Customer Reviews

Eleventh Hour

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Moulded by expectations on their self-titled debut, restricted by a fleeting recording trip to England for Much Afraid, and misconstrued by production on If I Left the Zoo, Jars of Clay has been unable to express themselves this independently until The Eleventh Hour. Close to their best album so far it provides sheer promise for the future of this enchanting four-piece.

It is encouraging for me to hear a Christian band expressing hardship within faith, which makes it disappointing to hear fellow reviewers attacking the lyrics of The Eleventh Hour. I find concerns about the lack of a direct Gospel message narrow-minded. I would say that Jars of Clay's ministry is not based on evangelism, but discipleship; not birth but growth, and this is as essential as foundational evangelism.

Start and Finish: Disappear opens The Eleventh Hour with vintage Jars of Clay passion, while the album is concluded eloquently by The Edge of Water, an example of a thoroughly new direction for the group.

Revolution: The same goes for Revolution, an early highlight and a great rock song - surrounded by Something Beautiful and Fly, both demonstrating Jars of Clay's continued focus on strong melody.

Silence: Having read the lyrics to the powerful Silence prior to hearing the song I had high expectations, perhaps a song reminiscent of the exquisite Frail, from Much Afraid. This aching reflection on the inexplicable silence we can all face is a gutsy and poignant hinge-piece for the album.

The Eleventh Hour: This mood of unease holds until the redemption of the title track, which also feels to me like a musical path yet untrodden by the group. Herein lies the mature message of salvation that Christians must be reminded of; the Gospel encapsulates hope as much as it shows grace, and this outstanding song provides a story of both.

With "The Eleventh Hour" Jars of Clay seems to have found a way to combine the honest, almost transparent enthusiasm of their acoustically-dominated debut album with the depth and musical maturity found on their follow-up "Much Afraid" (which happens to be one of my favorite albums of all time). Their previous attempt at this combination, "If I Left the Zoo," appeared forced and artificially playful. Not so with this new album. From the very first track the album envelops you with both the feeling of wonder and the acute pop sensibility that make Jars of Clay so vital. "Revolution" displays a cool, urban vibe underscored with acoustic guitars in a way that only these guys can pull off (although I'm sure they could have found something better to say than "grab a hammer, bang a gong.") "Silence" is painfully honest and highlight's Dan Haseltine's distinctive voice. Perhaps the highlight of the album is the last track, "The Edge of Water," which shows how powerful a banjo can be.

Some have criticized this album for being too ambiguous about its statement of faith; however, I think this album demonstrates how Jars of Clay is one of the few bands who can paint a picture of an honest faith journey and maintain their musical integrity. The lyrics explore situations and emotions that represent the broad range of human existence. Faith is not a bunch of much-repeated phrases and concepts, but rather a lens through which they explain their world. Once again, Jars of Clay demonstrates that the mixture of faith and serious musical talent can be quite a beautiful thing.

I've given up on Mainstream Christian Music. (The undrground stuff is better) After awhile I just got tired of the repeated lyrics and boring musical styles. Jars of Clay though, left quite an impression on me because of their Unserpassed MUCH AFRAID record. If you're new to the band I highly recommend that beautiful and haunting record. To get to my point, I always had a soft spot for JOC ever since that record and got their first and then third record. I love bands that change and evolve even if it means getting a few fans Teed off in the process. They weren't afraid to reach beyond their boundaries and even if you didn't like "If I left the Zoo" (A flawed but still great pop-rock record) you had to appreciate their honest face toward change and to move forward. They could have gone the easy route and stuck to strings and slow melodies, but then that would become stale and boring. This record is a sharp right, where IILTZ was a sharp left. It's the slower songs of MuchAfraid but without the strings, instead Dan relies on his voice to tell the stories for him. In the song "Silence" it's amazing to hear him sing louder and louder even till you hear a small scratch in his voice, it just send's chill's down your spine. Every song has it's own subtle hooks and riffs, but it takes repeated listens to find what makes each song so special. They aren't as obvious as ZOO, which is a good thing. The songs aren't as eclectic as MA but are still as honest. The lyrics are more poetic then ZOO but still aren't as good as MA. The dilemna in making a perfect record such as Much Afraid is they can never live up to it. Rather I truly appreciate this band for changing and being different every time. That is why they will always remain fresh and beautiful. This is a great record in the journey that is Jars of Clay.

