Shawn McDonald

Roots
Sparrow Records

Of all the contemporary Christian music recommended-if-you-likes matched to the John Mayers, Jack Johnsons and Jason Mrazs of the world, Shawn McDonald is easily the most interesting. His third album, “Roots,” certainly has many of the elements that draw listeners to such artists, but he is by no means a copycat.

The mood elicited by his more hands-up, eyes-closed worshipful tracks (the incredible “Captivated,” for instance) is certainly available from many of his Christian contemporaries. But the way McDonald gets you there — the textures, the arrangements — makes him a thoroughly unique edition to the growing catalog of alt-folk crooners. He makes great music.