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Music Review: ": Derek Webb: "She Must and Shall go Free"
Most music fans familiar with Derek Webb know him from his stellar work over the past ten years with
perennial Christian favorites Caedmon's Call. After ten years and six albums, Derek Webb has decided to leave
the band that has been his home in order to go it alone. This change must be difficult for an artist used to playing
to sold out theaters. I recently saw Webb with his wife Sandra McCracken here in Knoxville play to a crowd of about 100.
It was a wonderful show but I couldn't help but wonder what it must feel like to be starting over.
After a listen to Webb's solo album, I get the idea that it feels pretty good. Webb was always to my ears, the
best writer and vocalist in Caedmon's Call. His songs had a realism that seemed to be lacking on some of the supergroup's
other material. As a writer, I'm sure it would be frustrating to only get two or three songs on each CD your
band puts out. Now, Webb gets to enjoy a solo career where all the songs are his own and he can finally say all
he wants to say.
Some artist who go solo struggle with this because frankly... they don't have much to say at all. That is not the case
with Webb. He has a LOT to say and "She Must and Shall go Free" is a profoundly deep and spiritual album. The real
highlight of this record is the lyrics. They are intended as a wake up call for the church and also as a cry for Christians
to remember that we are to love the church as Christ does. Webb's liner notes speak at some length about this and
you can also read his passionate viewpoints on his website. One cannot help but be moved by the obvious love Webb feels
for Christ's imperfect, struggling bride.
Aside from the lyrics, how does it sound? It's not Caedmon's Call if that's what you were expecting. The music has more
of a folksy alt-country feel to it but that suits Webb just fine.
"Nobody Loves Me" starts the record off with a bluesy electric riff that builds to the hook filled chorus of "I don't
care if nobody loves me...
but you..."
The title track is a reworked hymn with lyrics by William Gadsby. Sandra McCracken contributes a nice harmony to this
catchy track.
After "Take to the World", an Aaron Tate penned song comes the swamp-rock of "Nothing without You". The album then hits
its stride with "Lover" and "Wedding Dress".
Webb said in concert that after writing countless songs about relationships, "Lover" was the first song he had
ever written about Christ. It is actually written from Christ's perspective and keeps coming back to the reminder
"you will be set free". "Wedding Dress" is lyrically the most convicting song on the record (and of Webb's career).
"I am a whore I do confess..
I put you on just like a wedding dress
and I run down the isle... I run down the isle
I'm a prodigal with no way home
I put you on just like a ring of gold
and I run down the isle... I run down the isle to you.
That song is the centerpiece and highlight of the record. Webb has caught some heat for the raw language (whore & bastard)
repeatedly but there is no denying, the song has a powerful message and sometimes powerful messages require powerful
words.
Other highlights are "Beloved" and the country-bluegrass of "Crooked Deep Down" which was introduced in concert
with Webb joking "If you're depraved and you know it, you can clap your hands".
Finally is "The Church", the last song penned for the record and one of the best. The simple message of this song comes
through clearly in the lines You cannot care for me with no regard for her... if you love me you will love the church.
And so sums up this great debut from Derek Webb. Whatever happens to Caedmon's Call without him, good things are in
store from Derek.
Review by Greg Adkins
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