In the Making (by Nevertheless)

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Artist: Nevertheless
Album: In The Making
Label: Flicker Records
Released: September 16, 2008

Review

The Tennessee based quintet known as Nevertheless may be young in age but has shown the maturity and honesty of an older, experienced band. They showcase this new musical depth in their just released sophomore project, In The Making… produced by Rob Ha wkins (Fireflight, Jackson Waters). Leaving behind the guitar- laced pop rock of their last album, a new instrument dominants; the piano. Along with this change are emotionally charged lyrics, a slower tempo and a big dose of honesty that make Nevertheless’ new release different from their first album Live Like Were Alive. I would say the biggest difference, lyrically, is that we pulled even more from our own experiences on In the Making…,” shares lead singer, Joshua Pearson. “On this record, every single song has at least a few lines that hit very close to home.

The album opens with the radio single called “Sleeping In”. This is a song that everyone can relate to, it is about the insecurities we face as people; not measuring up to our expectations and learning how to give it all up to the one who has the strength to lighten our burdens. It is an up-tempo melody which will have you singing the chorus by the end of the song. The song inspired the band to connect with their listeners directly. They put up a website called tiredofsleepingin.com where people could write what bothers them most about themselves. The next song “It’s True” has a beautiful chorus which will echo in your head for days. The song talks about God’s grace and how He covers us in all our worldly messes. “Cross My Heart” is one of the faster songs on the record reminiscent of earlier Nevertheless days. It has a great intro with electric guitar, bass and drums that will hook into you and carry you to the chorus. The next three songs “It’s No Secret”, “Rest”, and “I Needed This” will bring you into a contemplative, mellow state with lyrics that are steeped in honesty and gently wash over you with piano melodies. Before coming back to another mellow set of songs there is a little interlude with some rock & roll; “Longshot” is an attempt of a love song which misses its mark and falls short. The music sounds great and is quite catchy but the lyrics tend to be on the cheesy side and at times sound morbid with “It’s a long shot baby, someday both of us will die…” This may be the weakest song of the album but it shows that Nevertheless is not all grown up and still has some playfulness left to them. Next is “Augustine”, which was inspired by Joshua Pearson’s engagement story that took place in St. Augustine, Florida. The record closes with three very different sounding songs all showing a depth of spirituality, a search for truth and an honest look at the heart: “Topics”, “When I’m Alone” and “I Found My Way Back Again”.

Nevertheless’ new album is emotionally poignant and spiritually based. It is a strong sophomore project. Fans of Nevertheless’ last album may be initially disappointed because of the change of tempo and the serious nature of the music but they will soon come to appreciate the new sound. The heartfelt lyrics and hopeful outlook overtakes you as you listen. “The goal for our music is to provide hope and inspire a desire to experience God’s glory,” says guitarist AJ Cheek. I hope people can learn from our songs that no matter what they are going through, and if they don’t know where to turn, just know that there is always hope through Jesus.

*In the Making (by Nevertheless) was added on January 5th, 2010

Reviewed by Kriss
Kristina is an Interior Designer who loves music, enjoys going to shows + is known to start singing at any given moment.