH
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 11, 2009
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
Five years ago in a small church in Nashville, I got to see a duo named Across the Sky. Their songs were good, their voices we better. Fast-forward half a decade, and one half of that duo is still making music that will turn someone’s ear. Justin Unger’s latest To Know You Love Me is shockingly good. This album won’t appeal to the masses, but if soothing melodies, and introspective lyrics are your thing, this recording is for you. The subtitle for this album is “Songs for the Stillness.” This description is completely on point.
The title track, “To Know You Love Me,” kicks off the album with almost eight minutes of calming instrumentation and Unger’s unique voice. The track prepares the heart of the listener to be still and known the love of the Father, “Your eyes of grace searched all the world, then for Yourself chose me.”
Unger’s remakes of “Praise to the Lord the Almighty,” and “All Creatures of Our God and King” are great renditions. They are very Ortega-esque and are perfect additions to the compilation. “Praise to the Lord the Almighty” has the classic piano-driven melody, but is accented by the tones that are consistent throughout the album. “All Creatures of Our God and King” is haunting and peaceful at the same time. It showcases Unger’s unique voice and his ability to reinvent a classic.
“No One Knows” is a special track on the album. It has a Postal Service or Owl City vibe underneath Unger’s melodies. It is one of the standout tracks on the album. The other is “Sing to the King,” which Unger has recorded on a previous album. This version is over eight minutes long, but slower in tempo and much calmer. It’s a classic example of the rule less is more. Both tracks are at the heart of this albums vision, to provide songs for the stillness.
The only downside to the album is some of the background sounds change quickly, and lack fluidity; but its rare, and slightly noticeable.
While Unger is still a relative unknown, and his music is intriguing, I’m still not sure if his work is for everyone. The best description I can muster is that he is a slightly more modern poor man’s Fernando Ortega. That may not appeal to the general public, but it certainly resonated with me. I cannot stop listening to the album when things get stressful or overwhelming. If you have an hour to spare, go sit outside, close your eyes, and listen to this album. I hope it has the same impact on you as it did me.
