No words could better describe the last two substandard LPs by heralded Christian contemporary artists Jars of Clay, once purported to be their genre's artistic torchbearers. But after ascending to popularity with their critically acclaimed 1995 self-titled release (indie cred: co-produced by King Crimson's Adrian Belew, et. al.), which blended lush harmonies, organic guitars and spacious sampled drum tracks, the quartet regressed into something more ass-like. They recorded two albums of standard pop fare, the kind enjoyed less by college kids, and more by their 30-something, married and mustached youth group leaders.

If Jars of Clay's mission was to prove that Christians really aren't lame, they were fighting a losing battle. Facing an uncertain artistic future, the Jars had two clear options: 1) make a career-saving pact with the devil, or 2) return to form. With option one foreclosed by the irresistible grace of our Lord, the Jars chose the path less traveled-- and that has made all the difference. Jars of Clay's newest disc, The Eleventh Hour, is triumphant, just as likely as their debut to tug at your heartstrings and stoke your inner-burning flame. Like Lazarus, they arise. Thank God.

The album opens with the edgy pop of "Disappear," reminiscent of their 1995 MTV hit, "Flood" (and its confusing video of a tormented retard stuck in a mud bog). "Disappear" shows more melodic polish and punch than "Flood," though, reflecting seven years of songwriting maturity. The lyrics are as strong and suggestive as ever, radiating with an odd, bubbling joy. Following that is "Something Beautiful," and man, is it!

The album's first single, "I Need You," continues with the passion and intensity that Jars fans know and love, expressing a deep desire for God and harking of "Love Song for a Savior" with the simple lyrics, "I need you/ I need you/ I need you." (And someone needs to get on the horn to McCartney about that lyric, maybe he can recoup some of the plagiarism damages on "My Sweet Lord" for Harrison's estate.) The lyrics of "Scarlet," on the other hand, focus on a more earthly sort of need-- booty (well, not exactly, but it is about men and women). Musically, the song continues with more of the Jars' style of creative, sensible pop-folk with a clever and catchy result. It's probably the strongest track on The Eleventh Hour.

I don't know what woke these guys up; maybe it was the tragedy of September 11th, maybe it was some sort of revelation.  Whatever it was, their return from their three-year hiatus and seven-year swamp is more than welcome-- it's positively refreshing, a fragrant and pleasing offering to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord may reign over the heavens, but The Eleventh Hour proves that Jars of Clay still rule over Christian rock.

~Brad Haywood  

Having produced their double Platinum and self-titled 1995 debut, Jars of Clay members returned to their roots self-producing The Eleventh Hour. This time, they took a step further, not only writing and producing the new album, but also building their own recording studio in Nashville, Sputnik Studio, to record the album. A fully functional Macintosh computer-based studio, Sputnik was further recently featured at Apple.com.

A New York Post reviewer, after hearing the new album, says, "Jars of Clay is a remarkably good rock band." "The Eleventh Hour is almost certainly the most accomplished of the band's albums to date," echoes The Tennessean. The Dayton Daily News says, "The Eleventh Hour is a tasty, balanced feast for the ears, mind and spirit." "The set marks a return to the creative well that fueled the band's successful 1995 eponymous debut," notes Billboard Magazine.

 Jars of Clay has finally produced a masterpiece on The Eleventh Hour by doing what they do best: They are masters at minor chord offerings that are written from a perspective of humility, need & weakness. Much afraid hinted at this with songs like Frail and Much afraid but their next album If I left the Zoo saw Jars disappointedly retreating back to the upbeat song style that they just do not excel at. Fortunately somewhere between If I left the Zoo and The Eleventh Hour the guys realized where their genius lies. This album is truly a masterpiece. One other reviewer mentioned that this album is the greatest Christian album since Joshua Tree. I had the same exact thought when I first heard this album. Many of the songs are anthemic in nature like those on the Joshua Tree and these types of songs sung from an attitude of humility and need tend to remind us of our bond with God and others. I would also recommend their double CD called Furthermore. It includes a studio CD and a live CD. The studio CD has some different versions of songs off of the Jars previous albums that are done much more in sync with the style Jars excel at. I am looking forward to what Jars will offer us next time out knowing that no matter what, they have made the album they were meant to make.