Jadon Lavik - Life On The Inside

Reviewed by Brian Carr

I am not going to "beat about the bush": as the first few chords of "Changing Happy", the opening track of Jadon Lavik's second album, eased its way out of the speakers, I thought, "I am going to like this." And you know what? I was not disappointed. On his second album Jadon relies on a light, mainly acoustic canvas on which to apply his observations of the Christian experience. The catchy opener is followed by the more restrained "Father" which offers heartfelt thanks for answered prayer. Then it's a return to the pop influence on "Nothing Compares" and the very radio friendly "What If". Years of listening to music have created in me a thirst for cliché free lyrics and a passion in the singer. On this album I sense a greater depth of passion coming through on the later tracks "Hear Our Song" and "Just Like You". The tracks "Meant To Be", "Never Alone" and "Searching" add a slightly more gritty, world weary mood that hint at a truly memorable offering somewhere further along the journey of this talented songwriter. But that is not to detract from this album which proved a very satisfying listen, but rather an indicator of the potential I feel Jadon has, to make an impact in the music world albeit with the necessary backing that it takes.