Restored

iTunes Review

Christian artist Jeremy Camp shows signs of becoming the sort of genre-defining figure that Steven Curtis Chapman was in the 1980s and ‘90s. Restored (2004) offered further proof of his deep-toned vocal talents and his ability to fuse personal confession with high drama as a songwriter. The album’s unifying theme is the need to find God amidst the failings of the mortal world. Relying mostly on his voice and acoustic guitar, he explores this topic in the title song, “Take You Back,” ”This Man” and others. Musically, Restored falls between the mainstream modern rock of Nickelback and the guitar-stoked testimonies of Creed, and the driving rhythms in Camp’s music are enhanced by orchestral touches on “Even Then.” Whether his songs reaffirm his spiritual commitment (“Lay Down My Pride”) or declare his desperation (“My Desire”), he remains the reverent pilgrim seeking grace. At its best, Restored achieves a kind of grandeur, all in the service of Camp’s Christ-centered vision.