Music Reviews

Andrew Peterson’s latest album, Counting Stars, captures the essence of God’s goodness in the human experience.

By Grace D. Williamson

Some musicians establish their work through extensive musical prowess. Some communicate profound truths through lyrical storytelling. Others have the delightful ability to sing as if they were carrying on a casual conversation with a friend. Singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson accomplishes all this and more in his new album, Counting Stars, to be released July 27th, 2010.

“The title Counting Stars ties the themes of relationship and hope together in the hope of God’s promise to Abraham,” says Peterson. Songs like “In the Night My Hope Lives On”, “You Came So Close”, and “The Last Frontier” carry an unwavering theme of an eternal hope that shines through despair.

As a loving husband and a homeschooling father, living in a country home outside Nashville, Tennessee, Andrew Peterson is a lover of the beautiful, profoundly simple gifts of life. His lyrics deeply reflect these values. Songs such as “Dancing in the Minefields”, “World Traveler” and “God of My Fathers” focus on the solid things of life that last through trial: love, family, friendship, and ultimately Christ Himself.

In his latest musical venture, Peterson takes a bold step in his more vulnerable approach to songwriting. “Counting Stars has songs that are so personal I’m a little embarrassed to include them,” he says. His lyrics in this album arguably plumb a deeper level of the human experience than any of his past works. His engaging, fluid writing style makes Counting Stars a worthwhile listen for the lyrics alone.

Teaming up again with producers Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn, Peterson achieves a musical tone that propels his meditative, highly introspective lyrics to the heart. The minimal, guitar-driven, folk-inspired instrumentation highlights Peterson’s mellow voice. Although the strong, acoustic based melodies tap into a broad range of emotion from joyful to melancholy, the overall tone is gentle and reflective.

Peterson has worked in the Christian music industry over the past ten years, but has recently carried his writing abilities into other mediums. He established an online literary and songwriting community, www.RabbitRoom.com, and authored the first two installments of the 2010 Christy Award winning fantasy series, The Wingfeather Saga.

Andrew Peterson sums up his work’s purpose: “I want to do work that matters. I don’t want to just write songs or stories that are hip today, gone tomorrow. I want to invest in things that will bear testimony to God’s goodness long after I’m gone…” In Counting Stars, Peterson aptly illustrates the essence of God’s goodness in our lives.

Look for Counting Stars on July 27th, 2010!

Check out Andrew Peterson’s website.

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