- Industry
- Beautiful Disaster
- Just Give It Time
- Already In
- For You From Me
- Human
- Indiana
- Anthem for American Teenagers
- People
- Proud Father
- Praying to the Wrong God
- Perfect
- Until You Got Love
Things are off to a strong start for 24-year-old singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin from Anderson, Indiana. After opening for the likes of O.A.R., Live, and Marc Broussard, his debut album (named for his home state) released to the mainstream last May. Plus, three of his songs have already appeared on soundtracks for the films Bridge to Terabithia, Georgia Rules, and Disney's upcoming Enchanted. He also happens to be a Christian, which is why Indiana is now releasing to the Christian market as well.
Much like his friend and tour mate Matt Wertz, McLaughlin offers subtle expressions of faith, but they still inform his broad spectrum of songwriting. "Industry" is essentially his prayer to remain faithful while working in the music biz ("This is me on my knees singing take it all from me"), and "Praying to the Wrong God" similarly wrestles with making an idol of temptation.
The relatively sophisticated sounding "Anthem for American Teenagers" shares McLaughlin's heart for missions while challenging a new generation to change the world. "Beautiful Disaster" is yet another song about self-image, while "Just Give It Time" offers a generic word of encouragement. But "Human" touches on how we all fall short of the mark and "People" hints at our need for hope and grace. Though Indiana has its share of love songs—including "Perfect," written specifically to McLaughlin's wife—"Until You Got Love" resembles
All of this is delivered with impressive piano pop reminiscent of Ben Folds and Gabe Dixon crossed with Scott Krippayne and Mark Schultz—the piano runs in "People" and "Industry" would impress even Bruce Hornsby. It's a nice alternative to all the Jack Johnson and John Mayer copycats out there. Though some of the pop songs are as predictable as average Christian adult contemporary, the strong production values by Greg Wells (Rufus Wainwright, Natasha Bedingfield) and Jamie Houston (Jessica Simpson, Macy Gray) helps elevate it. McLaughlin's considerable skills shine, enough so to make you glad that he's using his talents to reach a broader audience.
(Note: Be aware that there are two version of Indiana available. The original mainstream release includes the song "Amelia's Missing" which contains the line, "How in the hell am I supposed to find the one that I love?" The Christian market release replaces that track with the ballad "Proud Father," a six-minute ballad about unconditional love that could be interpreted as a variation on "Well done, good and faithful servant.")