The Waiting - Unfazed

In Short: A cry out to God and man

Unfazed is the next logical step for the Olsen brothers and their outfit, having found their identity in their self-titled album. The music is more mature, the lyrics are.. well, they were incredible on the previous album, and this one didn't slack off a bit.

"I Am" is the pivotal song for me. As their style almost always yields, it's conversational. Brad seems to be looking at God and realizing how empty he really is without Him. "I am because you are I Am, I am in you, you are in me." But then he brings in a bridge which has, at times, brought tears to my eyes. God speaking back. "Places that I've carried you, I wouldn't take a dog. Stop and calmly think of that. Tear this church down to its cornerstone, built it up again." It's how God must surely feel, loving us enough to allow us to be broken so we can be stronger. A complete devotional in one verse.

I don't want to steal anything from the rest of the album with that one. Honestly, I've known folks who liked the upbeat "Speak" best. The title track is another good one, as Brad sings about the constancy and faithfulness of God.

If you heeded my advice and sprung for the self-titled disc, you're going to want to get this one too. It's the two best albums to date by these guys, having one without the other is like having a story without an ending.