Rating: 5 out of 5 stars [iTunes link]
David Crowder*Band is (or, more accurately, was) an interesting point of focus in Christian music. People seem to argue about this band like people who debate the awesomeness of LOST. Some readily call them one of the greatest Christian bands out there, while others stamp them with the “overrated” label. Those critical of the band may just be reacting to their wild popularity, especially among students (from middle school-aged to college-aged). You can certainly see and hear them everywhere... yet, there are some that argue the band’s music lacks depth and creativity.
Opinions aside, I don’t think that is the case.
Do I think every album in the DC*B catalog is a “home run” album? No. Illuminate [iTunes link] was a foundational album for me, as a worship leader, so it holds a special place in my heart. A Collision (or 3+4=7) [iTunes link] is, in my opinion, one of the more creative offerings the band has ever done. Church Music [iTunes link] was a feat of editing genius, as the record can be played as one, continuous track; it also can give me a headache sometimes, due to its relentless use of “techno.” Both Remedy [iTunes link] and Can You Hear Us? [iTunes link] (and, even the indie All I Can Say [iTunes link]) are okay, with great songs contained in them. I feel, however, that these albums are lacking somehow, but I can't explain where, how, or why.
In 2011, the band announced that their sixth major-label studio album would be their final record. I still don’t know why the band “broke up,” and admittedly, it’s really none of my business. God draws people together and apart all of the time, so this could just be a new phase of ministry in the band members’ lives. Regardless of reason, I conclude two things about the band in retrospect. First, David Crowder and the Band that asterisked with him were (and are) extremely capable worship leaders that have left a noticeable, positive mark on the church.
Second, their final album is their best. By far.
Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]) is loaded with depth. First, it’s designed to be a parallel/continuation of A Collision; while A Collision dealt with the subject of death, Give Us Rest deals with the aftermath of death, and ultimately, the eternal life we find in Christ. It tries to accomplish this by placing a modern spin on the requiem mass, a mostly liturgical genre of music reserved for funerals. At a total of 34 tracks, it’s the band’s most extensive album ever. It is also a synthesis of dramatic shifts in genre, from bluegrass to rock opera, from classic Crowder to something not unlike Mumford & Sons, and everything else in between. To top it off, Crowder reinforces the idea of “rest” and redemption in Christ by translating it into a musical “theme,” and repeating that theme throughout the album.
There are some great new worship songs sprinkled throughout the album, namely “Oh, Great Love of God” and “After All (Holy).” By far, however, the crowning achievement of the album is the seven “Sequences.” It is probably supposed to represent the modern take on the requiem mass, and it does so with a distinct “rock opera” sound. One should listen to all seven tracks in order, to gain a proper appreciation for the work, and it may not be your cup of tea. Likewise, the album ends with a straight shot of Southern Gospel bluegrass; this may be a shock to those expecting the typical “rock/techno” blend of classic Crowder. Bottom line, however, is that there should be something here for nearly every taste, and it readily shows the band flexing their creative muscles.
Quite the swan song, if you ask me.