Jars Of Clay's journey follows the path of a hitmaker almost to a T. When they burst on to the scene in 1996 with Flood, they instantly became one of the biggest names in Christian music (Not to mention a pretty big name in the mainstream as well). However, they began to slump a bit. Their sophomore release proved that they were no fluke, but 1999's If I Left The Zoo left a lot of people feeling rather iffy about Jars. The band kept going, however, and continued to release hit disc after hit disc, each time growing a molding a sound that was uniquely Jars. Now, the band returns with Good Monsters, looking to provide listeners with the best Jars music they've ever heard.
And the disc does not disappoint. Work and Dead Man (Carry Me) provide radio with single fodder that will excite the listeners in all aspects. Tracks like All My Tears and Take Me Higher also deliver a solid listening experience.
But these tracks are actually some of those on the lower rung of this disc. And that says much more about the quality of the disc than it does about the songs themselves, because these songs are hits. However, it is tracks like Even Angels Cry, There Is A River and Oh My God that really make this disc what it is. Lyrically, they are solid. Musically, they are hard to top. And vocally...well, vocally, they are typically Jars.
The best track of the disc, however, may very well be Mirrors & Smoke. What sets it apart from the tracks already mentioned? Lyrically, it is just as good as the rest. Musically, it is on par with the disc. And vocally, it is still typically Jars...oh, except for one little change. A guest appearance by former Sixpence None The Richer lead singer Leigh Nash takes the track to an even better level. Leigh's vocals fit perfectly with Jars' music, and she manages to take control of the song vocally. Nash was the perfect choice for the featured guest spot on vocals.
The disc does slip up once. Light Gives Heat is a very different approach to Jars' music. Drawing on Eastern world influences for the music, and, though it delivers lyrically, it simply does not fit well with the rest of the disc.
Overall, however, Good Monsters is easily Jars Of Clay's most complete release to date. Listeners will hear great portions of the past Jars Of Clay sound mixed in with hints of the continuing growth of the band's sound. Once again, Jars Of Clay has proven why they are not only an extremely successful band, but also one of the most critically acclaimed out today.