Andrew Greer

Nashville songwriter Andrew Greer avoids all the common songwriter clichés on his new release, Open Book. Instead of resorting to the common cries of love lost and gained or falling for overly polished worship mixes, Greer instead charts an intimate middle ground that’s playful and pensive at all the right times. It makes marketing an album like this a bit difficult, but it becomes a hidden treasure for those who find it.

The highlights on Open Book range all over the sonic map. In one corner comes a beautiful string/piano combination called “Mais Pour Amour,” meaning “But For Love” in French. The words come straight from Psalm 94 and is a soft simple breath taken near the middle of the album. 

Others include the tender tenor displayed on “All I Need” where Greer sings a prayer for God to break him down and deliver a humble perspective. Ginny Owens adds background vocals on the mid-tempo pop number, “You Came Pulling Through.” Meanwhile, Julie Lee guests on vocals on “Gone Are The Days,” an organic spring tune that meanders at the perfect pace 

“For Us Wait” sings a sweet gospel tune, a hymn of sorts that somberly sways to its own slowly-breathing rhythm. It’s here that Greer prays “bring your peace in our lives/in your love conquer strife/for our hearts have suffered long/through the tempest bring us home.” It’s a beautiful, moving song appropriate in personal moments or corporate worship gatherings.

Producer Matt Odmark (Jars of Clay) handles the varied material well and Greer’s in good hands with his choice of guests and production. Open Book is worth unearthing if you’re up for a personal, poignant journey.

Tagged as: Andrew Greer, Matt Conner, Open Book

↓ One comment

#1 *Soul Audio reviews OPEN BOOK « NEWS on February 5th, 2010 at 11:51 am

[...] Thanks for the fine folks over at Soul Audio for a great review of OPEN BOOK. Read the review here! Thanks [...]

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