City Harbor “City Harbor” Album Review

In this wretched fallen world, storms abound.  Bursting behind the rents of the sky's tired fabric are gushes of rain ready to sweep over us until we are drenched in disappointments and discouragements.  And before we could catch our breadths and get our bearings again, another storm is already brewing in the horizon of our not so distant tomorrow.  And it's easy to lose sight of the Son when sky's dark canvas do not show any cracks of blue.  These storms, be it sickness or unemployment or marital discord or financial crisis, have a way of taking our entire world in a whirlwind of a ride.  This is why we need duos like City Harbors.  Comprising of Molly Reed and Robby Earle, City Harbor seeks to provide us with songs that enable us to seek harbors where we can be warmed, refreshed and empowered.  Thus, these 10 tracks are more than just 10 mere songs.  Rather, these are resources that direct our wearisome storm tossed souls to jetty at the harbor of God's province.     

Before City Harbor was ever assimilated, both Molly and Robby were already honing their musical craft in their various capacities.  Molly Reed was the go-turn artist for many Nashville artists including NBC's "The Voice" Danielle Bradbery ("Dance Hall"), Point of Grace ("The Giver and the Gift"), and her musical hero Amy Grant ("Here" and "Not Giving Up").  Further, Reed is also the better half of Mikeschair's Mike Grayson.  On the other hand, Robby Earle himself was a singer/songwriter growing up in the church where his mother served as a choir director.  Together, they have created an engaging pop record that derives its identity partly from their close harmonies and the songs' indelible hooks.  This is the sound Francesca Battistelli, Love and Outcome and Natalie Grant would be proud of.  Part of the record's success can be attributed to the deft touches of producers Ben Glover (Britt Nicole) and Matt Brownleewee (Chris Tomlin).

Appropriately laying down the requisite as to who can find harbor in God's shelter is "Like I Am." Don't let Molly Reed's girlish vocal swirls belie you of the song's Godly message.  In a culture where our utility is measured by what we can offer, Jesus is so countercultural.  He accepts us as we are.  Such a delightful message is sublimely brought out by the song's ear grabbing melodic sound.  More personally relatable themes come with the album's single "Come However You Are."  With a chirpily bright summer groove, "Come However You Are" expresses Christ's invitation to all those who are weary and heavy laden to rest in Him. "I Still Believe," gets really up, close and personal: the song came as a cathartic moment to Molly Reed when she was struggling with depression.  With lyrics that turn our elegiac countenance from ourselves to the faithfulness of God, this guitar driven country tilted uptempo turns our blues around in the light of who God is.

"You're Here," on the other hand, takes on a similar lyrical trajectory albeit with a more young-ish Demi Lovato melodic drive.  Robby Earl who takes on the lead vocals of the penultimate track "Your Love Wins" starts off thoughtfully before the layers of guitar, drums and Reed's harmonies are cleverly augmented.  While album closer "Leave It There" is a song that ministers to the weary heart.  In times when we feel nauseated by the tossing waves, "Leave It There" is ambulant in urging us to vacate our worries to the Storm Master.  If there is any challenge to City Harbor, one would wish that for their sophomore release they would move a little out of their harbor of safe pop sounds.  It would be most thrilling if they could, for instance, tackle piano ballads or two.  Nevertheless, for those who have been out at the sea of trials for too long, this record leads us to the safest haven-- the one in the Savior's arms.    

 

 

 

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