In September 2001, the alternative pop/rock band Jars of Clay performed their first concert in over a year. The event served to foreshadow the group's March 2002 release The Eleventh Hour, an album heralded as comparable to the band's debut project. With this release, Jars of Clay -- composed of members Dan Haseltine, Matt Odmark, Charlie Lowell, and Stephen Mason -- held fast to the creative reins from start to finish. Serving as writers, producers, designers, and directors, the band was able to return to the vision which drove their self-titled debut. The result was a collection of 11 songs unlike any released from the band since their 1995 album. Musically, the project blends alternative rock and pop with elements of folk. Lyrically, it examines aspects of honesty and transparency, exploring human longing. The album opens with the edgy pop track "Disappear," a song expressing the difficulty people face in accepting the existence of unconditional love. Other notable tracks include the first radio single, "I Need You," a driving and passionate expression of a deep desire for God, and the tender yet haunting ballad "Scarlet." The Eleventh Hour is a much needed album from Jars of Clay. It is a return to the elements that drove the sudden success of the band in 1994 and 1995.

Jars of Clay, have once again produced a remarkable album. Several features distinguish this album from the racks of others out there.
1)Jars of Clay is musically diverse and The Eleventh Hour is a showcase for this diversity. No two songs sound alike...each has new surprises to offer.
2)It is well produced...the sound is superb.
3)The Eleventh Hour is limited to just over 40 minutes. Yup, you guessed it, Jars of Clay have refused to merely repeat the same "hook" over and over and over again...Jars of Clay have refused to incorporate weak tracks merely to fill the 80 minutes CD's can hold.
4)The lyrics. The lyrics are excellent. Jars of Clay have demonstrated the necessity of faith in daily living in these lyrics...EXCELLENT.
However, this album, in my opinion fails to reach the level of emotion that Much Afraid, or even the self titled album did. Yet, overall, a very beneficial investment. Just try and listen to "These Ordinary Days" and deny this.

Jars of Clay seem to do best when they produce their own work. Perhaps past producers weren't able to capture the musical bliss and the keen sense of lyrical power the band possesses, but Jars' newest album, The Eleventh Hour, shows just how talented this band is.

Many of the new songs take us back through time to when Jars produced their first self-titled album. The music is just as sharp, if not more creative, as in times past. And that is music to this band's ears. Especially since their past two albums did not do nearly as well as the first, in terms of national radio airplay. Sure, Jars has always had a presence on Christian radio, but to reach nonbelievers with their hypnotic music of faith and beliefs would be a far greater accomplishment. Already, stations in large markets are spinning the first two singles released by the band, I Need You and Fly. And for the first time in a long time, Jars may have a chart-climbing single on secular, main-stream radio since their smash hit Flood back in 1995. So what makes these singles more likely to succeed?

Those familiar with the song Worlds Apart are aware of the amazing song writing capabilities the band holds. A praise and worship song written for God, about tearing down the walls and worlds around us to simply allow us to focus on Him is a great song with a great message. But the wording of it kept most big-time stations from playing it. I Need You seems to just fit into society today. It doesn't mention God by name, but anyone with a brain is forced to recognize that the subject of the song is the Lord. And after the attacks of September 11th, and the times of uncertainty we live in, this song not only makes sense, but appeals to the emotions and state of condition that many Americans may find themselves in today. The song's haunting and addictive chorus speaks volumes about the power of God and how the choice to simply call on Him can impact a person's life. The guitars and drums develop a rhythm that not only drive the song, but entangle the mind into the direction of the song. The music builds, higher and bolder, as it develops.

The band's second single, Fly, is, simply put, a great rock song. Once again, the lyrics engulf the listener with descriptions and concepts that are not only exciting, but enticing to both spirit and soul.

Disappear and Revolution continues the trend of great rock. The first feels like a great love song, with the chorus taking us on a virtual ride that would be more than romantic in any relationship. The search of really knowing someone: "I'd really love to climb, way into your heart, to see what I could find. I'd walk into your skin, swim through your veins. See it from your eyes. I'd really love to try." The second of the two deals with anger and pain that individuals store up inside, and then try to do something about it. The song's main message states that "You don't got to fight, to make yourself belong . . . You've got to begin with who you know you are. To be a revolution." This song is most reminding of the vocal and music style of Jars' Flood.

Silence is a quiet song that makes more noise than any other track on the album. The subject is that in a relationship with God, sometimes it seems like God goes quiet on us. The chorus hauntingly echoes the cry for help, "I gotta question. Where are you?" And for a moment during this song, we can all relate to the circumstances the song was written in.

Another great song on the album, These Ordinary Days, reminds us that without a meaningful relationship with God, life can become ordinary and bland. And when it happens, we tend to start looking for other things to fill the void His absence leaves. "I don't know where. I don't know how. I don't know why, but your love can make these things better."

Overall, The Eleventh Hour is Jars' best album since their first. By leaving their music more open to discussion and realization, they have opened the door for more stations to spin their music, and the chance for more people to pick up a copy without the stereotype of "Gospel" music in the record store. Which is a good thing for nonbelievers.

And perhaps they should keep producing their own work. After all, no one knows them better than themselves. Well, no one more so than God.

If there is one thing that I have come to expect from Jars of Clay, it is to expect the unexpected. Every single release of theirs manages to be a totally new experience, while still being in many ways the same as their previous installments. This, in the music industry, is what we call "progressive."

