Kari Jobe's "Where I Find You": Album Review

CBN.com - One of the things that sets certain singers apart from others is the distinctiveness of their voice. They are just unique. That was the thought I had while listening to Kari Jobe’s new album, Where I Find You. Jobe has been one of the best-selling artists in Christian music since her self-titled debut album released in 2009 – and her distinctive voice, along with her sincere and worshipful lyrics, may be the reason.

The orchestration in this album is a nice balance of lush instrumentation and straightforward pop. The album opens with the driving "Steady My Heart", as Jobe declares our trust in God’s love despite what may be happening in our lives. This theme of vulnerability and trust in God’s faithfulness is found throughout the album.

The second cut is Jobe’s first radio hit, "We Are", which has spent multiple weeks as Billboard’s Most Added Christian single and is climbing the National Audience chart, and also the iTunes Christian and Gospel charts.

“‘We Are’ is a song of commission for us as believers,” says Kari, “to be reminded of what we’ve been called to, and that is to impact people’s lives in everything we do.”

This is Jobe’s first album with Sparrow Records, and was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Chris August), who also produced her breakout, self-titled debut. It is co-produced by the acclaimed Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Josh Wilson).

Where I Find You is an engaging project that stretches Jobe both sonically and thematically. In addition to emphasizing the beauty found in God’s presence, Where I Find You is a call for listeners to truly experience a relationship with Jesus to the fullest, even in the midst of personal storms.

“I think there are times as believers when we feel entitled and that life shouldn’t be hard. We live in this culture of convenience that says we can do everything ourselves and find all the answers on Google,” Kari says. “But if we can learn to fall more in love with the Lord and trust Him in the middle of every storm, we build our endurance to keep running the race.”

This is much more of a pop album than a traditional worship or ‘soaking’ album, though it is still very ‘worshipful’ as seen in songs such as "Love Came Down":

Staying desperate for You, God, staying humbled at Your feet
I will lift these hands and praise, I will believe
I am Yours, I am Yours
All my days, Jesus, I am Yours

Or "What Love is This":

What love is this
That You gave Your life for me
And made a way for me to know You
And I confess You’re always enough for me
You’re all I need

Taking the new music and message of Where I Find You to audiences coast-to-coast, Jobe is featured on Christian music’s biggest tour, Winter Jam, which travels to more than 45 cities before wrapping up in April. In addition to leading worship, Jobe also partners with the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking.

“Whether I’m participating in an effort like the A21 Campaign or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference,” Kari says. “It’s all about seeing God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him, because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”