Upbeat, not bubbly

Closer to the Flame Joel Kroeker. True North, 2007.

Rarely have I anticipated an album as much as this one. Playing coffee shops ten years ago, Kroeker has since performed with Bruce Cockburn, Sarah Harmer, and fellow Winnipegger Randy Bachman.

Closer to the Flame is his second major label release, and follows the strong success of Melodrama. With a more produced feel, it has greater overdubbing and instrumentation. The layering adds interest, but is sometimes distracting. What impressed me most was its maturity. Kroeker’s voice has depth and texture, able to balance out what has always been a strong musical touch.

Within minutes I was singing along to “(Gotta) find my rhythm . . . Gotta move my soul” in “Against Myself.” Reminiscent of early Cockburn, Kroeker matches upbeat rhythms with great lyrics. In every song there is a moment where you stop and smile.

Although Kroeker has a deep faith and is well connected into the Mennonite world, it wouldn’t be fair to box him into the Christian music genre. His lyrics are thoughtful, creative, and engaging. They explore standard pop topics but with a touch that’s more adept than most. Not one to forget family or roots, Kroeker pays homage to the choral music tradition of his faith with “Hymn Number One.”

As a bonus track, Closer features “Déjà Vu,” a French/English duet written and performed with francophone star Dany Bédar, now a major hit in Quebec.

The album is tight and upbeat without being bubbly, and one of the musical highlights of the year.

Jon Unger Brandt is director of Eastern Mennonite Mission’s Advancement Department.