I confess, as much as I profess my love for artsy folk music, I really didn’t get to know Andrew Peterson until about a year ago. But when I first heard last year’s Counting Stars, I was left floored by his lyricism and wondering what I’d been missing for the last decade. In just a few months, I began the journey of building up my AP collection and exploring his back catalog. I could recommend any of his albums with confidence, but The Far Country was one that especially struck me with its brilliance and beauty.
Peterson has described this one as an album about death, and therefore about Heaven too. With just enough pop production to be accessible without quelling the folk singer spirit, lyrics that draw from theology, literature, and his own life and family are the true star of this album. (Nerdy reader types will especially appreciate the Lewis, Tolkein, and Buechner references woven throughout.) In fact, the entire price of admission is worthwhile just to hear these lines from “Lay Me Down”: “I believe in the holy shores of uncreated light / I believe there is power in the blood. / And all of the death that ever was, if you set it next to life / Well, I believe it would barely fill a cup.”
Seriously. That should move you. The Far Country is currently a free download at Noisetrade.com/AndrewPeterson (for a limited time!)
– Jen Rose
Andrew Peterson
The Far Country (2005)
Click here for our review of the album.
Our synopsis: “One part pop-folk, two parts poetry, The Far Country is a deep and inviting introduction to one of Christian music’s finest writers you might’ve never heard.” (Recommended by JFH’s Jen Rose)
Perfect For: Uplifting reflections on life’s journey toward Heaven and/or the mood for literary, yet down-to-earth songwriting
Song Highlights: “The Far Country” “Lay Me Down” “Little Boy Heart Alive” “The Havens Grey”
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album The Far Country? Do you recommend it? If so, why?