Barnes & Noble

Longtime favorites of the college crowd, Caedmon's Call earned a place at the front of Christian music's pack with 1999's 40 Acres. With this, their third national release, these talented alterna-folkies are -- pardon the pun -- reaping the harvest they planted with that Dove-nominated project. While retaining the group's trademark youthful energy with the addition of teenage keyboard prodigy Josh Moore, Long Line of Leavers reveals a band that has both musically and lyrically matured. The album's title comes from the opening track "The Only One," in which singer Derek Webb declares, "I come from a long line of leavers, out of the garden gate with an apple in their hands." As that line suggests, the album embraces the full panorama of human experience, and it does so with insight and emotion. The songs walk a tightrope of vulnerability, cockiness and humor, as evidenced on "Mistake of My Life," the story of Webb's cross-country trek after the girl he loves. Especially noteworthy is the band's inspired take on John Michael Talbot's "Prepare Ye the Way," which features Danielle Webb's lilting harmony vocals. With Long Line of Leavers, Caedmon's Call should claim their place as the genre's newest stars. Lisa Zhito

All Music Guide

Solid ninth album from alternative CCM group. Nice mix of musical styles, all with thought-provoking lyrics worthy of Christian listening. "Masquerade" is a standout, a nice feat for the quiet ballad featuring Danielle Young in the lead. Young's voice comes through clear and resonant and the mood is enhanced by the quiet performances of the band members on their respective instruments. The final track, "Ballad of San Francisco," was recorded on the front porch of the Bennett House, a recording studio based in a historical landmark in Franklin, TN. Sound musicianship, lyrics, and production make this an excellent listen all around. Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams