MARCUS CHEONG listens to Jeremy Camp’s 11th album…
Jeremy Camp
The Story’s Not Over
2019
In a Word: Optimistic
“His signature up-tempo, pop/rock style is back in force in this album. While there is some incongruency between the gritty subject matter and the upbeat, boppy musical style, there is no doubt that the songs are catchy, melodic and infectious.”
Jeremy Camp holds the title for the most number one hits among solo artists on the Christian Airplay chart. With a staggering 40 number one radio hits across all formats, his 11th album, The Story’s Not Over, has arrived to add the next chapter to his fabled career.
After being “discovered” playing in the kitchen of his school, Camp has certainly come a long way. His story is a roller-coaster ride of emotion that is detailed in his 2013 autobiography, I Still Believe, which has become the subject of a major motion picture releasing in mid March, 2020. In the Story’s Not Over, Camp channels the hard learned life lessons of trusting in God and resilience in the midst struggle into a collection 11 earnest songs.
His signature up-tempo, pop/rock style is back in force in this album. While there is some incongruency between the gritty subject matter and the upbeat, boppy musical style, there is no doubt that the songs are catchy, melodic and infectious.
The lyrics are undeniably Christian. With hooks like “My soul’s is indestructible,” “Only you can keep me believing when doubts got me drowning” and “Mercy heard my cry, mercy saved my life.” The consistent theme throughout the album is the power of God to save in the midst of trouble. It comes as no surprise that Camp holds a theology degree, as he puts it to good use in these lyrics.
Dead Man Walking has already earned a number one slot in the Christian Single charts and there is no doubt there are more to come. Other highlights include the inspirational title song The Story’s Not Over and the heartfelt ballad Wilderness that closes the album.
After 11 albums, and a career of spanning over 17 years, Camp’s life story has swung from stunning success to personal tragedy. This album is a statement, that the struggles of the past do not define the future and his story is far from over.
