Vampires, hauntings, veins, and screams! That sounds more like a 1940's Bela Lugosi Dracula film than a description of a Jars of Clay album. Nonetheless, it's all in there! As spooky as this sounds, however, there's no need to cringe, because Jars pierces the darkness with an expression of Truth within "The Eleventh Hour." Through disgrace, doubt, neglect, even terror... God will never leave our side... plain, simple truth, but anything but a plain and simple album!

     If you've ever mulled over a line from a Jars' song, and thought, "I wish I'd said that," you'll be adding more to your wish list with the lyrics from "The Eleventh Hour." In an uncanny way, Jars cuts through clutter with striking metaphors, but still remains anchored to their humble roots. Each track is distinct and could stand boldly alone. But if you listen through the entire album, from start to finish, you'll notice a progression of sorts. Each song represents a step of human emotion as we seek the face of Christ. So toss out any preconceived notions, as we journey up (and sometimes down) the steps to "The Eleventh Hour."

     Step number one, "Disappear," presents us with an initial choice. Do we hang on to the plastic facade of self-protection and exterior gloss, or do we reach inside ourselves and really see what God sees? This question flows through a very "U2"ish rhythm. Charlie's bouncy keyboards support the idea of a flippant attitude, while Steve's bold presence on electric guitar shapes the smooth facade. Dan's vocals, though full of reproach, come across crystal clear. Without Christ, we are nothing, but often we push away any need for dependency and turn our face from God.

     "Something Beautiful" discovers our need for a Savior. The sudden realization of worldly oppression and vanity unleashes our own sincere reach to be holy in God's eyes. Instrumentally, you feel this same need. Gently dominating the melody, the acoustic guitar overlays an electronic background which mimics compressed springs which have finally been sprung.

     With Christ, You CAN make a difference! There's no better "Call to Action" song that comes close to "Revolution." When I first heard it, strange(?) thoughts of Charlie, Dan, Matt, and Steve in a back alley, wearing leather jackets and banging on trash cans crept into my mind. The repeating rhythm and Joe Porter's beat just plain sticks to you. Dan and Steve's vocals share an equal balance in the chorus, but you can clearly hear each distinct voice. The entire vibe of the song imparts that once you've accepted God's grace, you don't have to be complacent in your faith. Make Some Noise!

     "Fly" completes the first flight of stairs of our Christian journey. While the lyrics stir our hearts, Charlie's ethereal keyboard intro to the song prepares us for the final release of our spirits and complete freedom in Christ. Though the melody is light in texture and feel, the lyrics express the similar depth that we felt with "Liquid" and "Worlds Apart."

     This complete release into the arms of God can consume us with the response of praise and gratitude! "I Need You" shows the dichotomy of God's grace. Matt's acoustic guitar riff mimics the sound of gentle rain showering us with God's provision. We are nothing without Him, and right here, right now, we can see His presence. Not only can He offer shelter from rain, but send the rain to wash us clean. He can be All!

     We can be free in Christ! That is God's truth! So why must we suffer? We step forward, then fall back. How can we feel such closeness to God one moment, and then feel a cavernous distance the next? This is the part of human existence we can't understand. It's part of God's plan, but we still question. "Silence" IS this question... that follows us through betrayal, heartbreak, and loss. Christ suffered, so we too suffer. But our questions show progression, in that, even though we're broken, we are still seeking our Savior. The scratchy victrola-like backdrop could easily represent the scrapes as we drag our hearts. With utter musical simplicity, the emotion of "Silence" builds steadily to a desperate cry to God. Dan's vocal range spans the range of emotions his lyrics impart. Radiohead might actually question the depth of their own "outpourings" once they hear "Silence."

      This brings us to "Scarlet." So often in our humanness, we lose sight of our forgiveness, and wallow in our own disgrace... another step back in our climb toward Christ. How can God forgive me? The stirring hammond organ background, cloaks the melody like something out of "The Twilight Zone." It adds to the weight of the doubting heart. But, the steamy electric guitar somehow melts the guilt away. The song ends with the repeated assurance that "there is nothing you can do" to separate you from God's love or His forgiveness.

     One step up, two steps back. Are we getting anywhere? Our progression in our walk with Christ, isn't always apparent. Our wills can often stagnate our souls from reaching, which is completely evident in "Whatever She Wants." Vampires, parasites, kryptonite? Jars of Clay has often taken risks, even from their outset. They've taken truth to the club culture. They even released "Liquid" to the mainstream! I've called these choices, "risks with blessings." "Whatever She Wants" is another risk. Jars shows the spiritual warfare we must tackle if we lay our hearts open to other people. The plucky, staccato electric guitar intro, conjures up an image of a man walking down a dark deserted street, shoulders hunched, eyes nervously glancing left and right, expecting an attacker from the shadows. But is this really an interpersonal conflict or a wrestle with Satan. In either case, "Whatever She Wants," is an anthem of dissatisfaction and escape. Steve's electric solo almost screams the frustration. Often, however, we can't escape and shouldn't. The risk... admitting frustration. The blessing... God gives us His own armor to stand and grace to endure.

     How often do we give up on giving God the chance to "Blow Our Mind?" In other words, we don't expect miracles, so often we don't see them. "The Eleventh Hour" is our "last ditch" effort to make things right with God... a plea of rescue to overtake sin. It represents a conversation with God. "I won't give up on You, if You don't give up on me." The Tick Tock cadence of "The Eleventh Hour" slowly expresses time is running out. The Jew's Harp- sounding intro cultivates the fear of "dangling." Within the song's bridge, Charlie's keys seem to ask the question and Joe's drums beat the reply. God will answer us in our time of need!... another step up in the climb toward Christ.

     "These Ordinary Days" reflects our Christian maturity as we nestle into the comfort of God's grace for us. It's a song of satisfaction, a song of peace. The chorus, "I don't know where, I don't know why," is a meandering attempt to unlock the mysteries of God, but then coming to the realization we can't! God is God, and we are not! Clouds and days pass with grace, and not fear. The acoustic strums of "These Ordinary Days" provides a flowing acoustic backdrop to prayer... slow, easy, and serene.

     As we continue to grow with Christ, we dwell more in the hope of His return in "The Edge of Water." Call it hope, or call it haunting. We want our lanterns lit! We want to be ready, though often, the world shadows our expectancy. This song is no song of doubt, but absolute CERTAINTY... not if, but when. The strings of the guitar and banjo are SO crisp, and offer a heightened sense of desire! We are ready to leave our shadows and see Him face to face.

     So have we finished the climb? Did we make the top step? Fact is, in this life, we never will! Our climb is continuous, our step backs are guaranteed, but God still reveals our glimpses of eternity. Can God use a song to reveal these glimpses? I believe so, and on Jars' "The Eleventh Hour," I think He has.