Music review - And Have Not Love – Todd Berger

In my first ever Ream post I reported on an event I had attended to celebrate the release of Todd Berger’s album, And Have Not Love.  For the last month and a half I have linked my readers to Todd Berger’s website, hoping you would all buy his album.  With his big Cleveland debut concert slated for Saturday evening at 7 p.m. I wanted to “officially” review the album itself.

This album has a “grow on you” quality.  That may sound as if this record is avoidable, but nearly all of my favorite albums became favorites on the third spin.  U2′s Unforgettable Fire is my all-time favorite album; it reached most-favored status after about 3 years of owning the cassette!  And Have Not Love has made it into our household’s daily rotation.  Currently there are no other records holding such status.  My wife loves it.

I find too much Christian music to be shallow, which I find inexcusable given the subject matter!  Berger’s lyrics are rich; sometimes quoting scripture (Arise Shine), other times painting a vibrant picture of the Kingdom of God (God is Building).  The music is not an over-produced “sounds-like-a-popular-mainstream-act” clone.  No one better utilizes the accordion in modern music than Todd.  Seriously (you have to listen closely).  My favorite track: If You Must Fight, is simply a call to act justly and love mercy.

If you live in Cleveland, plan on attending his official record release party this Saturday.  Tix are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.  A ticket gets you a free CD!  If you live elsewhere download the entire album.  Listen to it 3 times, and prepare to add it to your frequent playlists.