Next week, one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters Andrew Peterson releases his 7^th studio album, Counting Stars.  I must admit, upon first listen, I was under-whelmed.  I’m happy to report that my perspective has changed after letting the music “soak in” a bit.  I had an almost identical experience with Sara Groves’ latest CD Fireflies and Songs, which didn’t wow me at first, but eventually became one of my favorite albums of 2009. 

After my first couple of listens to Counting Stars, I watched an interview where the album’s co-producer Ben Shive shared, “Before we started the record, we wanted it to feel like a familiar room painted a different color.”  That quote really helped me appreciate this album.  When Ty Pennington takes his sledge hammers into a bedroom and creates a completely new design, there is an immediate WOW-factor that’s experienced in the first few seconds of the big reveal.  Ben’s quote helped me realize that the art is in the subtlety.  Andrew didn’t need to reinvent himself musically, sonically, or lyrically.  And although the lack of re-design concedes the immediate “buzz”, the more Counting Stars lingers with you, the more you feel the warmth, peace, and comfort that only a familiar room can bring.

I can say without a doubt, Counting Stars is one of the best albums of 2010, and again proves that Peterson is one of the best Christian songwriters of our generation.  Now, taking my critic hat off, here are my almost-Twitter-sized personal thoughts about each song: 

Many Roads – This opening track causes me to ponder God’s providence, and I also find myself thinking about how much Andrew’s music has blessed my journey in recent years.  [Resembles:  “Let There Be Light”]

Dancing in the Minefields – So much truth in so little time.  I cannot be reminded enough of the covenant aspects of marriage.  Written like a proverb, this should be required listening in all pre-marital classes!  [Resembles:  “Don’t Give Up On Me”]

Planting Trees – A beautiful call to “sink into all that matters.”  I am challenged to reflect on John 15.  We often want to grow and bloom for the benefits it gives us.  But trees and their fruit don’t serve themselves, but rather their purpose is to “spread their branches out and bless someone.”  [Resembles:  “Window in the World”]

The Magic Room – I love nature… once or twice.  But I am so fickle that God’s creation which at one time dropped my jaw can soon be lost in my been-there-done-that attitude.  I am reminded to never lose the wonder (or shut my ears) to how God communicates through nature.  [Resembles:  “Invisible God”]

World Traveler – The older I get, the less I know of God.  He becomes more mysterious, more undefined, more undiscovered.  I want to join Andrew in his adventure of exploring the mystery of God!  [Resembles: “Little Boy, Heart Alive”]

Isle of Skye – Written for his daughter, this song gently reminds me of the incredible blessing my 3 children are to me and how I am a better man for their influence in my life.  [Resembles:  “Canaan Bound”]

God of My Fathers – Psalm 90 starts with, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”  I need to look back to reflect on His faithfulness, and look ahead to the legacy I am responsible for.  [Resembles:  “All The Way Home”]

Fool With a Fancy Guitar – This song is where my heart is at right now – “It’s easy to let all this bitterness smolder.”  Yet even in my anger, my lies, my loneliness, and despair, Christ has chosen me as His ambassador.  [Resembles: “Good News”]

In The Night – Classic Andrew Peterson.  This song of hope and longing for renewal makes allusions to several Bible stories.  Likely my favorite from Counting Stars.  [Resembles: “Love is a Good Thing”]

You Came So Close – For anyone who has had to talk a friend off the proverbial ledge, this song is quite personal.  I am ultimately encouraged that forgiveness and redemption are stronger than sin.  [Resembles:  “Hosea”]

The Last Frontier – This is the most personal song on the album, and Andrew’s honesty draws you in.  I often times wonder if I am losing my spiritual sensitivity, which is why I connect to his opening line “Why don’t the mountains make me cry no more?”  [Resembles:  “Silence of God”]

The Reckoning (How Long) – The closing track is one of Andrew’s most upbeat cuts of all-time.  The song is full of questions, reminding me that life is often times confusing, and our longing for redemption and restoration is a very good thing indeed.  [Resembles:  “The Far Country”]


To be fair, I likely won’t ever consider this higher than The Far Country, which is not only my favorite AP album but one of my all-time favorites from any artist.  That said, I can easily grade Counting Stars a solid A.  All “gourmet music” lovers should add this CD to their collection immediately.

-Dave Trout