Since the release of their self-titled debut album, Jars of Clay have sold three million albums, won Dove and Grammy awards, appeared on MTV, VH1 and live American TV shows like David Letterman. They've toured with Sting, earned Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum awards for record sales and their songs have appeared in numerous films including Prince Of Egypt, Jack Frost, The Long Kiss Goodnight and Hard Rain. It's been quite a trip! And now following the critically acclaimed and million selling Much Afraid, the band give us their most accomplished and adventurous album yet, If I Left The Zoo.

Thematically the band explore the various views that many people have of Christians and Christianity whilst at the same time looking forward to that amazing day when as Christians, we will leave the confusing "zoo" of earth behind. Musically Jars employ the same strong melodic song writing that is so impressive on their previous releases whilst also adding in fresh influences. The band innovate and employ some groovy rockier vibes here and there and a strong sixties influence surfaces throughout the recording.

Producer Dennis Herring (Counting Crows) has managed to capture a fresh, exciting band obviously having fun in the studio. I'm Alright is a satirical look at denial and its grip on those who believe everything is alright even though their lives hold no joy. It's a delicious riotous affair with plenty of soulful sing-a-long moments and one of those grooves that you won't be able to resist.

Unforgetful You is equally catchy with an almost Brit-poppy feel and another stunning catchy chorus. Thematically the song takes a long look at the fundamental differences between God and man and how He is revealed to us. Truly our ways are not His ways! Goodbye, Goodnight is a fun song where the band really let out all the stops - strings, accordion and percussive acoustic guitar all drive this ditty along and it's a sideways view of the end of the millennium from the viewpoint of the band on The Titanic! Sounds bizarre but boy does it work!

Collide will surprise people who thought that Jars couldn't rock out as the band again embrace some heavier sounds to undergird their melodies. This stunning song marks the struggle to explore the true meaning of love. The band's Dan Haseltine describes it "A song that takes place in the midst of a wrestling match between the world and the word".

At their more reflective, the delicate melancholy of Sad Clown with its bluesy piano mood is simply beautiful. Haseltine describes it as being "about light entering into darkness. The ability of Christ to see into our darkest corners and fill them with light." The closing River Constantine is a prayer for the Holy Spirit to overtake us wrapped up in the imagery of a river. This is classic Jars Of Clay with a vulnerable vocal wrapped up in an acoustic backing.

Overall this is an incredible recording building on the foundations of their first two releases. At turns it is joyful, moving, innovative, melancholy and yet totally compelling. If I left The Zoo is a panoramic view of life on earth and the hope of escape at the end of the age. All of this and plenty of perfect poppy songs that stretch the musical landscape that Jars have previously inhabited. If you loved their previous albums, you'll definitely want this because it's amazing. If you've not yet discovered Jars Of Clay, then an amazing musical journey awaits you.

TRACK LISTING

Goodbye, Goodnight
Unforgetful You
Collide
No One Loves Me Like You
Famous Last Words
Sad Clown
Hand
I'm Alright
Grace
Can't Erase It
River Constantine