In a few recent conversations with editors and freelance writers involved in the Christian music scene about the new Plumb album, Blink, I’ve noticed a marked disinterest. Plumb is a creative, provocative artist, and her albums tend to engage listeners easily. And of course, she knows how to sell records as well. So I was a bit surprised at this response to her new album.

The hesitancy lies in Blink’s theme. Plumb’s seventh full-length project was carved out in between the nap times of her two sons, Solomon Fury, almost 2 and a half, and Oliver Canon, 9 months. She is gloriously home-centered, reveling with great pleasure in her new family life, and the new album reflects that in a big way. And yes, it isn’t the rocker we’ve come to expect from Plumb; it is, in fact, decidedly mellow. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it includes lullabies, but there are songs written as sleep-inducing blessings for children, yes. And this newfound tranquility seems to be the recurring complaint.

It is the trap of the popular artist: audiences want their favorite bands to continue to kick out the same products they first appreciated, over… and over… and over. But the reality is that people, even artists, grow and change their perspectives and even their own styles. Certainly personal circumstances change and their art will reflect that, if it’s honest and reflective. Plumb is blissfully married, delights deeply in her children, and even enjoys making a home for her family. Should she keep it to herself? Seeing as this is the personal dream of many listeners, I would think her current project would be of special interest, rather than being discounted out of hand as too ‘mellow.’ And being at home has not lessened her musical chops at all, as the new album attests markedly. She continues to write for other artists as well, her skills madly percolating in the midst of all this familial harmony.

I guess my question is this: is there not a place for an album of musical excellence that celebrates the beauty of family life done well? You would think so.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 at 7:33 am and is filed under Staff Blogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.