2008 Woodie Awards
Webb's bell rings loud
Jimmy Faseler
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: Gallery
The moment Derek Webb's last strum of the guitar rung through the Pike Auditorium, all I could think about was his new album, The Ringing Bell, released May 1. Much of the talk around campus was about Webb and what was expected from his new album. People who were never introduced to the man prior to his concert were up in arms with his life, lyrics and new album. Needless to say, there was a lot of hype.
When there is as much hype about an album as Webb's, the listener is usually disappointed more than they are impressed. In fact, every album I anticipate from one of my favorite bands has always left me in disappointment.
I have never learned from my mistakes in the past, and I still get extremely over-excited every time I catch wind of a new album one of my favorite bands is coming out with, and, as usual, I am always disappointed.
My excitement and expectations for Webb's new album was indescribable, I had such high hopes for the album that when it came out the most surprising thing was that I was, in no way, let down. It met every expectation I had. After the first full play through of the album, Webb left me smiling and satisfied.
Webb has done a lot with this album that tops his previous albums. The most obvious change was the rock and roll influence, with electric guitar and up-beat drums; the album has taken Webb's music to a whole new level.
At the same time, there is an enormous sense of familiarity, Webb's unique vocals and enticing lyrics are still the highlight, and any person remotely familiar with Webb could never mistake this for anything other than an incredible album.
Webb's well thought out lyrics have me wrapped around his finger, soaking in every word. Anyone who can tastefully sing to his girlfriend about having a Bible study and then making out afterwards has got to be one incredible lyricist. The way he can form phrases and shamelessly speak truth gives me chills. "You can always trust the devil or a politician to be the devil or a politician. But beyond that, friends, you'd best beware 'cause at the Pentagon bar they're an inseparable pair and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills we'll never have a savior on Capitol Hill."
With Webb's inspiring lyrics, great rock sound and soothing melodies, The Ringing Bell has become one of my all time favorite albums. There are many great albums that I have come across in the past, but they were only great for a while and then the test of time wisped them away.
I am positive that 15 years from now, The Ringing Bell will still frequent my CD player, and my kids will be making fun of me for still listening to CDs.
When there is as much hype about an album as Webb's, the listener is usually disappointed more than they are impressed. In fact, every album I anticipate from one of my favorite bands has always left me in disappointment.
I have never learned from my mistakes in the past, and I still get extremely over-excited every time I catch wind of a new album one of my favorite bands is coming out with, and, as usual, I am always disappointed.
My excitement and expectations for Webb's new album was indescribable, I had such high hopes for the album that when it came out the most surprising thing was that I was, in no way, let down. It met every expectation I had. After the first full play through of the album, Webb left me smiling and satisfied.
Webb has done a lot with this album that tops his previous albums. The most obvious change was the rock and roll influence, with electric guitar and up-beat drums; the album has taken Webb's music to a whole new level.
At the same time, there is an enormous sense of familiarity, Webb's unique vocals and enticing lyrics are still the highlight, and any person remotely familiar with Webb could never mistake this for anything other than an incredible album.
Webb's well thought out lyrics have me wrapped around his finger, soaking in every word. Anyone who can tastefully sing to his girlfriend about having a Bible study and then making out afterwards has got to be one incredible lyricist. The way he can form phrases and shamelessly speak truth gives me chills. "You can always trust the devil or a politician to be the devil or a politician. But beyond that, friends, you'd best beware 'cause at the Pentagon bar they're an inseparable pair and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills we'll never have a savior on Capitol Hill."
With Webb's inspiring lyrics, great rock sound and soothing melodies, The Ringing Bell has become one of my all time favorite albums. There are many great albums that I have come across in the past, but they were only great for a while and then the test of time wisped them away.
I am positive that 15 years from now, The Ringing Bell will still frequent my CD player, and my kids will be making fun of me for still listening to CDs.
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