Released 30 years ago this year and probably released 30 years ago today to mainstream US markets, this is the much-beloved debut of Jars of Clay. The band came out of the gate with some great songs and an acoustic-rock style that was unique at the time and has been imitated many times by bands since then. Some might not like the electronic drum loops, but I think it makes the album a bit of a unique release. There's also beautiful strings, fiddle work and even female vocals on a few songs. "Love Song For A Savior" may be their most-played song ever on Christian radio, and "Flood" got them onto non-Christian radio and MTV a bit at the time. But the best song of this album in my opinion is the 5-minute "Worlds Apart", a beautiful musical and poetic prayer of surrender to God. It's not my favorite Jars of Clay album, but it's their beginning and it's a top-notch album that continues to be a favorite so many years later.

If you want to hear me and a few others talk about this album for a while, Caleb invited me on his podcast and we talk about it for, wow, nearly 2 hours. It was a fun discussion and you can certainly find it wherever you listen to podcasts. Just look for "The Album Anniversary Podcast" and find the Jars Of Clay episode. Here is where to find the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Release Year: 1995
Listen on Apple Music
Listen on Spotify