Customer Reviews

Ripen

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like this CD better than his first one, but not as much as "Live in Seattle." "Live" was just so real, and beautiful and heartbreaking and soaring. "Ripen" is pretty darn amazing as well. I love "Free" which is a song about wanting to break out of bondage. It's so easy to relate to- whatever is holding you down- a relationship, a job, sin, sorrow, doubt- this song will speak to your heart. Another great song is "Perfectly Done," with encouraging lines like, "Hey little brother, Oh I know life has been rough, But I believe in you, cause in God you are tough."

Unlike a lot of "joyful" Christian music, Shawn is more serious, and doesn't even crack a smile in the CD art. When you aren't in the mood for the bombastic style of Praise&Worship music, sit down on the couch with a cup of coffee and soak in "Ripen." More about man's struggle than God's glory, this CD tends to feel like a series of personal yearning prayers being sung. Very much like the Psalms. Not quite as poetic, but just as honest.

Something seriously lacking in today's music culture is "realness" and "honesty". This is especially true in the Christian market. But, when an artist is able to strip away these bounds, he makes music that makes fans truly attach themselves to in a strong way. This is the beauty of authentic art! Such is the case with Ripen. This collection is as real as it gets. The songs are raw in every sense...from their stark acoustic sound to the raw emotion in each lyric. It is like you are an old friend and Shawn is opening his heart to you.

His vocals are grasping. His pure yet rough voice pushes itself to the edge, at times even breaking, but providing a connection that is almost unnerving in its openness. The lush music is full and rich, while somehow managing to sound simple and bare at the same time.

Before hearing it, I heard one reviewer say he liked it as much as Sufjan Stevens. As crazy as this sounded, I am starting to understand. Ripen is an album that deserves widespread mainstream accolades but will not get it.

It is a great piece of music from an amazing young artist.

Shawn is an honest singer song writer. This album shows his growth musically, lyrically and spiritually. It is deep and powerful. This album has light and fun fair (Pour Out), rocking instrumentals (Imago), combined with raw honesty (Lovely) and encouragement (Perfectly Done). Hands down one of the years best releases and well worth your money. I've listed to it over and over and still not tired of it.

First discovered this artist when I heard the song "Free" on the radio and was obsessed with finding out who sang it. I quickly bought "Live In Seattle" and then this album. Both are now favorites. Shawn McDonald combines complete honesty and compelling simplicity in his vocals and his lyrics. Thought-provoking, faith-building, and Christ-centered. Should appeal to all ages and tastes. This is a young man with talent and wisdom beyond his years. I look forward to more great things from him.

Shawn Mcdonalds "Ripen" is an album that soothes the ears and the soul. The lyrics are very real and you can tell he very much draws on personal experience with his songwriting.

I do agree with one other reviewer who claims that Shawns songs all have the same kind of sound. Although, I dont think thats a bad thing. The album isnt all over the place. It gives it a sense of unity. Its a very calm album, with only a couple being more upbeat.

I gave this album 4 stars, which I really think four and a half is a more proper rating. "Simply Nothing" one of Shawns other albums is my favorite of his. However, either album is well worth the money.

I first discovered Shawn when his music was posted at mp3.com and immediately ordered the two cds they had available at the time, Focal Point and Live. They were amazing. I was thrilled when he got a recording contract and have bought each cd released since. This young man has such insight and depth that you just don't see in contemporary music. I've just been blown away by him from the very beginning and continue to be. In my opinion this is as good as Christian music gets, in fact it's about as good as any music gets.

This is a CD/DVD 2 disc set

Track List on CD is:

1. I Want To Be Ready

2. The Rider On The White Horse

3. Reason

4. I Am Nothing

5. Free

6. Ramblings Of A Beggar

7. My Salvation

8. Pour Out

9. Confess

10. Home

11. Take Hold

12. Perfectly Done

13. Imago

14. A Little More

15. Lovely

DVD includes over 1 hour of content. It includes:

My Salvation (acoustic)

Pour Out (acoustic)

Stories behind Ripen

Shawn's Jounrney (Video)

Shawn's Photography

Not as good as his last two albums, but The Rider on the White Horse is worth the price of admission alone on this album. You do not get any more spiritual than this when you hear the sound of horses galloping and imagine Jesus riding on His White horse. A haunting rythmic style that makes you look up at the heavens in the middle of sunset watching and waiting for His return. This song alone and Ramblings of a Beggar are worth the price of the CD. Don't miss your chance to be blessed.

Love this Cd, and all of his other cds. He is a wonderfully talented singer/song writer/musician. Appropriate for all ages. He has a great story to tell, and his message bold! Do not regret this purchase!

Shawn's vocals are raw and unapologetic. His voice brings to mind someone who doesn't care what the listener thinks and is simply singing because that is what God called him to do.

The melodies on this album are beautiful and calming.

I listened to Shawn's most recent cd and am sad to say that his style has totally changed. This cd and his first one are by far the best. They're both very intimate cds and give you a great look into how Shawn views God.

Worth a buy.