A few weeks ago this blog started as a result of my disappointment over Switchfoot’s seeming reluctance to even mention Jesus’ name. Today I received a Seven Places CD in the mail. The title: “Hear Us Say Jesus.” Booyeah, and I’m back blogging like a maniac.

This CD is awesome. Let me say that again, this CD is awesome. Musically I’m very impressed, and lyrically I’m blown away. Many of those who listen to Switchfoot do so because the lyrics aren’t all sunshine and roses, but more thoughtful and “real” than some Christian music. I’m glad to say Seven Places has managed to be thoughtful and real without losing Jesus. They acknowledge pain, but in the proper perspective—seasoning it with strong doses of God’s redemptive power and hope for eternity.

Check out some excerpts from a few of their songs—they convey some pretty clear messages, so I won’t have to comment, and you won’t have to give yourself a headache trying to figure out what the heck they’re trying to say (a la Switchfoot):

Track 1: Fall in Line
If you’re sitting down get on your feet / Let’s wake up those who are asleep…Hear us say Jesus / Where are we when the world caves in?…It’s time for us to stand up and speak the truth of His love / It’s time to let the world know we’ve got something to say / It’s time for us to lift our hands until the world understands / Jesus the reigning King is alive and well today

Track 2: Watch
Emptiness plagues you inside, you’re surrounded by sorrow / It follows you to where you hide, and exposes you every time / There is life beyond this crippling cage, and shelter from the rage / Only you can decide/ Watch these chains fall from my hands / Then you will understand, then you will understand / Watch me walk through these prison bars / Then you will know my heart is free, then you will know my heart is free / For the first time I’m alive / No longer pressed by doubt and fear / No longer drowning in my tears / He saved me from going under

Track 4: Perspective
I’ll find the sunrise in the dark skies warmth in fiery trials / Drown in your endless sea of love / So I can walk on water of hard times…It’s when I’m stranded and empty handed / I become dependent on you

Track 5: I Look Upon Your Hill
Oh Lord, You’ve worn the crown / I’ve placed upon Your head / Oh Lord, I’ve pierced Your hands / Yet Your blood declares my innocence

Track 6: We’re Almost There
The world has turned, inside-out / I’m choking on the dark / So I tilt my head to heaven / I’m reminded that / We’re almost there

Track 7: Lay it down
Life’s melodies can be accompanied by doubt / They start happy then comes the minor key / That brings us down / But in times of endless tragedy / He’s been known to compose His best symphonies

Track 8: Someday Go
The clouds roll into my life / And they remind me of how You’ll meet me in the sky

Track 10: Be My Salvation
Let the Lord be magnified, give Him praise (emphasis added)

Track 11: All in My Head
I can’t feel Your heartbeat when You’re in my head / If my mind is full but my heart isn’t there / That’s like trying to inhale without the air / So dear Jesus breathe new life in me

Track 12: Holes in His Hands
You said your days were over / That the Son would never use you again / But by one man’s disobedience / Came One who’s conquered your sin

Okay, so I will comment. Go buy this CD, listen to it, read the lyrics, and let your heart be ministered to. I’m feeling convicted and encouraged. How about that last excerpt there? Redemption is such a powerful message. 5 stars out of 5.