Every Time I Breathe

Sounds like … primarily acoustic pop/rock similar to Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, and in its more adventurous moments, Dave Matthews BandAt a glance … predictable AC pop arrangements and been-there-done-that lyrics don't do much to distinguish Big Daddy Weave from others in Christian musicTrack Listing Let It Rise Every Time I Breathe Only Jesus All for You Hold Me Jesus The Only One All the Same When I See You Wait Who You Are to Me Trust and Obey

When a band makes a promising debut like Big Daddy Weave did with 2002's The One and Only, and even with the follow-up Fields of Grace, it's disappointing when they take the proverbial step backward into safer, predictable territory. Enter 2005's What I Was Made For. While the project wasn't unpleasant to the ears, it simply felt too rehashed and familiar—like a bland combination of such Christian radio perennials as Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, and MercyMe all rolled into a single, mediocre worship disc. And unfortunately for those who gravitate toward more thoughtfully inspiring lyrical sentiments, well, there just wasn't much new there, either.

For their fourth effort, Every Time I Breathe, I hoped the band would turn back the tide toward more playful and distinctive jam-oriented arrangements with relatively astute commentary on the Christian life. Unfortunately, there isn't much of either, save for the catchy, saxophone-accented "All the Same," a track that asks the tough questions we've all faced.

Aside from that, the album is a mixed bag of mostly mid-tempo, worship-focused material like "All for You" and "Wait" that's far too similar to the worshipful pop of Chris Tomlin and MercyMe. And if that weren't enough to reinforce the lack of originality, the band also offers predictably produced covers of congregational favorite "Let It Rise" and Rich Mullins' classic "Hold Me Jesus." Now I certainly admire popular worship songs and Mullins' work as much as the next, but do we really need more alternate arrangements of such familiar songs, especially when they offer nothing new musically or thematically? Both sound like misplaced afterthoughts just to fill space.

What a shame, because Big Daddy Weave has certainly proven capable of creativity in the past. With Mike Weaver's engaging vocals and a great live show as assets, fans can only hope for better results on future endeavors from this band.