This week is Derek Webb week at cMusicWeb.com. First, this week, we have an
inspiring, rich review of Derek's solo debut, She Must And Shall Go Free.
Derek had for years been one of the integral parts of Caedmon's Call, but
recently decided to part ways in order to bring his bold message to
Christians everywhere. Check out our review and come back this weekend to
read a lengthy interview with Derek on his unique views.

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SHE MUST AND SHALL GO FREE - DEREK WEBB (2003)
by Melissa Miles

Those who have read Hannah Hurnard's "Hind's Feet on High Places" will
recall a scene where the meek Much Afraid is talking to the Great Shepherd
about going to the desired High Places. The gentle Shepherd explains to Much
Afraid that she cannot enter the High Places unless she has the Seed of Love
planted in her heart. She is all too willing to receive the Seed until the
Shepherd opens his hand and reveals that the seemingly benign Seed of Love
is a hateful-looking spike. Her soul realizes that the High Places are worth
any pain the ugly seed could inflict, and she allows the Shepherd to plant
the ugly seed in her heart. Derek Webb's She Must and Shall Go Free is much
like that seed. It sounds like it will be a harmless CD that focuses on the
Church, but in actuality it is a convicting spike that will leave none
without a wound. Like Much Afraid, though, you will find that the Love is
well worth whatever pain comes.

There are things that could be mentioned about the technical aspects of this
album. An all-star supporting cast that includes Jars of Clay, Sara Groves
and Sandra McCracken, the musical tapestries of banjos, guitars,
bluesy/folksy melodies, or infectious percussion, but all that is dross
compared to the lyrics. God has laid a message on the heart of a Houston
musician, and Derek Webb is being faithful to tell it.

"Nobody Loves Me" attempts to prepare the listener to what shall follow-
"The truth is never sexy / So it's not an easy sell / ...So I don't care if
nobody loves me but You." The title track echoes with the voice of Christ
declaring for His Bride, "All her debts are cast on Me, for she must and
shall go free." There is no time for delicate symbolism and no patience for
political correctness on Wedding Dress: "I am a whore I do confess / But I
put You on like a wedding dress / and I run down the aisle... to You." Again
the Christ speaks in "Beloved:" "Beloved, listen to me / Don't believe all
that you see / And don't you ever let anyone tell you that there's anything
that you need / But Me." Lest we get caught up in lamenting the shortcomings
of the Church or piously pointing our fingers at those who aren't as
bride-like as we consider ourselves to be, the final track reminds us that
Christ's heart is still toward His Church: "...I haven't come only for you /
But for my people to pursue / And you cannot care for Me with no regard for
Her / If you love Me you will love the Church."

Father God, I pray that you will bless this album, not for the glory of men
or music, but for the Glory of Your Church. May it be a shower that washes
the dirt off of your beloved Bride that you may be honored. Though she is
spotted and sinful, Your heart still longs for her. Highest praise to you
that you still hold out your hand to us and call us Yours.

Look for our in-depth exclusive interview with Derek coming this week to
http://cMusicWeb.com/

Find out more about Derek Webb:
http://www.derekwebb.com/


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review: Peace of Mind (self-titled)
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/peaceofmind

Views: Lights! Camera! Action!
A look at this summer's big movies.
http://cMusicWeb.com/views


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JULY 8 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

ACROSS THE SKY (self-titled)
A label-made pairing of pop and rock solo artists brings an edgy pop debut
from Across the Sky. Expect power-pop songwriting paired with irresistible
pop/rock styling.

BEAUTIFUL WORLD - GS MEGAPHONE
The guys in this all-out rock band are as big into ministry as their
guitars. Expect catchy, high-powered rock on their latest release.

FAR FROM NOWHERE - SLICK SHOES
Slick Shoes are still rockin' hard, although most music fans will be
hard-pressed to hear a major difference on this album.

G.I.GANTIC - GRAND INCREDIBLE
Two members from the O.C. Supertones venture out from the world of ska-rock
to their own creation, which even includes an appearance by a member of
Nickel Creek.

SHOUT TO THE LORD: THE PLATINUM COLLECTION VOL. 2 - HILLSONGS
Recorded live in beautiful Australia is the latest collection of Darlene
Zschech's popular tunes of worship.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Phil Keaggy Jams With P.O.D.
- And more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
even more great content. If you have any comments or questions, please reply
to this e-mail or send them to webmaster@.... We'd love to hear
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Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
AOL IM - dMusicWeb