Reckless

Artist: Jeremy Camp
Label: BEC Recordings
Genre: Pop, Praise & Worship

It’s been five years since Jeremy Camp released a full-length studio album of all original material. His previous two projects have been worship and Christmas offerings, but 2008’s Speaking Louder Than Before was his last full collection of brand-new cuts.

Now, with 11 new tracks, Camp maintains a decidedly worshipful slant on songs that reveal the singer-songwriter’s current state of mind. Reckless reflects Camp’s desire to surrender his goals, dreams and achievements to Christ. The title track was born out of a time of wrestling where Camp was asking himself if he would be willing to give up music if that’s what God asked of him. He realized recklessness is a result of intentional obedience. “I will lose my life and just let go/ Because I know this world is not my home/ With fearless faith/ I won’t be moved/ Unshakeable inside Your truth,” he sings.

Two gems follow the title track. “The Way You Love Me” is undoubtedly a highlight and one of the most accessible, radio-ready cuts. Its anthemic chorus packs a punch and finds Camp declaring he will readily share Christ’s love with the world. “Free” tells the story of grace and the chains of sin that can only be broken through Jesus.

“Paradise” speaks to God’s reminder that He is preparing a place for us in heaven. Songs like “My God” and “Come Alive” focus on the attributes of God’s unwavering character; while other tracks like “We Must Remember,” “We Need” and intense closer “Without You” are strong calls to action about following the Lord with abandon, shining a subtle light on social justice.

“Shine” could easily fit into Camp’s worship repertoire with its high-energy chorus and vertical lyrics. Although the songs on Reckless aren’t overtly dubbed “worship,” and the lyrics aren’t all vertical in nature, Camp seems to still be heavily influenced by modern-day worship. All of the songs are solidly biblically-based, and it’s obvious Camp takes surrender very seriously.

Musically, Reckless is one of the most raw and organic offerings of his career. Camp brought back his longtime friend and collaborator Andy Dodd (Adie, Adam Cappa) to produce the album. Camp hasn’t worked with Dodd in several releases, but the collaboration brings the same authenticity and transparency listeners fell in love with on his debut.

Camp just happens to be in a much different place in life than he was when he recorded his first album. Now, remarried, seven albums and three children later, Camp’s perspective is one of a mature husband, father and Christ-follower who is more serious than ever before about sharing his redemptive story.

Reckless is less about rock ‘n’ roll and more about honesty. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of guitar riffs or driving drums. Reckless simply reflects Camp’s heart-on-your-sleeve candor, a rare combination that shows up in a slightly more grown-up music bed. Camp isn’t afraid to trade heavy guitars for a lovely piano bridge or a simple acoustic intro. He’s far more concerned that his message gets communicated, and with Reckless, the call to obedience rings loud and clear.