After a three year hiatus from the solo market, Newsboys bassist Phil Joel returns to deliver the deliberatePeople. album, what many fans are saying is his best work yet. Meant to go hand in hand with deliberatePeople., the ministry developed by Joel and his wife Heather, the album focuses on the importance and benefits of rising daily to seek the Lord and His will for us.

This time around though, Phil decided to do the album independently, going as far as only selling the album in one place, deliberatePeople.com. While listening to the record, it becomes increasingly obvious that this album was not made to climb the charts. The focus isn't on making sure the words rhyme, but rather, making sure that the words have enough punch in them to make an impact. The intentions were not to put a high selling record out, but rather to put out an album that people will hopefully be blessed by, and make them dig a little deeper in their relationship with the Lord.

Ranging from rock songs such as "Burning Down" and "Drown" to songs like "Awe" and "Jealous (Come To Me)" which slow things down a bit, but never lose a drop of emotion or intensity, this album is sure to be one that challenges believers and non believers alike to seek out what they're really meant to do with their lives.

By far, one of the most the stand out tracks, in my opinion, is "Drainpipe," which is lyrically very intriguing. Many of Joel's songs deal with a general topic, but this song seems to be drifting more towards talking about a specific situation. Heather does many backing vocals on the album, and is best shown on the second verse of "Drainpipe."
Another stand out track, "Drown," has the pop-rock feel of many of his Watching Over You songs, but much more of a kick lyrically. The only thing you can say about "Awe" is that it is 'a worship song done right.' The simplicity of the lyrics and music allows for the deeply rooted emotion of the song to come out in full swing.

Lastly, "Jealous (Come To Me)," is an amazing song that really kicks up around the three minute mark. I must say, the first few minutes of the song are a little on the twangy side, which was a surprise to me, but after the turn in the song, it really blows you away.

My only complaints about the record is the song "Ordinary Day." While this seems to be many fans' favorite song, or at the top of their list, it just doesn't do anything for me and seems to be more of a filler song than anything. Of course the only big complaint I have is that there aren't more tracks on the album. You truly get lost in the moment and really feel what he's saying while listening to the album that by the time it's over you just have to sit there and say "wait...that's it?!"

To any Phil Joel fan or skeptic, I say "Get this album!" If you can't stand the poppy things he's done in the past, or don't enjoy the newsboys, it never comes in to play. This album is such a leap of growth for Phil and it truly highlights the journey that God has taken him on since his last album was released.