Joseph Arthur: Redemption's Son : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Joseph Arthur's Redemption's Son is a gust of spiritual pop, a record that openly worships without sinking into heavy-handedness. Arthur's idea of rock is stately and dignified -- he repeatedly overdubs his voice, evoking an angelic chorus -- but his snug songwriting lends these tracks real warmth. The gloomy jailhouse reflections of "Dear Lord" are lightened by his sprightly harmonica. "Let's Embrace" is a sweet slice of country-influenced pop. Arthur is a true believer; it's this mortal life that brings disappointment, as on the bitter kiss-off "Favorite Girl": "I just had a revelation/My heart's been dying of starvation." If only women treated him as well as the Lord does.

JON CARAMANICA
(RS 914 – January 3, 2003)