Jeremy Camp has always been known to write songs from wherever he is in his life journey, be it in the midst of the heart-wrenching loss of his young wife (his debut album Stay), or the restoration following such a tragedy (his third project Restored). His new album, Beyond Measure shows the restoration even more clearly. It is full of hope and contentment, and overflowing thankfulness. Camp says, “This album shows even more what God has done in my life than Restored. It’s a little more personal to me, more like Stay, but musically and vocally it is leaps and bounds above both. This album is so diverse, but in such a good way. It’s ME. Period.”
Camp has released two singles to radio simultaneously, and this duo opens the record. Just as Stay and Restored featured their own quasi-hard-rock song, Beyond Measure’s rock gem is Tonight. The second single, What It Means, is beautiful alt-rock song, asking Jesus to show us how to live as a sacrifice.
The title track introduces the piano, an instrument that has not been previously used in Camp’s palette. Beyond Measure is a poignant and intensely personal ballad. It is listened to almost as a story book of Camp’s life: a story of loss, faith and grace. Let It Fade sounds a lot like most of the tracks on Restored, but it’s not bad having some continuity with the past.
Feels Like ventures into some new vocal territory, with increased falsetto during the chorus. While it is different, it suits the song, and Camp pulls it off to perfection. An ethereal track, When You Are Near is accompanied by a synth and special effects, and some more falsetto is featured.
Tucked in the middle of the album is No Matter What, another rock song. Featuring the lyrics “No matter what it takes I will offer everything I am. Even unto death I will follow,” it is certainly a bold declaration, and a standout track. Take A Little Time encourages believers to reach outside their comfort zones to impact the world around them: a reference to Camp’s involvement with international child sponsorship organization Compassion.
The lyrics of I Am Nothing are based on John 15:5, where Jesus says, “apart from me you can do nothing.” Camp, backed by soft strings sings, “I am nothing without your love. I’m completed by your touch.”
Give You Glory is Camp’s first bona-fide “worship song.” Though all his songs come from a real place of worship, Give You Glory is the first in the worship genre. The lyrics are vertically-directed, proclaiming the Glory of Jesus.
The album concludes with Give Me Jesus, a heartfelt plea for more of Jesus. Backed with only his acoustic guitar, Camp’s strong vocal capabilities shine. The song builds as his wife’s1 vocals, followed by a cello, are added to the mix. Give Me Jesus is a traditional African-American song, originally recorded by Fernando Ortega, and Camp gives it a noteworthy remake.
Numerous critics complained that his third record, Restored, was unoriginal and showed little musical growth. This is certainly not the case with Beyond Measure, and Camp’s maturation is evident in both the musical styles and the instrument arrangements. Beyond Measure is an uplifting album that will appeal to any previous fans of Camp’s work and those looking for transparent songwriting.
1 His wife, Adie, is a musician and singer as well, and her debut album, Don’t Wait is in stores now on BEC Recordings. Click here to read the review.
Article by Darren Creech
