Shawn McDonald – "Ripen"
The front sticker on the CD says "Ripen is an album for people who love to grapple with the road called life. It invites us to be honest, real, and embrace all aspects of the journey." Whoever wrote that must have looked into the depths of Shawn’s heart and realized that is music is all about life and the many beauties of it.
How can you take words so simple and turn it into meaningful music? This is what Shawn does – something as simple as "someday I’m gonna see the King" is filled with so much passion that you can’t help but be drawn into it. Or consider the words of "I wanna be ready" – a song that takes a simple phrase and shows his excitement for the return of his savior.
Simple melodies…and yet not so simple. Just about life…but about real life. Such is the thread running through "Ripen," a truly beautiful and engaging album from a wonderful vocalist and songwriter.