Jeremy Camp has ranked up
an impressive line of accomplishments in the four years since his label
debut in 2002: five Dove Awards (including Male Vocalist of the Year
twice in a row), his past three studio albums certified gold, and nine
#1 singles. Yet in his latest release shows his humbleness and
gratefulness for where God has brought him. The title track proclaims, I
know that I’ve been given more than beyond measure. I come alive when I
see beyond my fears. I know that I’ve been given more than earthly
treasure. I come alive when I’ve broken down and given You control.
As he thanks God for his beautiful life, he
doesn’t mention the accolades and awards, but his family. After losing
his wife to cancer when he was only 23 (his powerful story of hanging
on to faith through loss spills out in the song “I Still Believe” in Stay),
Jeremy married Adrienne (Adie) Liesching, formerly of Benjamin Gate.
They now have two daughters, and Adie has recently released her own
album, Don’t Wait.
Beyond Measure branches out past
Jeremy’s earlier releases musically. While each song still has the
signature style fans have come to love, with Beyond Measure he
seems to have freed himself to experiment a little more. The album
opens with a hard-hitting song of dedication in “Tonight,” then mellows
out by the end to wrap up with the worshipful “Give You Glory” and the
simple “Give Me Jesus.” The lyrics are as strong as ever: Sometimes
I feel a fight to release the grip and trust that everything will be
alright. It’s been so real to feel the peace that you start unfolding
when I let things go. Jeremy wrote or co-wrote nearly every song, and Adie adds backing vocals to three of them.
It’s difficult to choose a favorite song
from the mix of catchy beats and melodic tunes. Each time I settle on
one, another reminds me of its delightful facets. But that’s one of
Jeremy Camp’s trademarks – he doesn’t settle for a couple good singles,
then pad the album with okay fillers. Each song sparkles with
excellence, worthy of addition to any music lover’s collection.
Copyright Katie Hart. All rights reserved.
