| Clear the Stage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 27, 2012 | |||
| Genre | Contemporary Christian, blues, folk rock | |||
| Length | 38:18 | |||
| Label | Inpop | |||
| Producer | Ed Cash, Jimmy Needham | |||
| Jimmy Needham chronology | ||||
| ||||
Clear the Stage was the fourth studio album from Christian contemporary Christian musician Jimmy Needham, which was released on March 27, 2012 by Inpop Records, and was produced by Ed Cash and Jimmy Needham. [1] The album has seen commercial charting successes, as well as, positive critical attention.
The title track "Clear the Stage" was written by Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Ross King who recorded the song in his 2002 album And All the Decorations, Too released on April 1, 2002. The main message conveyed in the song is that we need to clear the stage for God, who truly deserves it: "Cause you can sing all you want to / But still get it wrong / Worship is more than a song / We must not worship something / that's not even worth it / Clear the stage and make some space / for the one who deserves it". It also addresses what are idols in our lives that we must cast away for true belief: "Anything I put before my God is an idol / Anything I want with all my heart is an idol / Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol / Anything that I give all my love is an idol". Jimmy Needham also released a music video displaying the lyrics of the song. [2]
David Jeffries of Allmusic wrote that the album was "as bright and diverse as expected, but it's the songwriting growth and conceptual cohesiveness that surprise." [1] At CCM Magazine , Grace S. Aspinwall stated that "The partnership with Ed Cash brings out an even more mature and relatable sound for his distinct vocals and styling." [3] Kevin Hoskins at Jesus Freak Hideout said that the release has "got some good ol' pop-filled blues with very intimate lyrical content", yet noted that for the listener "looking for something fast-paced and musically diverse, you may want to steer clear of Clear the Stage." [4] Cross Rhythms' Isaac Poulton said "The thing that sticks out to me when I put this latest album from the Houston-based blue-eyed soul man is the tight, rhythmic sound of the drums. Reliable bass and perfectly timed hi-hats rumble and pitter patter through the first track, setting up the tone for the whole album." [5] In addition, Poulton noted that "Ultimately, the lyrics are the centre of the album and it's clear they're meant to be, and are skillfully crafted." [5] At Christianity Today , Andy Argyrakis wrote that "Needham sings sincerely of God's grace, newfound fatherhood (after a series of miscarriages), and checking his ego at the door, partly making up for some of the musical shortcomings and showing his potential as a songwriter." [6]
Sarah Fine at New Release Tuesday told that the artist was "Known for his eclectic mix of blue-eyed soul and groove-driven pop, his latest effort, Clear The Stage, comes as his most musically diverse and lyrically vulnerable project to date." Furthermore, Fine noted that the album was "Raw and thought-provoking lyrically, it also boasts a musical showcase secular counterparts might want to take note of, serving as one of the most diverse albums I’ve heard in quite some time." [7] At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre wrote that "With heartfelt lyrics and musical diverseness" that this album was his "the most mature and personal record to date." [8] At The Phantom Tollbooth, Michael Dalton said that "On Clear the Stage, Jimmy Needham sacrifices a little of his blue-eyed soul for a more pop-oriented sound. He loses a little distinctiveness on some tracks, but retains the R&B influence that is a trademark." [9] Tom Frigoli of Alpha Omega News wrote that with respect to the lyrics they were "written in conversational tones and are a joy to listen to", and noted that Needham's "musical versatility is stronger than ever and there are many different sounds and styles experienced on the album." [10]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [1] |
| CCM Magazine | [3] |
| Christian Music Zine | [11] |
| Christianity Today | [6] |
| Cross Rhythms |   [5] |
| Indie Vision Music | [8] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [4] |
| Louder Than the Music | [12] |
| New Release Tuesday | [7] |
| The Phantom Tollbooth | [9] |
Clear the Stage garnered generally positive reception from music critics to critique the album. David Jeffries at Allmusic felt that this was "surely Needham's album, establishing him as a more mature artist than before while still welcoming his audience with open arms." [1] At CCM Magazine , Grace S. Aspinwall called this "a delightful new phase for this talented singer/songwriter." [3] Kevin Hoskins of Jesus Freak Hideout affirmed that this was "a great album to chill out to and to truly worship our Maker with." [4] Cross Rhythms' Isaac Poulton highlighted that the release "would really speak to people going through tough times, which really makes this album worth getting." [5]
At Christianity Today , Andy Argyrakis criticized that "There are also several additional R&B/jazz-infused moments to accompany his soulfully smooth vocals, but a few others are middle-of-the-road piano/acoustic songs lacking personality." [6] Sarah Fine at New Release Tuesday evoked that the album was "Fun, funky and full of faith, Clear The Stage is undoubtedly Jimmy Needham’s finest work to date", and that "Overall, this album does not disappoint and will be a hard one to follow up, but if anyone can do it, it’s Jimmy Needham." [7] At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre felt that the artist "has stretched the musical boundaries" in a good way on his fourth studio album. [8]
Michael Dalton of The Phantom Tollbooth called the album "arresting and unforgettable", which he wrote that "This may be Needham’s best and most mature recording to date, and the way he sings 'Clear the Stage' is worth hearing." [9] At Christian Music Zine, Tyler Hess felt that the album was "a solid follow up to Nightlights and has a few special songs that can hit your heart strings." [11] Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music proclaimed this was "A top quality recording". [12] At Alpha Omega News, Tom Frigoli graded the album an A, which he wrote that "The album offers everything fans have come to know and love from Jimmy Needham and so much more", and told that he "definitely recommend checking out this project as well as his previous albums!" [10]
For the Billboard charting week of April 14, 2012, Clear the Stage was the No. 128 most sold album in the entirety of the United States by the Billboard 200 and it was the No. 9 Top Christian Album as well.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Will Find You" (featuring Lecrae) | Ross King, Lecrae Moore, Jimmy Needham | 3:51 |
| 2. | "If I Ever Needed Grace" | Ed Cash, Needham | 3:44 |
| 3. | "Daddy's Baby Girl" | Cash, Needham | 3:06 |
| 4. | "Rock Bottom" | Cash, Needham | 3:21 |
| 5. | "Stay" (featuring Lizi Bailey) | Lizi Bailey, Needham | 4:29 |
| 6. | "In the Middle" | Cash, Needham | 3:42 |
| 7. | "Arrows" | Cash, Needham | 3:37 |
| 8. | "My Victory" | Matt Armstrong, Cash, Needham | 3:39 |
| 9. | "Only One" | Needham | 4:03 |
| 10. | "Clear the Stage" | King | 4:46 |
| Total length: | 38:18 | ||
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) [13] | 59 |
| US Billboard 200 [14] | 128 |
| US Christian Albums (Billboard) [15] | 9 |
Jimmy Needham is an American contemporary Christian musician signed to Inpop Records. He released debut album, For Freedom, an independent release, in 2005, and after signing with the Christian record label Inpop in 2006, a series of albums: Speak (2006), Not Without Love (2008), Nightlights (2010), Clear the Stage (2012), and Vice & Virtue (2015).
