Phillip LaRue

In his solo debut, Let the Road Pave Itself, Phillip LaRue brings his distinctive voice to this collection of thirteen songs and spends the majority of the time simply delighting in life despite the hardships that abound. The first time through, it is so simple that it is very nearly unimpressive. Nothing immediately catches your ear. However, upon another listen, the subtle artistry begins to show itself. It is undoubtedly an album that slowly grows on you.

Phillip LaRue was introduced to the music world in 1999 as one-half of the brother-sister duo LaRue. Three brilliant albums later, LaRue ended their run as one of the most unique and honest groups in Christian music. Phillip continued in the music industry, being involved in albums for Over the Rhine and Brandon Heath among many others. Now, a decade after beginning his career, we are treated to a fresh beginning for Phillip LaRue. And how beautiful it is.

The album opens with the anthemic rocker “Chasing the Daylight,” and is a lyrical declaration of his passion to follow God despite the struggles of life, saying, “Some say my faith/ is like wings made of wax/ That it won’t last/ That I’m wasting my time/ But have they ever felt love like this/ Grace like a gentle kiss/ Beauty so divine.” It isn’t often that we find such a beautiful (and truthful) image of the difficulty inherent in following God with our lives.

Those expecting the album to follow this rock-out path will be disappointed, but it is the quieter side of things that this album truly shines. “Don’t Be Deceived,” one of the three songs on the album written to LaRue’s wife, is a beautiful portrait of growing older together. He celebrates that no matter what happens to her, if “the color of (her) eyes fade to gray” or “if (she) ever loses the words to speak or sing”, that he will still be by her side because they were still “made for this love.”

“Fresh Wind” clocks in at less than two minutes, but with it’s organic, piano-driven live feel, it is one that will be repeated often. LaRue channels Elliot Smith with maybe a hint of Damien Rice, and then the song melts directly into “Why,” one of the only other full-band rockers on the album. The song really highlights LaRue’s warm, slightly imperfect vocals.

Another song to his wife, “Before the Sun Goes Down” explores a difficult side of love through an apology. LaRue sings and asks his wife for forgiveness for hurting her, begging, “Open up your heart/ Don’t let this fall apart/ All I want for you to know is/ This is burning up my soul.” He’s chasing after forgiveness and hope with everything in him. It’s quite a vulnerable song to include, but that seems to be Phillip LaRue’s way of doing things.

The album closes out with “Mountains High Valleys Low,” a song LaRue wrote after reading a poem his sister Natalie had written. A piano-and-guitar introspection, the song is a desperate prayer. This is a song written out of the most difficult parts of life, asking God to shine on him through the valleys of life. LaRue celebrates that no matter the season, no matter the difficulties of life, God will still be there. It is a beautiful finish to an excellent album.

While some fans of the brother-sister duo LaRue may at first have difficulty seeing Phillip LaRue as his own artist, this is an album worth listening to again and again. Despite some occasional rough edges, he will definitely be an artist to watch over the next years.

Tagged as: Let the Road Pave Itself, Phillip LaRue

↓ One comment

#1 elvia on November 4th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Hi

I’ve been trying to find the music sheet and or instrumental for the Larue’s Reaching CD.

The song was called “Angels and Peace.”

I think i’ve exhausted all of my possibilities. Can you help… Can this message get out to Philip and or Natalie Larue?

Thanks

Elvia

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