Stay (CD - 2002)

Personnel: Jeremy Camp (vocals, acoustic guitar, drums); Adam Watts (guitar, piano, drums, background vocals); Andy Dodd (electric & 12-string guitars, piano, keyboards, background vocals); Dave Vance (guitar); Aubrey Torres, Luke Agahanian (bass); Juliam Rodriguez (drums); Adam Watts, Leif (percussion).

Recorded at Red Decibel Studios, Mission Viejo, California.

Personnel: Jeremy Camp (vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Adam Watts (guitar, piano, drums, percussion, background vocals); Andy Dodd (electric guitar, 12-string guitar, piano, keyboards, background vocals); Julián Rodríguez (drums).

Audio Mixer: J.R. McNeely.

Recording information: Citrus College; Red Decibel Studios, Mission Viejo, CA.

Photographer: Ben Pearson .

Newcomer Jeremy Camp delivers one of the most awe-inspiring performances of any debut CCM artist in the past decade. Vocally, musically, and lyrically Stay is a potent mix of one standout cut after another. Leaning heavily on a mix of acoustic and electric guitars and driving basslines, cuts like "Understand" and "All The Time" are painted with a straightforward rock stroke. On tender moments Camp's vulnerabilities and experiences lend themselves to some shining moments. Tunes like "Right Here" lyrically lean on Christ. "Everywhere I go I know you're not far away, Your right here." Also, the acoustically driven "In Your Presence" is an example of a songwriter pouring out the essence of his soul into each word. Turning the tides, Camp sheds the acoustic image in favor of a blasting, distorted electric on the tune "Take My Life." Here the artist ventures into Creed territory with a cut that drives on 18 wheels. What's undeniable about Stay is that it's enduring on many different levels. Some cuts exemplify a millennium artist that writes an eclectic mix of rock-induced contemporary praise and worship while utilizing a vocal style that's strong and listenable. On another level, the mix of effect-laden electrics and steel forged basslines completely deliver the goods. ~ Steven Douglas Losey minimize