Jars of Clay's fourth major album is yet again something totally new, yet patently Jars of Clay. Their blend of music genres is truly masterful. They borrow the best elements from a wide array of styles so as to create a harmonious voice all their own. Dan Haseltine's voice is better on this album than their third release, and the CD sounds much more heartfelt. This is in no small part due to the fact that JoC produced this one themselves, for the first time since their debut. The melodies are progressively becoming more refective of the words that they support; this is a great sign, and makes for easy music to listen to because of its inherently captivating nature.

A lot of people have raised qualms as to the lyrical content itself. Well, I don't see a problem with it. Jars of Clay rarely speaks the name of the God that their music praises. In fact, I can think of only one specific instance where such is true, and that is "Much Afraid." While I can see where people are coming from, I feel that the wariness should subside after letting the CD spin a few times. For one, each song represents something unique. Silence is a prime example; I listen to this song and get the impression that the good Mr. Haseltine is attempting to convey the pain that all Christians feel at some point when they fail to hear God, feel God, etc. In fact, the time that this usually happens is when Christians move from an emotional faith into a much more reasonable one, and they feel the shift. To make a long story short, if you look and listen, you can see the underlying themes behind the widely appealing music. Remember that one thing JoC is known for is their secular outreach through seemingly face-value lyrics that contain much more than it might seem.

All in all, this release is not a step backward, but a leap ahead. JoC knows what they are doing, and all I can really say is "Let the music speak for itself."

This album has Jars of Clay playing the role of producer for the first time since their double-platinum debut album "Jars of Clay" with the hit single "Flood". The Eleventh Hour is pure Jars of Clay without any outside producer editing their sound or lyrics.

The music on The Eleventh Hour is strong with great hooks, muscicianship, and production. My favorite song is "Revolution" which grooves like you wouldn't believe! The lyrics on the album are very deep and move you to dig deeper into your own personal beliefs without being "preachy".

If you are a fan of good quality alternative, folky, pop-rock that is a Blast to listen to- check out this brand new release from one of the best bands around!...

I'll have to admit, when I first bought this album I was kinda disgusted. The lyrics weren't overtly Christian as their previous albums are, they didn't even thank God as in the previous albums. My first thought was please don't make the mistake Amy Grant did. Bored one night, I decided to listen to the CD again because it was the newest CD that I had purchased lately. And boy, am I glad I did. At first you don't see their faith in the lyrics. But as the title of this review states, "Look Deeper". While the words God, Jesus, pray, etc aren't used specifically if you think about it, this whole album is a conversation with God, where first he talks to you and you respond. It's very deep and very personal. For all the naysayers out there who think Jars' forgot their roots; you don't have to write overtly Christian lyrics to convey a message of faith. IMHO, The Eleventh Hour is their most lyrically creative album to date. If you want something that doesn't challenge you to think, buy some straight up worship music(I.E. anything from Vineyard Music Group{a personal favorite}). Not everything is face value.

Masterfully straddling the fence between overt gospel sharing and overly secular Christian music, The Eleventh Hour is completely consumed and overcome by the deepest of Jars' passions. This album seems to come so close to the heart of the band that the introspective and existential lyrics become haunting to the listener. Jars manages to blur rock and worship to an extent rarely seen in music today. You can't listen openly to the music without feeling intruded upon. The music begins to trespass on the thoughts that we as Christians have felt in our lives and maybe never even realized or been unable to convey. The poetry of this album stirs deep, often too deep for some listeners to see into. Although guiltily I must admit, my typical cynicism rarely lets me escape a sarcastic smirk when they say "bang a gong" in "Revolution" (Sorry guys not a big fan of the "gong" lyric). Despite my quirky little pet peeve over one word, I can't help but wonder if I fell in love with Jars for the poetry or the music. I'd like to think that it's this blend that makes Jars the masterpiece that they are. (Otherwise, I'd be at risk of sinning against my music major!) However, I shouldn't fear. The album is musically flawless. The technical and stylistic talent of the band on the album will force Jars to clear a space for a third Grammy. The only thing better than listening to The Eleventh Hour is seeing the tour. The passion that you can hear on the album undulates live, and you can only then see their hearts on their faces and fingers. World's Apart's effects have still scarred me too deeply to let it slip from my all-time favorite song, but the Eleventh Hour has all too quickly become my favorite album, not simply by Jars, but of anyone. Although the album speaks louder when listened to in full, I have to say that my top 3 tracks would have to be The Edge of Water, Silence, and Something Beautiful. Matthew Turner of CCM, who gave The Eleventh Hour the first five star rating ever awarded by the staple magazine remarked in his review, "No one can be certain we are living in the eleventh hour, but if this is the last new music I hear before meeting my Creator, that is all right with me." I couldn't agree with him more. Listen to this album closely and often until it becomes etched in your brain and see if God doesn't use it to change your life like He does mine.