 |
        |
 |
|
|
|
Reviewsghts
Check out the below Album Review that the Phantom TollBooth did on Carried Along.
Phanton TollBooth Album Review
Carried Along
Artist: Ralph Jeffers
Label: TWOTOWN Record Productions
Time: 12 tracks / 55:33
This independent release from East Tennessee native, Ralph Jeffers, represents his first offering for public consumption. It's a well produced effort, providing a look into Ralph's past, his views on life and spirituality. The style of the disc is primarily acoustic light rock, with some clean electric guitar here and there for good measure, ala early Stephen Curtis Chapman. For most of the disc, Ralph uses a forced whisper tone that catches a deep vibrato at the ends of phrases not unlike Scott Wesley Brown. When he cuts loose, as in the chorus in “Everywhere I Go”, it's Don Henley at his best and most clear, then when Ralph puts some grit into it, his voice takes on a little of the character of late '90's rock vocal stylings. Then a sweet falsetto shows up in “What's it Gonna Take?”
Some of Ralph's lyrics recall his youth and the pleasant memories from those times and places. For example, in "Bigger and Better" Ralph tells of how he was the Dolphins fan and his buddy Lynn was the Redskins fan. But he doesn't say it that way; instead Ralph puts it like this: “I was the Dolphins and Lynn was the Redskins.” That's how it was, wasn't it? Dedication so deep that one takes on the persona of the team as one's own identity. Then he goes on to share about the place where he was baptized; and how the streets in that town look a little skinnier. Have you ever been back to your old elementary school? Now you have to practically get on your knees to take a drink but then they seemed just right. It's refreshing to hear a song contain positive memories of youth.
In "What About Me," Ralph sticks it to Christians that put on a face of piety but don't back up their image with their actions. Many a sermon could be preached using Ralph's admonitions in this song. We've gotten so used to living out our Christianity through our bumper stickers, through our votes in November, through our T-shirts, and our WWJD bracelets, but what about the old fashioned, New Testament way of turning our other cheek to our enemies' next strike while praying for their salvation in the same moment? We'll fight and shout to make sure the Ten Commandments can be displayed in the local courthouse and yet not extend a helping hand to the drunk asleep on the steps of the same building. Ralph reminds us to recall Christ's example. Would we really need to rely on a public display of a Biblical document if we all didn't do a better job showing Christ's love on a daily basis?
Ralph also shows a knack for a memorable metaphor. In "Do I have the Love?," Ralph wonders if his “words are like rubber tipped darts. They look good flying through the air; but they hit with no stick and just fall off the mark.” It's an ironic comparison since it seems his words on this CD do the exact opposite. Time to quit wondering, Ralph – the darts hit the mark and stay there for us to think about. Musically, this song departs from the rest of the CD, putting Ralph's vocals farther back in the mix; giving it a somewhat distant feeling.
"Young Heart" – a lovely description of God's love for the innocent newborn, and then Ralph goes on to describe God's love throughout growth through adulthood, and how He favors an innocent child-like faith.
The title track, "Carried Along'" loses out the disc, and shares Ralph's feelings about how God carries through life, even when we aren't sure what's around the next corner, after a poignant chorused guitar vamp intro to set the stage.
Ralph's tour schedule shows regular appearances at coffee houses throughout the mid-south. This disc is an impressive list of songs that would play well at your local java joint. If you have some kind of responsibility to book talent at such venues, give Ralph close consideration – it would be a nice match.
Scott Lake 4/24/2005