The Far Country

The Far Country
Originally uploaded by Tolkien Guy.

"God is at home. We are in the far country."


So prefaces the new, brilliantly crafted album by Andrew Peterson. From this quote by Meister Eckhart, Peterson takes the listener down a lyrical path of wonder that cumulates in a surprising but fulfilling end. He paints a lyrical picture of a vast array of people and places, and takes the listener from Israel to Iowa and back again. His imagery displays an incredible knowledge of emotion, and his sincerity conveys his genuine life experience bleeding through to the lyrics. But there is an overlying theme in The Far Country, that the opening quote alludes to. Some might say that idea is death, for many songs on this recording are defintitely inclined towards that subject. But perhaps the more attentive listener will discover within the subtle lyrics the door that exceeds death and leads right into heart of eternity, and in so doing, finds the meaning behind the music.
Peterson bears similarities to Kevin Max in a way, that is, an artist who works in somewhat mediocre "Christian" industry, but also someone who has a bent and passion toward lyrical and musical profundity. His genius may even be better matched to that of Rich Mullins, who many consider to be Peterson's predecessor. Though he isn't far enough along in his musical carreer to truly be called the next Rich Mullins, he is certainly an incredible songwriter in his own right, and perhaps to even compare them is unfair. Perhaps it is Peterson's turn to lead his own path, and bear the torch of truth for his own audience. But regardless, I beg you to go get this album and be consumed within the inspired writing of Andrew Peterson, that may yet lead us from the far country back home.