Everything That's On My Mind

I remember seeing Jonny Lang playing with B.B. King about 10 years ago when Lang wasn't even shaving yet. My thinking then was something like, "Wow. amazing talent, but these child prodigies rarely have staying power." I've heard his name now and then over the years, but never really paid much attention. Today I received his new album, Turn Around. An appropos title, to be sure. A few years ago, Lang had a powerful encounter with God and it really shows. You can read more about it in Sara Groves' interview over at Christianity Today.

Christian music today seems to be split into two camps, one camp producing modern worship music, the other singing ambiguous love songs hoping to "reach" the broader world. Lang's album is refreshingly and unashamedly evangelical. Turn Around is simply awash with Lang's heartfelt love for God and gratitude for God's grace. In that sense, it reminds me of old Andre Crouch albums.

Musically, the album has much in common with old Andre Crouch as well. He mixes electric blues with gospel, rock and R&B and creates a sound that is both old and new. He even throws in a bit of pop on "My Love Remains", which he co-wrote with Stephen Curtis Chapman. Lang's voice reminds me a little bit of Bob Carlisle, but with more grit and soul. This kid can really sing. He completely holds his own with Michael McDonald on "Thankful", and that's not easy. Lang's guitar playing is fantastic as well. Despite having grown up in the north (Minnesota and North Dakota), Lang clearly has immersed himself in the Chicago and Memphis blues traditions and that really shows in his guitar work.

This album isn't for everyone but if you enjoy blues and/or gospel music with a lot of soul like I do, you should give Turn Around a spin.

Now if someone could just put a Jonny Lang / Robert Randolph tour together, that would REALLY be something to experience!