Music Review: Just Come In by Margaret Becker

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: A few new songs and great classics
Cons: None
The Bottom Line:
New songs and fresh takes
Lead you to worship our God
So enjoyable




Songs of Acoustic Worship

While most of my favorite CD's are constantly in and out of my CD player, there are some CD's I love that get forgotten. Margaret Becker's Just Come in is one of those. Every time I pull it out, I fall in love all over again and wonder why I don't listen to it more often.

Margaret Becker actually started her career in the late 80's releasing Christian rock. While her career seems to have peaked in the early 90's, she is still releasing some music, as this 2003 release shows. She has also written several books and started producing for other artists.

This release, however, started out as a project to satisfy her fans who kept asking for a CD that reflected the stripped down acoustic sound from her concerts. Along the way, it got a little more ambitious, but it still retains that acoustic feel.

5 of the tracks are new versions of already established hits. I happen to already love all these songs, and these versions don't disappoint. And they all fit into the worshipful nature of the project. "Feel it All" is about finding God in the center of every breath. It starts with just acoustic guitar but does add a heavy percussion line. "All I Ever Wanted" featured finger picked guitar as she sings of her desire to put God first in her life. It's a slow, meditative song. "Clay and Water" features strings for a beautiful new take.

I absolutely love two of these classics. "Say the Name" is an interesting mix of praise and commitment. The first verse talks about how wonderful the name of Jesus is. And yet the second verse is that commitment to always speak the name no matter what the consequences might be. This song was always a slow ballad, yet she's made it slightly slower. Again, it's heavy on the guitar, but you can hear some keyboard in there as well.

Finally, there's the title track. I fell in love with "Just Come In" the first time I heard it. The song is written from God's point of view when we attempt to confess a sin we've already repented of. It's an awesome reminder of God's grace and mercy. But here's the ironic thing. In a CD devoted to slower songs, this one has actually been slightly sped up from the original. With the guitar and strings, it sounds so rich. While I love the original, I also love this version.

The other six tracks are all new. And they continue the theme of intimate worship. "You're Worthy" actually opens the disc. It's a simple praise chorus that could be sung in a church service any Sunday. This one features whistles in there with the keyboard and guitar. The praise chorus like songs continue with "Hear All Creation," the most upbeat song on here, and "Jesus Draw Me Near (May This Journey)." Both songs were co-written with Keith Getty who has written a couple well known praise choruses. "Poor in Paradise" is a keyboard heavy song in a minor key, which makes it really pretty.

A personal favorite of the new songs is "My Refuge Be." It's a mid-tempo track that features string again with the guitar and percussion. The beat is actually rather catchy as Margaret sings of her desire to always run to God.

The final track is the only song not written or co-written by Margaret. It's a quiet, piano based closer that sings of God's faithfulness. Inspired by Romans 8, it reminds us that "No Height, No Depth" can keep us from the love of God. Lush strings play in and out of the piano, making it absolutely beautiful.

While this is slower than Margaret Becker's original fans would expect, I find it absolutely uplifting. If you are looking for something to encourage your soul, get Just Come in.

CD Length: 45:07

Tracks:

1. You're Worthy

2. Feel it All

3. Say the Name

4. Hear All Creation

5. Clay and Water

6. All I Ever Wanted

7. My Refuge Be

8. Jesus Draw Me Nearer (May This Journey)

9. Poor in Paradise

10. Just Come In

11. No Height, No Depth