Jimmy Needham's 'Hurricane' EP mixes it up stylistically

|PIC1|Jimmy Needham is a Texas-based Christian singer songwriter that isn't afraid to blend several styles of music together in the songs that are found on 'Hurricane’.

The 6-tracks that make up this EP feature several different styles of music including everything from, singer songwriter, pop, and rock to funk and even some jazz music, complete with scat singing.

Things get started with the track, "Hurricane", a piano and guitar filled ballad with lyrics that talk about if it takes having trouble and storms in your life to get closer to God, then bring them on and tear down any walls that get in the way of having a strong relationship with God.

When he was asked about the meaning of "Hurricane", Needham had this to say, "We want God to come to us, and He shows up in a lot of different ways," he continued on saying, "He comes as a loving Father; he comes as a friend, as an encourager, as a healer. But sometimes He shows up as a hurricane, and the God we thought came to comfort us actually came to wreck us. It looks tragic, but nothing could be further from the truth. When God destroys us, it is only so He can build us back up again."

The second track, "A Breath or Two", offers up some interesting rhythmic vocals that deal with the issue of living too hectic of a life and the need to slow down and take the time to find out the real purpose for your life. Here's just one line of lyrics from the song that illustrate that message, 'less of me and more of you (God)’.

"Dearly Loved", is a rich, string filled, almost orchestral sounding, song that deals with needing to have the desire to share God's message and love with others.

"Fence Riders", is one of the songs that features some jazz scat singing on it. The song deals with those who like to live on the spiritual fence never willing to make the full commitment to their faith.

"Come Around", is a track that brings a funk element to the release, thanks to its funky sounding keyboard and guitar parts. The song talks about nothing really meaning anything unless Jesus is at the centre of it.

"Lost At Sea", has the honour of tying the musical bow on this release. The song talks about being lost and tossed around in life and receiving God's grace to help you out of the situation. The song starts off with a melodic acoustic guitar part but quickly picks up the tempo as it moves ahead with both fast rhythmic vocals and a short electric guitar solo that are found in it.

Jimmy Needham performs songs that have a real passion found in them, they’ve been compared to those of the late Keith Green and the songs found on 'Hurricane,' are no exception.