{"id":665,"date":"2016-09-23T11:17:46","date_gmt":"2016-09-23T15:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/reelfaith\/?p=665"},"modified":"2016-09-23T11:17:57","modified_gmt":"2016-09-23T15:17:57","slug":"crowder-mashes-up-genres-offers-praise-on-american-prodigal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/reelfaith\/2016\/09\/crowder-mashes-up-genres-offers-praise-on-american-prodigal.html","title":{"rendered":"Crowder mashes up genres, offers praise on ‘American Prodigal’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

American Prodigal<\/em>, the second solo release from Crowder (David Crowder), continues the musician\u2019s musical evolution on a generous offering of fun, worshipful and frequently upbeat songs. Unafraid to blend and alternate musical genres, many of the songs mashup sounds of bluegrass, Americana, folk, electronica, rhythm and blues, rap and even disco.<\/p>\n

\"Crowder
Crowder image courtesy of sixsteps\/Sparrow Records<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cRun Devil Run,\u201d the project\u2019s first single is a danceable ditty that contemporizes the sounds of old spirituals. In that same vein is \u201cKeep Me\u201d and \u201cAll You Burdens.\u201d \u201cMy Victory,\u201d already a favorite of Passion events, is given a polished power ballad vibe. \u201cShooting Grounds\u201d is a funky southern rock track and \u201cPromise Land (Glory Hallelujah)\u201d blends in rap with guest artist Tedashii.<\/p>\n

One of the album\u2019s highlights, available on the deluxe edition, is \u201cPraise the Lord,\u201d which paradoxically chronicles the singer\u2019s expanding and yet shrinking view of God. \u201cI used to keep you in a steeple, I used to bind you in a book . . . What I find I know less as I come to know you more. You\u2019re not who I thought You were, Praise the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CD
CD cover image courtesy of sixsteps\/Sparrow Records<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cGrace works on us all just the same,\u201d Crowder said regarding the album. \u201cLove works on us all just the same. Freedom works on us all just the same. There\u2019s only one definitive line and that\u2019s the one between death and life. These songs are about that divide spanned on our behalf and I pray they are subversive and healing in their insistence of that reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crowder\u2019s voice and the heart evident in his songs are the common threads for longtime listeners, even as he continues to expand into new musical territory with each new release. With so many influences, American Prodigal has an orchestral, epic feel to it, not unlike a movie soundtrack.<\/p>\n

Hear more of Crowder\u2019s thought on the new album<\/a> and his transition from Texas to Atlanta here.<\/p>\n

Check out the video for \u201cRun Devil Run,\u201d the project\u2019s first single.<\/p>\n