Shane and Shane Everything Is Different (Inpop Records) Released November 2009 Reviewed by Andrea Dawn Goforth

Style: An acoustic backdrop, well-conceived instrumentation, and subtle vocals reminiscent of Ben Harper and Kings of Convenience.

Top tracks: "Everything Is Different," "The Lord's Prayer," "My Portion"

In a nutshell: Shane & Shane have released an album every year since 2002, so the fact that they can find news ways to explore music and their love for God is impressive. They're folkier than ever here, with a taste of banjo on "You Say 'I'm Rich'" and a backbeat rhythm on songs throughout the album. We expect tight harmonies and poppy hooks from the Shanes, but it's the little surprises like the warm B3 organ on "My Portion" and the clever arrangement of "The Lord's Prayer" that stand out here. Unfortunately, though each track is well crafted, the tunes are fairly homogeneous, leaving me wishing each song was different—and not just the title.

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