Jimmy Needham [Not Without Love]
Posted August 20, 2009
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Houston Texas-based singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham’s InPop Records debut “Speak” showcased his down-to-earth lyrics while exposing the rock, pop and gospel-influenced side of his art as well. “Speak” produced a No. 2 single at Christian Hit Radio with “Lost At Sea,” and its song “Dearly Loved” also broke the Top 10 on CHR. Needham’s sophomore album, “Not Without Love”, is a fitting continuation of his first project and includes standout tracks “Come Around”, "A Breath Or Two", “Hurricane”, “Firefly” and “Forgiven And Loved”.
Opening song “Come Around” sets the tone for this very solid album as Jimmy Needham blends his signature sound that to me blends mainstream artist Jason Mraz with recent American Idol winner Kris Allen. Jimmy’s soulful voice and personal lyrics are very engaging and every song puts me right there with him. Next song “A Breath Or Two” is a great worship song and continues telling Jimmy’s personal journey of faith and highlights the main theme of “Not Without Love” which is 1st Corinthians 13:1-3: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” “Hurricane” is also one of my favorite songs and the song is based on Psalm 51:17 with the great chorus: “I need You like a hurricane, Thunder crashing wind and rain, To tear my walls down, I’m only Yours now”.
Hit song “Firefly” is next and is a great relationship song with the catchy lyrics “You move into a room like Summer breeze at noon time, Baby out of nine I’d give you ten”. My favorite song of the album is next, Jimmy’s hit song “Forgiven And Loved”, which is based on Romans 8:1-“Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. The message of this song is so personal and biblical as it is directed to both believers and non-believers to know that there is no condemnation for our sins when we accept Jesus as our substitute and Savior. Also, we need to know that we can’t earn our own salvation and unfortunately many people live for works and think they can somehow earn their way to heaven.
“Before And After” and “Tossed By The Wind” are also great songs that reflect Jimmy’s Christian walk. “Unfailing Love (Kelly’s song)” is another love song to Jimmy’s wife. “Rend”, “The Author” and “The Great Love Story” close out “Not Without Love” with more biblical truth especially at the end of “The Great Love Story” with the lyrics “All glory, All honor be, To the God that filled the divide”.
If you like Jason Mraz and Kris Allen, you need to check out Jimmy Needham. “Come Around”, "A Breath Or Two", “Hurricane”, “Firefly” and “Forgiven And Loved” are my favorite songs on this very solid album. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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