Independent
Release Date: November 11th 2017
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Jadon Lavik– In The Stillness Vol. 1 (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- I Found You
- In The Stillness
- Peace
- Love Like You Do
One of the most underrated (yet nonetheless still respected artists that I have grown to love and enjoy listening to over the years, with his songs “Father”, “What If”, “Nothing Compares”, “Surrender”, “Shine” and “Let It Go”, to name a few, resonating with many listeners; singer/songwriter Jadon Lavik, previously signed to BEC Recordings, has been one of my favourite artists of late, with his heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies reminding us of God’s faithfulness and love for us. His most recent project In The Stillness Pt 1, released on the heels of his popular and successful 2015 EP Summer Sessions; how well does the project of 5 original songs stack up? Pretty good, if you ask me, let’s dive in to see how the album pans out!
On the surface, album opener “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” sounds like a love song to Jadon’s wife, when just examining the title, yet this electric guitar led gospel style mid-tempo ballad is actually a worship song to God. You could say it’s a ‘love’ song to Jesus, but the fact remains- that the EP opener has Jadon declaring that all he wants to do is keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, asking God to bring their relationship back to when it was simple- just him worshipping Jesus for who He is, no matter if Jason is feeling happy or sad. Also including a vibrant and inspiring electric guitar solo as the instrumental bridge, the EP opener is thoroughly enjoyable, and sets the tone for the rest of these poignant 4 melodies.
Carrying on from the standout EP opener, is the contemplative, slower paced electric guitar melody “I Found You”, as Jadon earnestly and emotionally outlines the notion that most of the time we find Jesus, or He finds us in the midst of our suffering, during the times when we aren’t looking for Him, and in the most unexpected places. He is always there though, and the fact that Jadon recounts that ‘…I was lost and far gone, til Your love came along, I’m so glad that I found You, You turned my world upside down, You’re saving me now…’, reminds us that we should be grateful that Jesus is with us, that He loves us, and that He is always in our corner no matter what.
The title track is a pseudo modern type hymn melody, with a gospel infused atmosphere (and an eclectic choir as backing vocals!), as Jadon ardently highlights to us that it is sometimes in the stillness that we can hear God speaking to us the most; while the CCM-esque radio friendly pop tune “Peace” is also a prayer, asking God to provide us with His unending peace, as Jadon fervently reiterates to God that ‘…I’m gonna lay it down, lay it at your feet, all my fears, my thoughts, my anxieties, I’m gonna lay it down, let the healing start, God is mine, guide my heart, give me Your peace…’. EP ender “Love Like You Do” though, is in my opinion the most inspiring and engaging song on the album, as this gospel flavoured mid-tempo guitar and keys led ballad has Jadon highlighting the fact that He wants to love like Jesus did, and for Jesus to show Him how. With a passionate gospel choir included throughout the song for added depth, as well as a 1 minute spontaneous worship refrain at the end of the track; “Love Like You Do” is Jadon Lavik at his brilliant best, as we remember that sometimes the tracks with the simplest music and chords are the ones with the most poignant and relevant messages and themes.
Though Jadon Lavik’s new EP is only 5 songs long (or short, depending how you look at it- I for one believe that the EP could have used more songs, but maybe that’s why this EP is called In The Stillness Vol. 1…), Jadon’s latest offering is a great album, one that can be listened to, not just in the stillness, but also in the busy times of the year. Reminding me of singer/songwriter Paul Colman in his writing, and Josh Wilson vocally, Jadon has brilliantly displayed his gift of songwriting, and is sure to wow us again with future albums! Well done Jadon, I pray that many people are blessed by this album and future recordings in the coming years!
3 songs to listen to: I Found You, Peace, Love Like You Do
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Paul Colman, Jars Of Clay, Third Day, MercyMe, Josh Wilson