What If We is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath. It was released on August 19, 2008 through Provident Label Group. The album debuted at No. 73 on the Billboard 200. During mid and late 2008, the album's first single "Give Me Your Eyes" stayed at No. 1 on R&R's Christian CHR format for 13 consecutive weeks, and was the second most played song of 2008 for the same format. The album received a Grammy Award nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Gospel Album.
Anthem Lights is the debut album by the American Christian pop band Anthem Lights. The album was released on May 10, 2011, on Reunion Records and contains all three tracks from their self-titled EP, which was released on February 1, 2011.
Christmas in Diverse City is TobyMac's first full-length Christmas album as well as his fifth studio album. It was released on October 4, 2011.
Closer is the fourth studio album by American Christian singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald. The album was released on March 22, 2011 by Sparrow Records, and was produced by Christopher Stevens. The album saw commercial success and positive reception.
Nothing Left to Fear is the first studio album by Contemporary Christian musician Andy Cherry, released on March 6, 2012 by Essential Records.
The Hurt & the Healer is the seventh studio album by American contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Released on May 22, 2012, the album was about the season that the band is currently in at the time of composing the music. Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the album met with positive critical and commercial reception. The album sold over 33,000 copies its first week and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart. This is also their first album release without keyboardist and group co-founder Jim Bryson.
World We View is the second studio album by the American Christian rock band Nine Lashes, released on February 14, 2012, through Tooth & Nail Records. It is the follow-up to their independent debut album Escape and was co-produced by Aaron Sprinkle and Trevor McNevan, the latter of whom was instrumental in getting the group signed and contributes guest vocals to the song "Adrenaline".
Blue Mountain is the fourth studio album by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath. It was released on October 9, 2012, through Reunion Records. The album has had success on the chart, as has the song "Jesus in Disguise".
The Upside of Down is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Chris August. It was released on August 21, 2012 through Fervent Records, and the album was produced by Chris August and Ian Eskelin. The album debuted at No. 101 on the Billboard 200 chart and at No. 3 on the Christian Albums chart. In addition, the lead single from the album "Center of It" has garnered chart success.
A Messenger is the debut album from eleventh season American Idol contestant, Colton Dixon. The album was released on January 29, 2013, by Sparrow Records and debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. It debuted at number 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart. It was successful both critically and commercially.
Inland is the eleventh full-length studio album by rock band Jars of Clay, which was released on August 27, 2013, by Gray Matters label. The album was produced by Tucker Martine at Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, Oregon. It has seen significant charting successes, and has garnered critical acclamation. It was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year by the GMA Dove Awards.
God of Every Story is the third studio album by Contemporary Christian musician Laura Story, which the album was released by Fair Trade Services on September 30, 2013, and the producer of the album was Ed Cash. The album has seen commercial charting successes, as well as, it has garnered positive reception from music critics.
The Hymns Sessions, Vol. 1 was the first hymns album by contemporary Christian musician Jimmy Needham, released independently by Needham through NeedHim Music on September 10, 2013, and it was produced by Needham. The album has seen commercial charting successes, as well as garnered critical acclamation.
Royal Tailor is the eponymously named second and final studio album from Christian pop rock band Royal Tailor. It was released on October 22, 2013 by Essential Records, and was produced by Chuck Butler, Aaron Lindsey and Christopher Stevens. The album was well received by Christian music critics, and is Royal Tailor's highest charting release to date.
Oh for Joy is the first holiday studio album and tenth album overall from Christian rock group David Crowder Band, and was produced by the band as well. The album was released on October 4, 2011 by sixstepsrecords, and has attracted generally positive critical attention.
Brave is the sixth studio album from Christian singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald, released on April 15, 2014 by Sparrow Records. It was produced by David Garcia, Jamie Kenney and Christopher Stevens.
V. Rose is the eponymously titled debut studio album from Christian music recording artist V. Rose. The album released on August 16, 2011 through Clear Sight Music. It was re-released February 25, 2013 as The Electro-Pop Deluxe featuring a second disc with six extra tracks.
Vice & Virtue is the fifth studio album by Jimmy Needham. Platinum Pop released the album on May 4, 2015.
StompTown Revival, also known as STR, are an American Christian music duo from Nashville, Tennessee, and they started making music together in 2012. The first extended play, StompTown Revival, was released in 2012 by Save the City Music. This EP charted on two Billboard magazine charts.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)