|
Style: Muted, folksy rock; compare to Bruce Springsteen, Bright Eyes, The Hold Steady
Top tracks: "Western Pier," "Terrified Eyes," "Not Much Left of Us"
Craig Finn's lyrics have been so Christ-haunted for so long, it's in danger of becoming schtick. His Catholic guilt and obsession with Jesus follow the Hold Steady singer into his first solo album, though his band's celebratory fervor is abandoned in favor of muted bar-band rock—a collision of folk, Americana, and overt Springsteen-isms. The lyrics are more melancholy than ever; Finn conveys complex emotions and real fears about hospital bills, frayed relationships, even alcoholism. Jesus is evoked as a benevolent judge on "Western Pier," to sublime effect, but "New Friend Jesus" is as hokey as it sounds.
Copyright © 2012 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Annual & Monthly subscriptions available.
- Print & Digital Issues of CT magazine
- Complete access to every article on ChristianityToday.com
- Unlimited access to 65+ years of CT’s online archives
- Member-only special issues
- Learn more
Read These Next
- TrendingAmerican Christians Should Stand with Israel under AttackWhile we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
- From the MagazineI Hated ‘Church People.’ But I Knew I Needed Them.As I attended my second funeral in three weeks, two Christians showed me a kindness I couldn’t explain.
- Editor's PickShoes Stay On for Maundy ThursdayFew Protestant traditions continue the footwashing that Jesus did at the Last Supper. Some want a revival of the practice.