As soon as I popped in my copy of this disc, I liked it. After all, it is
not every day that you get flat-out rock with the lyrical depth of a folk
artist. But, in many ways, Jeremy Camp delivers, so enjoy this review by our
Jon Corbin. Plus, this week, we have more new stuff on the site, including
going in-depth with Bleach.

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STAY - JEREMY CAMP (2002)
by Jon Corbin

It's not easy to admit, but the fact is, the world is going pop. The promise
of radio success is now contingent on a singsong chorus that forces a rock
band to pick up a certain "edge." Whether it's smooth R&B vocals like Wave,
Sum 41's watered down punk rock or nu-metal music that would depress even
Eddie Vedder, everyone now needs an edge, leaving fewer and fewer hard
rockers out there. Can rock and roll survive? Jeremy Camp would say yes. Not
only is his debut album Stay straight up rock, but his lyrics leave traces
of his heart all over the listener's ear - a gift more valuable than a rock
and roll disc.

Producers Adam Watts and Andy Dodd serve as the basic bandmates to Camp's
acoustic guitar and near-perfect vocals. One through twelve, the songs on
Stay range from average to excellent on an album worth several replays.
"Understand" introduces Jeremy as a crooner, dipping into Sott Stapp
territory. However, at no point does he sound like an imitator rather than
an original. The diversity of the songs paves the way for many musical
influences such as Lenny Kravitz ("All The Time") and Nickelback ("One Day
At A Time"). The hardcore sound is even mined as Jeremy screams through the
chorus of "Take My Life." The intimate, 3/4 ballads "Walk By Faith" and "I
Still Believe" serve to round out Camp as an attentive and thoughtful
songwriter.

The entire album reads like a journey through Camp's life as he shares his
experiences in the hopes of encouraging Christians. Each song is ordered in
such a way to raise questions about how they relate to each other.
"Understand" is painful self-examination in dealing with the feelings that
come with committing a sin, while the next song "Right Here," is a strong
profession of faith that God is always near to us. "Walk By Faith," the
third song, takes the concept even further with Camp stating he will "Walk
by faith, even when I cannot see." The album continues this way, with each
song remaining distinct, yet hinting at its relation with the others.
Struggling friends are given a simple encouragement message in "Stay" and
the love of God is thought upon in the upbeat "All The Time." Jeremy once
again reveals the struggles of the Christian walk in "I Still Believe."
"Scattered words and empty thoughts / Seem to pour from my heart / I've
never felt so torn before / Seems like I don't know where to start / But
it's now that I feel your grace falling like rain / From every fingertip,
washing away my pain."
The inspired writing of "I Still Believe" allows the listener to relate to
many emotions, but musically, the song is unfortunately similar to "Walk By
Faith."

Camp's lyrics are straightforward and sometimes borderline Christian cliché,
but the heart behind them is very genuine, which makes Stay a very enjoyable
listen. Excellent songs include "Understand," "I Still Believe," "Right
Here," "Stay" and "Take My Life." The two average tunes "Nothing" and "I
Know You're Calling" are enjoyable but might get skipped over in repeated
rotations. The rock fans will love this disc and should extend sincere
thanks to Jeremy Camp for leading a new generation of Christian rock music.

Fine more about Jeremy Camp at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/jeremycamp


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Feature: Bleach
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/bleach/feature.shtml

Review: Your King has Come - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/yourkinghascome/index.shtml

Review: WOW Christmas - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/wow/wowchristmas.shtml

Review: It's Christmas Time - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/cityonahill/itschristmastime.shtml

Movie: Lord of the Rings Editorials
http://cMusicWeb.com/movies/lordoftherings/index.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

BEAUTY OF THE UNKNOWN - JUSTIFIDE
Hardcore and doing it just for the fans, Justifide is out with yet another
disc, the second in two years. Fans can expect much of the same as the last
disc.

CATHEDRAL OF SOUND: GLOBAL DJ EXPERIENCE - VARIOUS
The vast inner space of a cathedral is a good way to describe the rich
soundscape of this disc, which collects some of the best UK-based
dance/worship into one disc.

PARADE - GO FISH
Not exactly up to par with PlusOne (if that is anything to be sought after),
Go Fish keep their music popping somewhere between FFH and True Vibe.

SAY IT LOUD - SANCTUS REAL
After playing for years in independent Christian music, Sanctus Real has
gotten their break and has put together a disc with the help of Pete
Stewart. Of course, the rockin' does not stop, from the opening to the 80's
metal hidden track. It's also the PICK OF THE WEEK.

VINEYARD'S SEASONS IN WORSHIP SERIES:
CHANGE MY HEART OH GOD
REFINER'S FIRE
THE RIVER IS HERE
COME NOW IS THE TIME
Vineyard music releases another series of double-disc collections, this time
organizing them in "Seasons of Worship." With each collection featuring 25
tracks, these are good collections of Vineyard's history. I highly recommend
the "Come Now is the Time" collection, which could also be named a "Best of
Vineyard UK" collection.

THE SWIFT (self-titled)
While, overall, The Swift just sounds like another new pop-rock band, it is
fun to hear a new artist with a bit more piano-based rock. Don't worry rock
fans, these guys' Christian cliche lyrics still have some guitars in the
background too.


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