Redemption Songs is the sixth full-length studio album by Jars of Clay. It was released by Essential Records on March 22, 2005.

Redemption Songs
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 22, 2005
Recorded2005
StudioSputnik SoundNashville, Tennessee; East Iris Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
GenreChristian rock, folk rock
Length54:08
LabelEssential
ProducerJars of Clay, Mitch Dane
Jars of Clay chronology
Roots & Wings
(2005)
Redemption Songs
(2005)
iTunes Originals – Jars of Clay
(2005)
Singles from Redemption Songs
  1. "God Will Lift Up Your Head"
    Released: 2005
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Christianity Today[2]
Cross Rhythms[3]
Jesus Freak Hideout[4]

Overview

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Redemption Songs is a collection of reinvented hymns and spiritual songs. As part of a church community that believed passionately the blessing of understanding the story of redemption through early church songs and ancient hymns, Jars of Clay found themselves a part of a growing renaissance, one that inspired them to write new songs using the rich hymn texts as the foundation. This renaissance was the beginning of Redemption Songs, a blend of familiar hymns, spirituals, and ancient texts.

Collaboration

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The band enlists vocals of friends including the Blind Boys of Alabama ("Nothing But the Blood", "On Jordan's Stormy River Banks I Stand"), Sarah Kelly ("I'll Fly Away") and Martin Smith ("Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder"). It was recorded at the band's Nashville-based Sputnik Studio, and is co-produced by the band members and long-time collaborator, Mitch Dane.

Track listing

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No.TitleLength
1."God Be Merciful to Me (Psalm 51)"4:31
2."I Need Thee Every Hour"3:47
3."God Will Lift Up Your Head"4:22
4."I'll Fly Away" (featuring Sarah Kelly)4:42
5."Nothing But the Blood" (featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama)4:13
6."Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder" (featuring Martin Smith of Delirious?)4:23
7."O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile"4:04
8."Hiding Place"4:06
9."Jesus, I Lift My Eyes"3:28
10."It Is Well with My Soul"3:54
11."On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand" (featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama)4:32
12."Thou Lovely Source of True Delight"4:31
13."They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"3:02
Total length:53:35

Personnel

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Jars of Clay

Additional musicians

Production

  • Robert Beeson – executive producer
  • Jars of Clay – producers
  • Mitch Dane – producer, engineer, mixing (2, 10, 13)
  • Jacquire King – engineer, mixing (1, 3-9, 11, 12)
  • Andy Hunt – second engineer
  • Mike Odmark – second engineer
  • Sang Park – second engineer
  • Laura Taylor – second engineer
  • Richard Dodd – mastering at RichardDodd.com, Nashville, Tennessee
  • John Wesley – translation
  • Michelle Pearson – A&R production
  • Stephanie McBrayer – art direction
  • Tim Parker – art direction, design, cover art
  • Jimmy Abegg – photography
  • Star Klem – stylist
  • Alexis Abegg – hair, make-up

Charts

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Chart (2005) Peak
position
US Billboard 200 71

Awards

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In 2006, Redemption Songs won a Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year at the 37th GMA Dove Awards. It was also nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.[5]

References

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