I See Things Upside Down

I See Things Upside Down (2004) is the second solo studio album from singer-songwriter Derek Webb. It was recorded at The Smoakstack recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee and engineered by Justin Loucks. This album branches out musically from what Webb had done in the past, and Webb has stated that he wanted to "dismantle everyone's idea of what kind of music they could expect" from him.[1]

I See Things Upside Down
Studio album by
Derek Webb
ReleasedNovember 9, 2004
StudioThe Smoakstack, Nashville, Tennessee
GenreExperimental rock, folk, contemporary Christian
Length63:42
LabelINO
ProducerDerek Webb, Cason Cooley, Matt Pierson, Will Sayles, Justin Loucks, Paul Moak, Kenny Meeks
Derek Webb chronology
The House Show
(2004)		 I See Things Upside Down
(2004)		 Mockingbird
(2005)

Referencing the paradoxes provided in Christ's teachings, I See Things Upside Down investigates the idea that perhaps, contrary to our religious and social standards, failure equals success, poverty equals riches, weakness equals strength, and foolishness equals understanding.[2] “What are the things that we American Christians value in our culture and how is that different and often ‘upside down’ from true Kingdom values? I’ve found that often success looks more like failure, riches more like poverty, and that real life often feels more like death,” Webb said in a press release.

Reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
CCM MagazineA−[4]
Christianity Today[5]
Cross Rhythms[6]
Jesus Freak Hideout[7]
Challies[8]
RELEVANT[9]

Webb's second album was well-received by both fans and critics alike. Sonically folksy-rock, I See Things Upside Down wasted no time mincing words or sugarcoating Webb's perception of the state of the Church and the American faith culture. This criticism shouldn't be taken as disdain, per se, as Webb continues to assert he is particularly passionate about the Church. In an interview with Cross Rhythms, Webb said, "It's the same dilemma patriots have always had. Patriots love their government enough to be able to criticise it. I love the Church; the Church needs to hear the Gospel. I feel very encouraged at the camaraderie I have felt with college kids, families, even pastors, as we all share our concerns. If I can continue doing this, I am very happy." [10]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I Want a Broken Heart"Derek Webb6:33
2."Better Than Wine"Webb3:16
3."The Strong, the Tempted, & The Weak"John Kent (words), Webb (music)5:53
4."Reputation"Webb4:24
5."I Repent"Webb4:29
6."Medication"Webb4:58
7."We Come to You"Aaron Tate8:07
8."T-Shirts (What We Should Be Known For)"Webb4:33
9."Ballad in Plain Red"Webb4:42
10."Nothing is Ever Enough"Webb5:46
11."Lover Part 2"Webb5:48
12."What is Not Love"Webb5:05
Total length:63:42

Personnel

Awards and accolades

I See Things Upside Down was selected as the #2 best album of 2004 by Christianity Today magazine.[12]

Charts
Chart (2004) Peak position
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[13] 34

References
  1. Derek Webb, 01/06 - Interviews - Christian Music Today
  2. derekwebb.net, popular fansite
  3. Anderson, Rick (November 9, 2004). "I See Things Upside Down - Derek Webb : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  4. McCreary, David (December 1, 2004). "In Review: Derek Webb: I See Things Upside Down (INO)" (PDF). CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. pp. 47–48. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 25, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  5. Breimeier, Russ (November 1, 2004). "I See Things Upside Down - Reviewed by Russ Breimeier". Christianity Today. Crosswalk.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  6. Daniels, John (January 17, 2005). "Review: I See Things Upside Down - Derek Webb". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  7. Vander Loop, Jessica (November 5, 2004). "Derek Webb, "I See Things Upside Down" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  8. Challies, Tim (November 17, 2005). "Album Review - I See Things Upside Down Challies Dot Com". Challies.com. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  9. Whitley, Carla Jean (November 16, 2004). "I See Things Upside Down - RELEVANT Magazine". Relevant Media. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  10. Derek Webb: US Singer/songwriter talks about his ministry
  11. Rev. I.B. Longe is an alias used by guitarist Kenny Meeks for his occasionally unique performances that seem to reach for an altered personality on his instrument.
  12. "The Best Christian Albums of 2004 - Christianity Today magazine". Christianity Today. January 1, 2005. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  13. "Derek Webb Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard.
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