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Mitch
McVicker: Without Looking Down
By Doug Kimball | 04.17.2003 Mitch
McVicker, on his latest release Without Looking Down, recalls Tom
Petty and the Christian band Satellite Soul crossed with Elvis Costello
on one of his more relaxed days. The lyrics are sincere, if not overly
creative at times. But they reflect an intimacy with the Lord that is a
pleasure to hear. He’s plainly a guy who is comfortable with talking to
God. His acoustic rock is easy on the ears and comforting to the soul.
The
CD starts with “You Have Everything,” a lyrical statement that God doesn’t
need any material items from us. As on other songs, Phil Madeira guests
on organ and keyboard. “Take The Wheel” features some guitar licks reminiscent
of Big Country (a kick for this reviewer who fondly recalls the eighties),
Mitch on harmonica, and a trendy remote radio voice-over. McVicker wrote
all of the music and the lyrics except for those on “Turning Tables.” (Ray
Boltz helped pen the words there.) This song speaks of Jesus clearing the
temple and still clearing our hearts. The lyrics are catchy: “Consumed
with the truth, you started turning tables./Your love for your father,
had you turning tables.”
“Stargazer” treats the listener to a cheery pop song (replete with cello and violin) about a girl with a simple faith in God. Mitch’s words are ones that we in Christ should strive to live by. “If her faith starts wearing thin, she don’t hide./If her way is getting dim, she relies on grace to lead her heart and be her guide.” A biblical ballad, “Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled,” continues the theme and the sound of comfort and peace in the midst of strife. And “Camelsong” points up the paradoxes in scripture in a straightforward way, especially in regards to the joy of believers saved by such an amazing Savior. The negative becomes positive, “the darkness turns to light….” My first impression of McVicker’s work was that it lacked pizzazz, hooks, something to make it stand out. I think that I was mistakenly looking for something that he is not trying to present. If you want a faith-filled, non-alternative sounding, fun and bright way to spend an hour, Without Looking Down is the album to play. |
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