She Must and Shall Go Free
| She Must and Shall Go Free | ||||
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| Studio album by Derek Webb | ||||
| Released | March 25, 2003 | |||
| Recorded | Nashville, TN | |||
| Genre | Folk, Americana, contemporary Christian music | |||
| Length | 50:52 | |||
| Label | INO | |||
| Producer | Garett Buell, Kenny Meeks, Matt Pierson, Derek Webb | |||
| Derek Webb chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| Christianity Today | |
| Cross Rhythms |  |
| Jesus Freak Hideout |  |
| New Release Tuesday | |
| The Phantom Tollbooth | |
She Must and Shall Go Free is the first solo studio album from singer-songwriter Derek Webb following his 2003 departure from Caedmon's Call. Named for the last line of a 175-year-old hymn written by William Gadsby, according to Webb, She Must and Shall Go Free "is an emphatic statement about the liberation and ultimate security of the people of god -- the church." A result of Webb's questioning his role in the "church" and its role in culture, She Must and Shall Go Free is a poignant and challenging look at what it means to purse faith in today's church-laden culture.
After touring with Caedmon's Call for ten years, Webb's first solo record was an effort to ask and answer questions about the church, our role in it and its role in culture. Derek further elaborates:
After ten years in a Christian band, backstage in the music industry and in the hallways of church buildings across America, my attention as a songwriter has turned to a fresh affection for the Church. It seems we know all too little of who She is, how She should dress, or what She was made for. I have found that Scripture is provocative when it comes to these issues and so these songs are not for the faint of heart. Truth is, God would rather die than be without Her, and She is both wretched and radiant. I’m convinced that there is only one righteousness suitable for Jesus’s bride, and He is jealous for Her love. For the believe, truth is freedom. Even truth that is hard to hear. May these songs stir all of us to see, as if for the first time, that we have (still) a great need for a Savior, and a great Savior for our need.
She Must and Shall Go Free has received universal acclaim from the six critics to judge the album to date. The album got four five-star and/or ten-star perfect ratings from Christianity Today, Cross Rhythms, New Release Tuesday and The Phantom Tollbooth. Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today cautioned that "It should be mentioned that She Must and Shall Go Free is worded so passionately, some might initially react negatively to it." However, Breimeier noted that "Perhaps most admirable is Derek's tone, which despite his strong criticisms of religion, is very humble. Derek tempers his points nicely with perspective, often pointing the finger at himself and allowing the listeners to convict themselves if the shoe fits – just don't be surprised to find that one size fits all. There's an urgent need for the Christian church to hear the bold and convicting songs of Derek Webb. With a message you need to hear and an album you'll want to hear, She Must and Shall Go Free is already a surefire contender for one of the best albums of 2003." Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms noted that "It’s a shame that one of the most important albums of 2003 will probably go largely unnoticed in the general Christian music scene. Why so? Because rather than penning a pile of soft songs about love and grace, Derek Webb has chosen to write songs of such powerful prophetic intention that it’s impossible not to be challenged. The former Caedmon’s Call member tackles head on the state of the Church, its corruption and God’s unchanging sacrificial love. Lyrically a lot of these songs are speaking to the listener from God’s perspective and it’s not always a comfortable listen and yet it’s essential that we are creating music that speaks honestly and creatively about realities." Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday evoked how the album contents "are all can't miss songs and this is one of my favorite albums ever." Brian A. Smith of The Phantom Tollbooth proclaimed that "With many quality guests (Jars of Clay, Sandra McCracken) and outstanding songwriting, She Shall and Must Go Free is my early nominee for album of the year. Webb achieves a rarity in music by producing a superior solo effort to that of his former group's recordings."
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