I don't care if everyone is comparing 'Much Afraid' to the self-titled 'Jars Of Clay' from 1995. This album stands well on its own. However, as a new Jars fan, this is one of the best rock/pop albums I ever heard. I wasn't a fan when Jars Of Clay first emerged onto the Christian rock scene because I thought they were receiving too much publicity, and I thought Dan Haseltine's voice was too country-drenched. But now that I am... I'm wondering how naive I was! The reason I like this CD is because of the CD cover (everypage is a different color like someone previously mentioned), the vocals (persuasive, unique), the lyrics (I'm not big on lyrics but this one swayed me; Dan's words are thought-provoking), and the instrumentals (acoustic guitar-meets-electric guitar). They have this hard-edged rock-meets-country sound, yet they have drew me in with the techno/pop flavored "Fade To Grey." All the ones that are upbeat are great, and all the slower ones start off real slow, but gradually grow on you. The strong points of this album is my all-time favorite Jars song "Overjoyed" (quite big on melody), "Fade To Grey," "Tea & Sympathy," (a play on words- "Wonder why we tried/ For things could never be/ Play our heart's lament like an unrehearsed symphony), "Crazy Times" (arguably the most uptempo track with some serious strings), "Weighed Down" (insightful lyrics and rhythm), & "Truce" (a short, yet vigorous, dancey tune). 'Much Afraid' is a must for any Jars Of Clay or light rock fan.

I've read some of the other reviews and, since Jars is my favorite group, I decided to enter in a review, even though not too many people will probably read it. I agree with the people who said that Jars took some risks on this album. They followed up a triple-platinum album with one that is COMPLETELY different. At first listen, I didn't like it so much, and was dissapointed. But after further listening it became my favorite album of all-time. Although the lyrics are hard at times to understand, the same message that brought them to popularity still remains in this cd. Personally, songs like "Frail" and "Portrait of an Apology" have gotten me through alot. There are many out there who will say D.C. Talk is the best, or perhaps the Newsboys. I enjoy both as well, but they both lack the instrumental beauty that the four Jars-boys bring. Anyone, from any culture who has a love of music can sit back and enjoy an earfull of the amazing guitars, keyboards, drums, vocals and, if you listen, an accordian. If you want an album that brings beauty and a message, buy this cd. You won't be dissapointed.

After a stunning debut, Jars of Clay's sophomore CD goes somewhat of a different route, opting for more overdubbed tracks, and less of the drum machine. The result is an album that is better in my opinion. Many sonic textures exist, ranging from the orchestration in the sober "Frail", to the harder edges of first single "Crazy Times". In between, a variety of high points shine, including a folk-ish gem, ("Hymn"), pure pop songs, ("Five Candles", "Tea and Sympathy"), and subdued ballads, (the title track, "Portrait of an Apology"). The lavish outro harmonies of "Tea and Sympathy" turn a typical pop tune into something very pleasant to listen to. The thoughtful, slight-dance rhythm of "Truce" is quite intriguing, and the seemingly rhetorical "Weighed Down" recalls the first album's hidden song. At first glance, the album seems to lack musical coherence, but the quality of each song helps unite them all together, despite some noticeable experimentation. "Much Afraid" takes the band's talents, as evidenced in the first record, and adds many layers of musical color, creating a brilliant collection of songs.

When I receive this CD as a gift, I didn't really like it that much. However, the song style of Jars grew on me quickly. This CD is loaded with good tracks, one of teh few you can listen to straight through and not have to skip the duds. There are no duds on this disc. Overjoyed, Fade to Grey, Truce, Tea and Sympathy and Hymn are my favorites. The first three are very heavy on melody, and are fun to listen to. The other two are very poetic and powerful, and have some really good strings. Hymn is, in my opinion, the best on the disc. If you buy this disc for any reason, but it because its just good music.

This CD totally rocks. Everyone can listen to it. But if you're a Christian, it will have more meaning, especially the last song "Hymn." Awesome effort!