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blue belly sky.
the waiting. Sparrow Records, 1998. $23.99.
Every once in a while I listen to an album that has made my top ten list. blue belly sky has made that list. More than great tunes, catchy melodies and poetic lyrics, this re-released debut by Georgia-based band "the waiting" is a true worship experience. Resembling bands such as the 77s, Adam Again and the earlier sounds of REM, the Gene Eugene/Steve Hindalong-produced album appeals most to a late teen/young adult crowd.
Lyrically, blue belly sky is a worship experience because it contains real, honest conversations with God. The Olsen brothers are masters at creating what someone has called "new camera angles" in terms of the way we view our relationship with our Creator and the way He sees us. "Look at Me" joyfully relates the response to rediscovering the truth of who they are in Christ through the Scriptures:
I love the way You look at me, the way You steer Your eyes to see
The bride beneath the harlot's skin, the virtue underneath the sin
I love the way You look at me, when You lift the veil and You repeat your vow.
In "Mercy Seat", the singer testifies to Jesus' all-encompassing work of atonement which covered "every lie I spoke and every promise that I broke and every dreamer that I woke".
Artistic, passionate lyrics, blended with interesting band arrangements, great guitar work and Brad Olsen's earnest, clear voice make blue belly sky a project any modern Christian rock fan should not pass up.
NELSON BOSCHMAN IS CURRENTLY INSTRUCTOR IN WORSHIP AND ARTS AT COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE IN ABBOTSFORD, B.C. AND SERVES AS WORSHIP LEADER IN FRASER HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH IN SURREY, B.C.
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