Anyone that thinks that no one is making music for God's glory anymore needs only listen to According to John's long-awaited second album, Beyond What I See. John Waller and company have composed some of the most powerful, memorable songs I've heard all year.

What really makes Beyond What I See stand out is the subject matter addressed in each of its thirteen songs, all of which point the listener to a deeper, more abundant relationship with Christ. (In other words, if you're saved and you're wondering, "so now what?" -- these songs provide plenty of answers.) The disc starts out with a trio of rock anthems: "God Thing" talks about those times in life when God reaches into our circumstances and does something or answers our prayers in a way that defies explanation; "High & Mighty" is a simple song about God's greatness; and "Cloud Nine" is one of the album's two calls to abstinence.

But it's after these rock anthems, as great as they are, that things start to get really interesting. "Heaven Forbid" is a cry out to God to keep us from those things that keep us from God, and it's married to a melancholy, brooding kind of melody. The much-talked-about "Song of Jabez" is next, and what can I say? I love this song! It perfectly conveys the message of the prayer of Jabez, as discussed in the popular book by Bruce Wilkinson, and it's conveyed with one of the most beautiful and memorable melodies I've ever heard. If "Song of Jabez" doesn't get a Song of the Year nomination at next year's Dove Awards, I am going to be seriously ticked!

"More Alive" follows, with another powerful, inspiring message about how we may not know the shape or measure of what life will be like in Heaven, but as the chorus says, "let's just say that I'll be more alive than I am today." This is a great song that really makes you want to continue pressing on towards the prize, even if we can never know exactly what that prize will look like or include. Next up is "She's In Love," a little requiem from a guy who's in love with a girl that's in love with someone else. The twist is, the other guy just happens to be Jesus. The best part is the second chorus where he laments about being unable to "compete with the King of Kings" for her affections. Very clever.

"Worth the Wait" is one of the album's funnest songs, with a killer hook on the chorus, and a lyric about how the singer hasn't met his mate yet, but he's already in love with her and determined to wait for her. It has a great, "big rock song" kind of sound, and I can't get enough of it. "Standing Ovation" ranks right up there next to "Song of Jabez" in quality, and proves even more emotional and gripping. It's an absolutely stunning ballad about... well, I don't want to spoil it for you. Suffice to say, I've listened to this disc dozens of times now, and this song still brings tears to my eyes, every time. It just destroys me. It's easily one of the most inspiring songs I've ever heard, and that's saying quite a lot.

Rounding out the album are a few more ballads and rock songs. "Amazing" is a quiet worship chorus about how "God's grace is amazing." "Confession" is just that: a confession to God of our sins and destructive natures. "Matter" is another upbeat song, while "Perfect World" provides a really fun, anthemic moment to end things on, talking about how the world we live in will never be without problems, but there is a perfect world coming, one that every Christian can look forward to.

Top Picks: "God Thing," "Cloud Nine," "Song of Jabez," "More Alive," "Worth the Wait," and "Standing Ovation."

Pros: There are so many great songs on here, it almost feels like getting twice the value you're entitled to. The band's awesome southern rock sounds should more than satisfy fans of Third Day, while their lyrics are some of the most inspiring, meaty stuff I've chewed on all year.

Cons: Nothing worth mentioning.

The Verdict: Yeah, I know, you've probably never heard of this band. Please take my advice and go out of your way to change that, at once. I guarantee, you'll be glad you did. Beyond What I See is one of the most important albums of 2001.

My Score: 5 stars.

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