3.5 out of 5 stars
The Texas acoustic gospel duo of Shane Everett and Shane Barnard produce some of the most ear-catching music in the industry. I have noticed how Shane & Shane not only play their acoustic guitars with a very unique approach, but they sing some of the more impressive and well-written harmonies ever put to tape by American songwriters. Seeing this band live was one of the most captivating performances I have ever seen musicians give. Altogether, their music is completely singular. This band is not just something Christians can enjoy listening to: in fact it should be essential listening for anyone who wishes to be a guitarist or singer.
Shane & Shane’s 2009 record Everything is Different begins with the energetic title track that contains all of the greatness mentioned above along with guitars similar to a stripped-down John Mayer. The next track, titled “The Lord’s Prayer” effectively uses the famed verse as its lyric to create a familiar listening experience.
Much of the album follows suit, with the songs containing a backdrop of mainly acoustic guitars and the two vocalists almost always singing over one another. The lyrics can sometimes be as simple as the refrain of “I love you, Lord,” but each song offers up its share of insight and honest reflection. This simple formula, with songs written by two visionary and spiritual worship leaders, always leads to good music, but the results rarely yield surprises. On the other hand, multiple listens of each song will surely lead to the revelation of not only more insight but also brilliant little moments of music that are well-crafted and subtly performed.
The album does have some surprises though. One such surprise is “My Portion,” the bluesy tune with tinges of organ and musical interludes setting it apart from the pack. Electric instruments finally appear near the end of the record, packing a Maroon 5-like punch with the powerful “My Hope is Built.” But since so few songs contain such surprises, the sounds often bleed together into an unexciting listening experience.
This album nearly reaches the rare feat of containing only great songs and no bad ones; unfortunately, “This is Who I Am” is only adequate, filled to the brim with violins and clichés. Nevertheless, this album secures Shane & Shane’s spot as ever-growing musicians and leaders who are some of the best harmonists in the business. It’s a little unfortunate that the album ends with three pointless radio edits of songs already heard on the album, but at least listeners can rest assured that the album’s three most energetic (acoustic) songs will soon be hitting the radio: the title track, “I’m Alive,” and “Rain Down.” These songs are however far from being the essential Shane and Shane compositions, so I highly suggest that if you aren’t interested in this album, go listen to their songs “Burn Us Up,” “May the Few,” “Psalm 13,” “The Answer” and their so-great-it’s-flabbergasting rendition of “O Holy Night.” And if you ever get the chance to see these guys live, take it. You won’t be disappointed.
