Clear the Stage
| Clear the Stage | ||||
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| Studio album by Jimmy Needham | ||||
| Released | March 27, 2012 | |||
| Genre | Contemporary Christian, blues, folk rock | |||
| Length | 38:18 | |||
| Label | Inpop | |||
| Producer | Ed Cash, Jimmy Needham | |||
| Jimmy Needham chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    |
| CCM Magazine | |
| Christian Music Zine | |
| Christianity Today | |
| Cross Rhythms |   |
| Indie Vision Music | |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | |
| Louder Than the Music | |
| New Release Tuesday | |
| The Phantom Tollbooth | |
Clear the Stage was the fourth studio album from Christian contemporary Christian musician Jimmy Needham, which was released on March 27, 2012 by Inpop Records, and was produced by Ed Cash and Jimmy Needham. The album has seen commercial charting successes, as well as, positive critical attention.
The title track "Clear the Stage" was written by Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Ross King who recorded the song in his 2002 album And All the Decorations, Too released on April 1, 2002. The main message conveyed in the song is that we need to clear the stage for God, who truly deserves it: "Cause you can sing all you want to / But still get it wrong / Worship is more than a song / We must not worship something / that's not even worth it / Clear the stage and make some space / for the one who deserves it". It also addresses what are idols in our lives that we must cast away for true belief: "Anything I put before my God is an idol / Anything I want with all my heart is an idol / Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol / Anything that I give all my love is an idol". Jimmy Needham also released a music video displaying the lyrics of the song.
David Jeffries of Allmusic wrote that the album was "as bright and diverse as expected, but it's the songwriting growth and conceptual cohesiveness that really surprise." At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall stated that "The partnership with Ed Cash brings out an even more mature and relatable sound for his distinct vocals and styling." Kevin Hoskins at Jesus Freak Hideout told that the release has "got some good ol' pop-filled blues with very intimate lyrical content", yet noted that for the listener "looking for something fast-paced and musically diverse, you may want to steer clear of Clear the Stage."Cross Rhythms' Isaac Poulton said that "The thing that really sticks out to me when I put this latest album from the Houston-based blue-eyed soul man is the tight, rhythmic sound of the drums. Reliable bass and perfectly timed hi-hats rumble and pitter patter through the first track, setting up the tone for the whole album." In addition, Poulton noted that "Ultimately, the lyrics are the centre of the album and it's clear they're meant to be, and are skillfully crafted." At Christianity Today, Andy Argyrakis wrote that "Needham sings sincerely of God's grace, newfound fatherhood (after a series of miscarriages), and checking his ego at the door, partly making up for some of the musical shortcomings and showing his potential as a songwriter."
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