Andrew Peterson

Clear to Venus
Watershed Records

With the loss of artists like Keith Green and Rich Mullins in the past two decades, there seemed to be a gaping hole in the world of contemporary Christian music. Gone were the ragamuffins that possessed a unique ability to humbly remind us of how much God loves us in spite of ourselves. With the release of his sophomore project, “Clear to Venus,” Andrew Peterson is leading many to believe that he may be the one to assume this role.

Peterson’s ability to take the simple events of life and use them as reminders of God’s life is truly a gift. Like Keith Green, he sings with a joyful confidence in his Savior. Like Rich Mul­lins, he sees the hand of God moving in Scripture and in creation. In fact, Peterson recorded a previously unreleased Mullins song, “Mary Picked the Roses,” for this album.

Regardless of any comparisons that might be made, Peterson is a great songwriter. “Isn’t It Love” turns the misfortune of lost luggage into a reminder of God’s love. “Song and Dance” recounts what David must have been feeling when he wrote Psalm 98. “Venus” reveals what life is like for Peterson and his family on the road. “We’ve got shows from Boston clear to Venus/But if America is listening, as long as I’ve got songs to sing/We can always find a home right here between us.”

“Clear to Venus” is one of the year’s best releases. And as long as Peterson has songs to sing, America will be listening.