John Berry – Find My Joy

CD Review: John Berry – Find My Joy

by Antony Bailey for Country Music News International Magazine

  1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
  2. I Surrender All
  3. Find My Joy
  4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
  5. It Is Well
  6. Something Bigger Than Me
  7. How Great Art Thou
  8. Blessings
  9. Blessed Assurance
  10. Live Like You

 

John Berry revived Christian Country this year with the release of his new album ‘Find My Joy’. The album was written off the back of a turbulent and tumultuous time for John Berry after his battle with cancer. John admittedly didn’t initially want to listen to the title of the song ‘Find My Joy’ as he was unable to connect with the music or lyrical content at that particular period in his life.

The album begins with the heartfelt track titled ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’. The music contains an intimate, yet sobering violin melody and it is also reminiscent of the hymnal and choral music which is often heard in most churches around the western world. The strain in his soaring vocal cords ultimately reveals a lot more than the range in his tessitura. The audience can visualise the emotional strain, deflation, and depression experienced as a direct consequence of cancer.

‘I Surrender All’ reveals how Berry placed his faith in the lord at a time when he needed support and a sense of security. The piano melody in this assists the record in oozing intimacy as well as a timid and uncertain outlook on how life may pan out.

The following track ‘Find My Joy’ contains the refrain ‘’I know you’re always there / My dreams are fading fast’’ and it needs no additional explanation. In times of darkness and adversity, it’s not uncommon for people to reach out and ride the crest of a wicked wave that crashes onto the shore of dwindling dreams. It’s no surprise that this song was initially extremely difficult for Berry to listen to.

Other tracks such as ‘How Great Thou Art’ reaffirms the intimacy and trust that people place in others as well as the lord at times of uncertainty. He takes traditional melodies associated with choral music and adds more flavour to them by adding a pulse to the music and the three-part harmony lifts the hairs on the back of the audience’s necks.

The final record on the ten-track album is titled ‘Live Like You’. The tempo is faster, and the rhythm is more akin to a disco or pop song as the album reaches its conclusion. There is also a captivating guitar solo which is well worth having a listen to and adding to the ever-growing playlist.

John Berry’s recent album is captivating and contains musical traits borrowed from a range of diverse genres as he tells his story of adversity and strength as he overcame this chapter in his life. Be sure to download his music and stay tuned to future release and updates.

 

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