any artists and albums claim excellence. Jars of Clay’s “The Long Fall Back to Earth” is excellent! The content, lyrics, mixing and overall theme of the album are impeccable. This release isn’t simply another CD to add to a collection; it’s a lyrical commentary on the state of communication today. Well done, Jars of Clay.

Though Jars of Clay has been around for over a decade, they have not settled into a comfortable, passive career. Rather, with each new release, they push the envelope of creativity and Christian commentary, as well as constructively challenge and commission each listener.

The epitome of “The Long Fall Back to Earth’s” commentary is in the track “Headphones.” The song is so convicting that the listener feels compelled to remove the headphones/turn off the music player and feels propelled to confront today’s culture.

Nashville singer/songwriter Katie Herzig joins Jars of Clay on “Headphones.” The addition of her voice greatly enhances the commentary and commissioning of this profound song. Jars’s lead singer, Dan Haseltine, and Katie Herzig tag back and forth, resembling a conversation. “Headphones” is Jars of Clay’s most striking lyrical statement since the captivating “Oh My God” from the “Good Monsters” album. “Headphones” was perfectly done.

Another notable track is the lead single, “Two Hands.” As the song so emphatically emphasizes, if Christians were to fully engage in worship with both hands instead of doing one thing one day and living hypocritically another, the Church would be so much more effective. This brings the concept of idle hands to an entirely new level.  

For all of the language and word play lovers out there, you must listen to “Scenic Route.” The song lyrics repeatedly refer to leaving things behind via a story of a long road trip and not wanting to arrive at the destination. And, in perfectly satisfying lyrical glory, “Scenic Route” delivers with a transitional bridge featuring the lyrics played backward. It’s unknown what words are sung in reverse, but it is still delightful.

“The Long Fall Back to Earth” was highly anticipated. Thankfully, it not only delivered, but also excelled. This CD simply communicates complex intricacies. With each listen, another intimate component reveals itself. “The Long Fall Back to Earth” is a lyrical conversation that the world needs to hear.

For more information on Jars of Clay, visit www.jarsofclay.com. You can purchase the album at ChristianBook.com and preview full tracks on the band’s MySpace.