My forefinger methodically pulled back and forth on the scroll wheel as I scanned my iTunes library for the answer. As I was wrapping up a phone consultation with Kellan Studios last night, they capped our video iChat with the time honored question, "If you could only listen to one album the rest of your life, which one would it be?" If you're like me, I'm more apt to provide an answer to, "What's your favorite album this week?" Movies, music, photographs...they all exist on this whimsical carousel of current taste; however, there is one album that I need to listen to for the rest of my life.
One Zero by Derek Webb is essentially the gospel of Jesus Christ in 10 unadulterated, brutally honest songs. Stripped to just a voice and a guitar, the message is given center stage. Loving the poor, grace, politics, the great commission, the struggle between loving money and loving God...Derek spares no expense. This is the album I need to hear everyday...the gospel I need to live everyday.
"The truth is I need you just like the air I breathe,
just like a freight train needs the tracks beneath.
I'd rather suffer my whole life,
and be this rich man's wife.
If loving you means suffering."
-Derek Webb
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Comments
JD McCulley:
Thanks for sharing this! I hadn't listened to Derek Webb since Caedmon days. How refreshing and real this album is!
(01.01.09 11:54 AM)
Aaron:
Dude...LOVE this album. Wedding Dress is one of my favorites and the version on this album is simple and raw...like most of Derek's work. Nice choice.
(12.04.08 04:42 PM)
Marco:
funny I was blasting old school Caedmon's Call this morning...
(12.04.08 09:19 AM)
Shannon:
'whimsical carousel of current taste...' there are quotes that, when i hear them, i kick myself for not coming up with them first. that, my dear, would be one of them...
(12.04.08 02:10 AM)
Kyle Barnes:
Awesome post bro. Probably my top album too. Reminds me of the good ol days... sitting with guitars... on the floor of the media room... talking till 3am... good times!!
(12.03.08 07:28 PM)
Richard:
I love the honesty found in Webb's work. Glad to see that you mentioned it here.
(12.03.08 06:10 PM)
Michael Imus:
Awesome album!! Thank you for showing all of us this! Extremely enlightening.
(12.03.08 05:38 PM)
JAYISREAL:
Absolutely. The only life worth living, is the only life that's got worth. Thank you for enlightening me to this album. I had no idea it existed. I'm buying today!
(12.03.08 04:10 PM)
Mabyn:
Derek Webb is one of the most honest and inspirational Christian artists out there. I also appreciate his band Cademons Call, but i'm more into his solo stuff.
(12.03.08 01:45 PM)
wrecklessgirl:
i need to grab this album...sounds amazing. perhaps those who haven't heard of him---have heard of the fantastic caedmon's call, the band he was a member of during the 90's and sporadically involved with throughout the millenium ;)
(12.03.08 12:49 PM)
Susan P.:
It's so refreshing to see someone using their blog as a platform to voice their love for the Lord and desire to serve Him (without being pushy or judging) in the hope that just one more person might come to know Him! God bless you! P.S. You are a great photographer and I have enjoyed following your blog and Mammoth Men adventures :)
(12.03.08 12:46 PM)
Ryan and Kelly:
So glad that question struck a chord with you. Truly and awesome artist and record. Ryan's vote is for anything Rich Mullins....I would have to go along that lines too. Thanks again Fred, we loved every second of talking with you and are still praying through your advice. Keep keepin' it real.
(12.03.08 12:35 PM)
Tim Halberg:
Dude... rock on, glad you're so open/straight forward about your faith. I'm always amazed at how many Christians there are in this industry.
I've got some older stuff of Derek, but I'll have to check out this album.
(12.03.08 12:34 PM)
Sarah D.:
You're a Christian? And a photographer? AND a Derek Webb fan???!!!????!??? You've just moved up onto my heroes list. Derek is the best. His wife Sandra is amazing, too. I saw them in concert two months ago for the first time, which was amazing. His music stirs my heart.
Thanks for blogging about it.
(12.03.08 12:28 PM)
David Blakeman:
I'm glad you can be honest about your faith on your blog, Fred. That's something that deserves validation. I sometimes think there aren't any other photographers in this world that love Jesus. I'm glad to know that there's a couple out there. Keep rockin' & rollin'.
(12.03.08 12:23 PM)
Jamie Delaine:
Dude thank you!! I've never heard of Derek! I'm buying this right now on iTunes.
(12.03.08 12:16 PM)
scott neumyer:
my favorite Webb album as well... so friggen heartbreakingly raw... and so damn good!
(12.03.08 12:09 PM)
Lindy:
I'm for sure checking this album out when I go home for lunch today!!!
(12.03.08 11:47 AM)
jpreston:
Never heard of him...gonna go check it out right now on your recommendation! Thx.
(12.03.08 11:46 AM)