JJ Weeks Band “As Long As We Can Breathe” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Rest Now, In the Name Of, Higher

"As Long As We Can Breathe" carves a definitive identity in the discography of JJ Weeks Band.  Though this Macon, Georgia quartet has been making their rounds since 2001, they started off on the fringes of CCM pop with an anonymous indie rock sound.  However, over the years, they have evolved in leaps and bounds.  Their sound gets a refining honing when they signed with Inpop Records in 2013.  "All Over the World," their preceding effort, was arguably the band's best effort until now.  Signed to Centricity Music (Jason Gray, Jonny Diaz), "As Long As We Can Breathe" shows a stunningly depth in the album's lyrical department. Covering an array of topics from idolatry to rest to God's mysterious sovereignty, these are issues that ought to get us thinking.  And with melodies that thrive on sturdy hooks that get us worshipping along, this is a CD that will defy the test of time and it's one that we'll find ourselves returning to again and again.

Produced by Jonathan Smith (Sidewalk Prophets, Tim Timmons), "As Long As We Can Breathe" features six new songs co-written by frontman Weeks ("Let Them See You") as well as four tunes penned by notable songwriters in the industry. This includes the first single "Alive In Me," co-written by Seth Mosley, Mia Fieldes and Jeremiah Carlson. "Alive in Me," which shares a lyrical affinity to Jeremy Camp's "Same Power," is acceptable without being exceptional.  Much, much better is "Rest Now."  Expounding on a theme not too often covered in modern worship songs, the song is a sober reminder that sometimes the most God-pleasing thing we can do in the midst of our stresses is to rest.  

Those who wish for songs with greater theological depth and a more extensive coverage of Scriptural themes will be pleased to hear ""In the Name of."  The song shoots advocates of health, wealth, prosperity in the foot as it teaches us how God doesn't eliminate suffering from us.  But in his name, we will prevail through them all.  Those who love the worship balladry of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman will love the awe-inspiring, "Higher."

"Rooftops" (not the Jesus Culture song, but a new Weeks co-write) thrives on its big muscular beat that fittingly underscores the song's message of our need to boldly praise God.  "Jealous," co-written by Mike Weaver (Big Daddy Weave), Jonathan Smith and Tony Wood, should not be overlooked.  With an engaging mid-tempo melody and some pulsating beats, "Jealous" speaks of making Christ our utmost treasure.  A song that is so counter-cultural, so unhip, yet it's so pleasing in God's eyes.  Brimming with lots of well-constructed songs that grabs us from the get-go with lyrics that are substantially meaty, there are no wasted breaths on this record.

 

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