Songs for living

Bruce Springsteen sings about the mystery of being in relationship. Photo by Kevin Mazur 2005.Magic

Bruce Springsteen (Sony, 2007)

Presbyterians stress connectional relationships, which is also a big part of being a Bruce Springsteen fan. Springsteen understands that it really is eventually about connection. If you’ve seen him in concert, you know the familiar question that usually comes up at some point in the three-plus hours: “Is anybody alive out there?” In a broken world, with broken relationships, broken promises, broken covenants, Springsteen wants to get us back in touch with the physical and spiritual reality of each other and the amazing possibilities and mystery of being in relationship.

In a Friday morning concert on the Today show, just prior to the release of this new CD, Springsteen noted that his aim for this album was simply to make music folks could vacuum the floor to. Springsteen’s songs are about the magic that lies in what appear to be the mundane moments of life.  Check out the wonderful details that dot the lyrics of “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” and “Long Walk Home,” for example.

So yes, these are songs for vacuuming. They are also good for driving, working, reading, just about anything. They are songs, like Bruce has always made, that are good for living.  Helping us recognize the joy amidst the challenges, and the fundamental wonder of one another.  In short, magic.

—George Love, pastor of Hebron Presbyterian Church in Shepherdsville, Ky.

Music that matters

All That Matters

by Bryan Field McFarland (Sassafrasongs, 2007)

Bryan Field McFarland’s All That Matters sets a new standard for independent recordings. Strong lyrics, tight harmonies, catchy melodies, and a solid band lay the groundwork for an enjoyable ride through a variety of genres, while maintaining the theme that “God is love, and love is all that matters.”

The album contains bouncy songs like Open the Gift and Blacktop River, as well as reflective, heartfelt works, such as You Are, Help Us and Lyrica (Celtic Prayer). You’ll also find it hard to listen to What I Want without a smile on your face. McFarland, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), calls his compositions “sermon-songs,” and rightly so. Each of the 12 songs has a well-crafted message that could easily be used for sermon material.

A master storyteller, McFarland communicates with clarity and passion, obviously a result of many years of ministry experience. He keeps the vocals out in front, never letting the music overpower the lyrics. His uncluttered arrangements nicely complement the mood of each song.

McFarland is contributing a portion of the proceeds of two songs to charities. Enough for Everyone, which addresses world hunger, will benefit the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Lyrical Freedom Riders, whichtells about the 1961 Freedom Riders, who played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, will benefit the We Shall Overcome Fund.

So whether you’re in the mood for a worship song, a thought-provoking lyric, or a toe-tapping upbeat tempo, just pop All That Matters into your CD player and get ready for an enjoyable encounter with McFarland’s creations. When it comes to music, isn’t that all that matters?

—Jeff Friend, a freelance writer in Largo, Fla.