Not Without Love [PA] (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Jimmy Needham (vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Taylor Johnson (electric guitar); Rusty Varenkamp (keyboards, programming); Will Hunt (percussion); Jason Ingram (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Shane D. Wilson.

Recording information: EMack Studios; Spaceway Studios.

With 2008's NOT WITHOUT LOVE, his second album for Inpop Records, young Christian pop singer Jimmy Needham presents a bright, accessible set of R&B-leaning tunes. With a voice similar to Maroon 5's Adam Levine, the Texan performer impresses on breezy, pensive numbers such as "A Breath or Two" and "Firefly."

Christian music lovers need a lot more like this. The bluesy Texas singer stepped up his game on his sophomore effort, the formidable yet intimately personal Not Without Love. Here, Needham takes a giant leap forward and steps out of his playful, leisurely comfort zone to assemble the whole package. His national debut, Speak, turned some heads with its earthy Jack Johnson pace and challenging Christian lyrics. With stronger production and his tantalizing vocals, Needham took the few steps he needed to show that he could keep up with John Mayer or Jason Mraz without breaking a sweat. He gives life to lyrics that penetrate you to the core and simultaneously lift you up. He is a storyteller, one who can sound firm in his convictions and happy go lucky at the same time. It's a mix sorely needed in the CCM market. Jimmy Needham may have remained under the radar up to this point, but this album shows a mature talent for taking his songs in new directions and pleasantly surprising even his biggest fans. ~ Jared Johnson minimize