Scattered Pieces: Live is Shawn McDonald’s second live album in his relatively short music career as a signed soloist. It’s often rare for an artist to release one live album, let alone two, but it works for McDonald! He has such an amazing voice and live presence that he could make 10 more live albums and I still wouldn’t be sick of the in-concert feel.
Shawn is a perfect picture of how God can turn your life around. Just a few years ago he was just a desperate, lost kid in Eugene, Oregon, who grew up too quickly without his parents in his life, and who was now full of rage, and staring down the barrel of nine felony charges for possessing, growing, manufacturing and dealing marijuana, LSD, crank and a host of other controlled substances. His past bleeds into his songs, singing about honest topics like “I Am Nothing” or “Take Hold,” normally these types of songs tend to be written about fictional characters or someone the artist knows, not themselves. But for McDonald it’s pretty much him writing about his past or how he’s felt. He’s been through more than most of us ever will be in our lifetime, and to know that he’s now of one of the premier acoustic pop / folk singers in Christian music is even more astounding.
Shawn was limited to the songs he could do on Scattered Pieces, partially because he’s released two studio albums and this, now his second live album. A lot of the songs are off of Ripen. Other songs are from his debut album, but rearranged to create a solid work of art. The album does shine new light for Shawn, playing four new songs and rearranging some old favorites including “Gravity”, “Free” and “Take My Hand.”
One of the new tracks called “Hush” brings out some of McDonald’s Soul; so to speak, this is my favorite track out of the new ones. Another new one is a revised version of “Amazing Grace.” Shawn has a way of worshipping that is unique and very refreshing. Shawn has a way of making you feel like you’re engaging together to worship God. Another great track that I like is “The Rider on the White Horse” which again brings out some soul from Shawn.
Other great tracks, but not limited to, include: “I Am Nothing”, “Take Hold”, “Gravity” (rearranged), “Take My Hand” (rearranged), and “Beautiful.” An impressive note to add is that the album is well over an hour long, giving you a lasting experience of Shawn’s live gigs.
In the end, Scattered Pieces: Live is a must for any new or old fan or Shawn, fans of acoustic pop / folk or even someone who’s simply looking for a great live acoustic album with a positive message! I strongly recommend this intimate acoustic pop / folk recording from one of Christian music’s best Shawn McDonald.
Article by Jeremy Koering, Editor / Photographer / General Writing
