Moore continues his solo career with some of his best work.
Saying Grace
Artist: Geoff Moore (http://www.geoffmoore.com)
Label: Simpleville Music
Length: 10 tracks/41:43 minutes
I never knew Geoff Moore during his days of fronting The
Distance, but I am glad to know him now. Aside from appreciating the music, my
fondness for verse is rewarded on Saying
Grace. As on his last outing, Speak
to Me (2007), he offers seasoned perspectives on life. On “The Story of
Love,” he wonders about his legacy, recognizing that his best moments are
beyond his control, “Cause the sweetest moments of my life appear unexpectedly
/ And the reason they take my breath away have nothing to do with me.” Gentle
wisdom like this is sprinkled throughout these ten songs.
This perspective is hard won, coming with age and the
unexpected. But far from being morbid, Moore looks with hope toward that day
when it will be over: “And when the sun finally sets / May I be free of all
regrets.” He then emphasizes, “No regrets.” He may be reminding himself, but it
is also something that he wants listeners to get. He reminds us too on “Loved”
that God’s love for us never changes. It is constant, whether we rise up or
fall down. Not even our worse days can separate us from it.
Moore’s sentiments are alternately adorned with folk/pop
styles and rock; the latter hearkening back to the days of his former band. A
case of the latter is “The Long Way,” where the music complements the sense of
abandon. It opens with, “How ’bout we empty out our pockets / How ’bout we cut
a few strings / I think a lighter load might be what this journey needs.” The
verses on this track are consistently good, one of my favorites being, “But
I’ve discovered when I am honest / That’s when my faith is most alive.”
Whether he rocks or sings like a lone troubadour, the execution
is excellent. I find him most compelling when he leans toward Americana. This
is where his musings run the deepest. Plus, there are lovely accents like
mandolin and pedal steel. Don’t be put off by thought of the latter. The twang
is absent, and when employed it is beautifully blended. In general, this
release has a judicious mix of electric and acoustic elements.
“The Wonder of
Kindness” is one of the most intriguing tracks. Is Moore singing of human or
divine kindness or both? Is the care of others reflective or an extension of
God’s consolation? Regardless, it is Moore at his most tender and delicate.
Once again the mood is expertly conveyed not only in the words but the music.
Moore ends quietly with “Made to Love,” a song of worship.
The keyboard-driven, pensive melody frames the chorus: “I was made to love You
/ I know this for sure / And as surely as I love You / I know this is what I
was created for.”
Seasoned artists like Moore are often not at the height of
their popularity, which is unfortunate, since they have the maturity that comes
with experience. Here he is reflective, but also energetic. Moore is a
songwriter and musician who should not be overlooked. Saying Grace is time well-spent.
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