Customer Reviews

Roots

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

 

 

Roots has its ups and downs. Overall, I highly enjoyed it, but I don't believe it contains quite the same level of raw passion as his earlier albums. Shawn McDonald strays, dare I say, to sounding like N'Sync in the song Time, to a Baptist convention in Shadowlands and finally we get some of himself (which is all we really wanted) in Wash Me Clean. Wash Me Clean is my favorite song in the album, definitely give it a listen. Next best are Captivated, Clarity, Roots, Time, Winter and Greed, all very good songs. Though pleasant, Light and Waltz in 3 did little to move me. Winter, on the other hand, is emotionally moving, but the tempo is just so slow it is hard to stick with it, unless you set it as background music and then it's great. The fake vinyl crackle in Slow Down doesn't help the lifeless lyrics in that song. On another note, the Glockenspiel in Roots is very characteristic of Shawn's endeavor (or that of his producers) to branch out of the basic drums, guitar and bass; it perks you up and pulls you in. I also really enjoyed the strings in Captivated and the piano in Winter, two classes of instruments which work very well with Shawn's voice.

Shawn McDonald reaches success when he reveals his true heart by detailed example. He fails when he gets preachy and generalized. I expected a little more from this album, as he's been known to flawlessly show us his heart in EVERY song. I know that's asking a lot, but I only ask so much because that is his reputation. However, I can say that I really enjoyed Roots and think it an overall success for him. I'll never get tired of hearing about his heart and his relationship with God, and I'm thankful for all the times he's opened himself up so deeply to us listeners--something which few musicians do often--and which when he does, he does so very well.

However, I must ask: where did the songs like Open Me, Have You Ever and Take This Life disappear to? Roots doesn't match the same level of raw passion of his earlier albums (except for Wash Me Clean and Captivated) --that passion where he'd yell into the microphone and it was only him and God... no producers... no fans... just him and God. That moment in Take This Life where his voice struggled to reach the note on the words "take" and "change," but even so, it was utter perfection because of his connection to the words. When Shawn really feels it, he has a tonal inflection to his voice which says "I'm telling the truth," more than any of his lyrics can. Roots has some of that, but not to the same extreme.

Fans who've visited Shawn's Myspace page know that he took a break from music, delaying the release of Roots, to spend some time with his family. All I can say is: way to go! I think that choice was incredibly noble, smart and an amazing example to all of us. What if Shawn could really dig into his heart (as he's know for) and tell us about his family in his next album or single? Maybe that's too personal, but what if he was able to sing that out in the manner he did in Open Me and Take This Life? If he continues to be true to himself and God, as he has been, he will continue to be something rare in the music world.

Roots is excellent; many of the songs I've listed above are, IMO, its real strength. Also check out his earlier albums Ripen and Simply Nothing--they have a way of working their way into your heart and staying there for listen after listen. Sync it with you iPod or Mp3 player, sit back, close your eyes and listen in awe as his connection with God becomes as much a part of you as it is for him. This is the real value of his music.

Shawn, you music is inspiring and uplifting. This new album is your 6th album, Focal Point actually your first that everyone should know about and should be re released. This album though a little different than the previous ones, but none the less beautiful than the others. Your creativity shows you have grown spiritually and personnaly. The Creation of earth shows many creative wonders of God's heart and finger tips, and your music style is right on point, creative, personal, unique, full of emotion, love, and Genuine. Who ever buys this album will not be dissappointed. God Bless

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!

Great product, and great service. I love this Christian CD for my collection. I was amazed that I received item so fast!

As a life long dc talk fan, when the boys went solo, I followed loyally, and after the years rolled on and on (and still roll) with no reunion in sight, I naturally turned to other artists and bands to fill the void: Shawn McDonald is one of them. I had heard of the guy before, but never gave him a good listen. I tried out some amazon deals on his stuff, and i was surprised how much this guy's music just clicks. Knowing his testimony really engaged me to his music as well.
This is my favorite of his, and I have to say his best. Many on here complain about the sudden shift from his usual style--understand, there's no huge shift. If there has been a shift, thank the Lord that Shawn shifted! This is definitely more upbeat and groovy, but still very relaxed. It's the kind of album that you can chill to but also work out to, if that makes sense. With his growth in Christianity, his lyrics have matured as well. Instead of constant singing about he and God, he's finally speaking about current issues of our culture and beginning to reflect on issues at hand. At the same time, it doesn't come across as cheesy "christianese." It's an honest album that stands for itself. If you're looking into Shawn McDonald for the first time, I highly recommend this one. Seriously, the guy's a great musician, and this album has become one of my favorites in both the christian and secular market.
If you like this one a lot, you might want to check out the follow up remix EP.

54 years old and loving everything the edgy Seattle-based Shawn McDonald does. Wow. I found him originally when his song "Gravity" was on a TV dance show I watch. This CD is my second and I love it as much as "Simply Nothing". I bought it because of "Captivated", but "Clarity" is excellent, and the rest are growing Roots right into my heart!

I like most of the songs on the album but they are over produced. Some of the songs are swallowed up with too much orchestration. The songs get lost in strings . Its really over done . Its a shame because there are alot of good songs here.

I saw Shawn at a concert in Newark, DE, in November 2008. He has such a bluesy style and his music is very inspiring. He is a very talented guitarist and his side kick guitarist is awesome, too! He seems like a real down home kind of guy who doesn't want the glory, but wants the glory to go to GOD. He's very humble. Couldn't believe I was able to see him at a free concert at Faith City Church after looking at his tour schedule all over the US! Awesome!

what can one say about the voice of Shawn McDonald? He beautfully expresses the heart of a follower of Jesus Christ.

In a time where CCM music seems to be dominated by a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all brand of pop-rock, I appreciate hearing a great Christian artist with worshipful lyrics and a creative brand of acoustic-alternative-folk-rock or something. Whatever the genre (and when an album is hard to define in terms of other artists, it's generally a very good thing), "Roots" comes off as an extremely enjoyable album. By no means is it perfect, since sometimes the (very subdued) electric guitars and interesting drum tracks detract from the sound occasionally. Unfortunately, I can't help but picture Toby Mac in the studio with "Greed," and sometimes the strings are a bit too heavy on songs like "Waltz in 3." But Shawn's jazzy vocal melodies and smooth acoustic guitar really makes for quite a creative style, and the strings are cool nonetheless, with some interludes that are just downright relaxing. It's fresh, cool, and chill. No where is the listener assaulted with bland electric guitars and driving drum beats. It's my first Shawn McDonald CD, so I don't know how it compares to his other music, but I do know this: It's good. All of it. Some of it is excellent, some of it is only good, but none of it is mediocre or bad. Pick it up if you want a good listen.