Caedmon's Call Latest CD Review
Overdressed Sees Derek Webb Reunite with Classic Christian Rock Band
Aug 29, 2007
Caedmon’s Call have managed to bring the best of the old and new in their latest CD, Overdressed. With old friend and former member Derek Webb joining them, one cannot help but feel a wave of nostalgia. Caedmon’s Call still keeps it fresh with the influence of their newest member, Andrew Osenga. With this merging, they ingeniously re-invent themselves by going back to their roots and then digging further.
Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken
Even before Derek Webb struck off on his own, he was well respected as a songwriter. Being one of the driving forces behind many of the early Caedmon’s Call songs, Webb helped to define who Caedmon’s Call was. Now, along with his incredibly talented wife Sandra McCracken, Webb is in the position to help with the direction Caedmon’s Call takes in the future.
Webb and McCracken, together and separately, contribute a great deal to Overdressed. The opening track, “Trouble”, was penned by Webb and originally meant for his first solo album. Webb also sings lead on the song helping bridge the old and new Caedmon’s Call eras.
McCracken shows that she is no slouch in the songwriting department on her own either. “Share in the Blame” talks not just about taking about responsibility, but about being at peace with those around you. In the chorus she says “Like a coming of age, I am learning how to say/ All the failure’s I’m dragging behind/ Finding freedom to speak, freedom to release/ Oh tonight I wanna make peace with you.” Webb sings this acoustic rock tune breathing life into the lyrics written by his wife.
Andrew Osenga and Randall Goodgame
As the main songwriter for The Normals, Andrew Osenga fine tuned his lyrical prowess. In the same vein, Randall Goodgame has become a well respected lyricist after years of perfecting his craft. Goodgame has written many songs for Caedmon’s Call in the past and he joins forces with Osenga on Overdressed.
Together they have written one of the most non-Caedmon’s Call songs called “Expectations”. With Osenga lending the vocals, “Expectations” is a little more stripped down than most Caedmon’s Call songs. The band has many talented musicians but they all tone things down for most of the song. This is a perfect example of Caedmon’s Call taking a step in a different direction, while keeping their essence.
“Hold the Light” is another song Osenga and Goodgame wrote that is on Overdressed. Its haunting acoustic guitar blended with Osenga’s voice gives weight to the lyrics. The song starts out, “It’s been a long year/ Like a long sleepless night/ Jacob wrestled the angel/ But I’m too tired to fight.” The chorus is simply, “Will you hold the light for me?”
Caedmon’s Call is Overdressed
Caedmon’s Call has many talented people and they all step forward on Overdressed. Cliff and Danielle Young sing lead on some of the songs making the lead vocals split among four singers. They manage to pull it off without sounding like a compilation album. With consistency in song writing and the quality of the band, they manage to maintain cohesiveness throughout Overdressed.
While there will be some longtime fans that pick Overdressed apart, most fans, old and new, will be pleased. They have gone back to their roots but also make a point to keep things fresh. At the very least Overdressed is a step in the right direction.
