Justin Unger’s latest, To Know
You Love Me- Songs For The Stillness, is meant as a beacon of light
in the twilight gloom that perpetually surrounds those who have turned their
backs on the world for the sake of God’s call. Unger himself believes, “(m)usic
can pierce through the darkness just like light… The music and lyrics of this
project are a reflection of the ‘Light of the World’ – our Savior.” And while
the listener may expect a slower-paced, more contemplative album, To
Know You Love Me is more jovial campfire than somber candle.
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The whole album flows seamlessly from song to dong without
interruption, creating a genuine worship environment. Unger,
and writing-partner / producer Greg Bieck, demonstrate a dazzling facility for
deft composition and arrangement. To Know You Love Me
possesses a vibrant, yet paradoxically soothing energy. Neither tempo
transitions nor vocalist change (when Mrs. Unger steps to the mic to assume or
share vocal duties, as she does on four of the CD’s 11 tracks) organically “fit.”
Each song, including the two “covers” (“Praise to the Lord Almighty” and “All
Creatures of Our God and King) are recognizable, ancient hymns, yet cause nary
a flicker in the structure and brilliance of To Know You Love
Me.
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Sonically and lyrically, To Know You Love
Me falls somewhere between Philips, Craig and
Dean, Keith Green or Jeff Deyo
and Sonicflood, David Crowder Band or
Newsboys. Phil Collins, Genesis
and Mike & the Mechanics’s more reflective songs came to
mind more than once. Warm and foundational reassurances “tendered” by modern
pop, with subtle 80’s, 90’s and even Celtic influences, make this album burn a
little brighter and cast a brighter glow.