Having been a member of Caedmon's Call since it's formation, Derek Webb knows good music. Having written a lot of it himself, it's no surprise that his first solo record should be right on par with the quality that Caedmon's has achieved.

This album makes me uncomfortable at times. It causes me to squirm. Mainly for this reason: it's all about the church, specifically what the church should be. But it's not one of those tearing-down commentaries that paints the church as having too many problems to be effective. Instead, Derek chooses to make an entire CD of songs that remind us that we're flawed (or as he said in a concert, "train wrecks") but still loved, we fail but still have a purpose.

One song in particular strikes a real chord with me, the bold "Wedding Dress." It's a heartbreaking, soul-wrenching honesty that we are challenged to find. "I am a whore, I do confess, I put you on just like a wedding dress and I run down the aisle. I'm a prodigal with no way home, I put you on just like a ring of gold and I'll run down the aisle." I can't remember any song I've heard that so vividly paints a picture of the church as a bride... certainly, a tainted bride with flawed allegiance, but that's not what Derek dwells on. What I feel in this song is that moment where we come to realize that yeah, we are dirty. "With one hand in a pot of gold, and with another in your side," we confess to our Lord that we're powerless and helpless. And every time, he's there.

The rest of the CD is more of the same. Song after song, we look at ourselves and find that we are always lacking. "Crooked Deep Down," as one song says. In the midst of this, though, in the middle of all our uselessness, we are still loved. It's appropriate that Derek put a song which clearly says, "Nobody loves me but you," to be careful that we not forget that it's the love that overcomes the rest.

I don't think I really understood the description of the church as a bride until I heard this music. Maybe I still don't, but the vision is certainly more vivid than before. And with that, I feel the desperation for the Gospel that we should all feel, no matter how long we've been a Christian.

Simply put, this album is revolutionary in Christian music. In language and bluntness, more than music. It's scripturally sound, and in that soundness dares us to believe God loves us wildly, fiercely. It's a favorite of mine not just because the music is great, but also because, in listening to what Derek Webb has to say, I have grown. I can't think anyone who opens themselves up wouldn't.