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Diversity and Controversy Shake Up Stockholm Syndrome
Andy Argyrakis
CMCentral.com
Artist: Derek Webb
Title: Stockholm Syndrome
Label: INO Records
Inorganic innovations …
If there's anything consistent in Derek Webb's career thus far, it's his ability to speak from the heart and occasionally create controversy in the process. His latest solo CD Stockholm Syndrome was actually delayed on several occasions due to a cuss word that's since been edited out on the retail edition, though even on less explicit tunes, there's still a prodding for Christians to shake off all webs (no pun intended) of complacency.
While the incredibly candid lyrical expositions follow in Webb's signature style, anyone who approaches this project hoping for the folksy, organic instrumentation of yesteryear is bound to be disappointed, but pleasantly surprised nonetheless. Instead, they're met with everything from Roaring Twenties jazz to ‘50s-era doo-wop and even some hints of modern dance, disco and old school soul (and it's all seriously authentic, as strange as that may sound).
Electronic pulsations permeate "I Love/Hate You," club-infused dance grooves tip off "Jena and Jimmy" à la Justin Timberlake and loop-enhanced acoustic guitars permeate "Heaven." The departure may appear to be radical, but it works in all cases given Webb's continued credibility as an artist of many interests, not to mention status as one of Christian music's most respected poets.
The tunesmith tackles topics as diverse as race, politics and sexuality, all wound around an unmistakable spiritual foundation that may push buttons for more conservative listeners, but are likely to make listeners of any faith background do some serious soul searching.
© 2009 CMCentral.com. All rights reserved. Used with permission. 
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**This review first published on October 6, 2009.
Most Recent User Comments
epistrophy68
10/6/2009 11:58 AM
Webb is yet another young punk who thinks he has to stoop to the world's level in order to get some attention. There is a reason that the word in question is labeled as profanity: its use does not reflect a Godly spirit. The Christian walk teaches us that everything in life is either sacred or profane; if it is profane, it cannot be sacred. Period. To argue otherwise is to nullify God's demands that we set ourselves apart and live by a higher standard. Derek Webb has proven that he lacks the intelligence and character to get a point across without stepping down into the muck of profanity. It is not holy, and it cannot be tolerated by the community of faith. By demanding the freedom to curse, Webb has shown his true colors. He is a man after attention and money, not the heart of God. He has failed, and I really wish the Christian media would quit lavishing such attention upon him. There are too many other worthwhile artists out there who can distinguish between sacred and profane.
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