Kari Jobe, Where I Find You
By
Jeremy Dunn | music coverage editor, watchgmctv.com
Posted: Tue, 02/28/2012 - 17:15
Sophomore albums can be a tough sell. Expectations are high, especially when the artist's first album was a huge hit. In the case of Kari Jobe, her sophmore album Where I Find You not only lives up to the expectation but exceeds it. It's important to note that prior to her successful 2009 self-titled album, Kari had released an independent CD and appeared as a worship leader on several albums from Gateway Worship, Christ for the Nations Institute and Klaus Kuhen. In other words, this isn't her second rodeo. Kari Jobe, the seasoned and accomplished worship artist, shows up and delivers yet again.
With Where I Find You Jobe moves into deeper topics of worship than her previous album. She sings songs of worship that flow from the tension held between the simple joy of worshiping God and the messiness of everyday life. This is a departure from the sweeter, simpler songs found on her first record. In fact, one could say that the first album was an expression of Sunday morning encounters with God, while Where I Find You contains songs that reflect the regular life of Monday through Saturday.
There is a new level of maturity in song selection and performance that is evident on Where I Find You . And while the songs are decidedly darker, there is still an endearing innocence in her voice. That contrast makes this album simply lovely to listen to.
Musically, she remiains firmly on pop-worship ground. With its high production value, the album is ready for radio. Jobe's sweet voice is in the vein of Taylor Swift and Mindy Smith. In fact, most of the songs are a just one steel guitar away from becoming country pop songs.
As a “live Kari Jobe” fan, I do hope she will give us a live album soon. That is where she really shines as a worship artist. In the meantime, she has given us an honest gift with her latest project.
