Jars Of Clay – If I Left The Zoo

Jars of Clay have always impressed me with their sound, and this album sees them venturing even further afield with their always admirable production values. Kicking off with “Goodbye, Goodnight”, If I Left The Zoo almost sounds like Jellyfish’s Spilt Milk in style (if not necessarily in content). The band vastly widens its spectrum of different vocal styles (a black southern gospel choir backing up on “I’m Alright”), instruments (“Goodbye, Goodnight”‘s banjo, among other things), and various effects and filters which can make the band sound post-modern one second and 70’s-retro the next. If I’m not mistaken, I think the lyrics are growing more complex and mature as well. The better songs include the aforementioned first track, “No One Loves Me Like You”, “Can’t Erase It”, and “Collide”.

1. Goodbye, Goodnight (2:53)
2. Unforgetful You (3:21)
3. Collide (4:46)
4. No One Loves Me Like You (3:49)
5. Famous Last Words (3:27)
6. Sad Clown (4:27)
7. Hand (3:37)
8. I’m Alright (3:40)
9. Grace (4:31)
10. Can’t Erase It (3:35)
11. River Constantine (4:50)

Released by: Essential
Release date: 1999
Total running time: 42:58