The Far Country (album)
The Far Country is the sixth album by the American singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson, released in 2005. The title is from a quote by Meister Eckhart, a 16th-century German spiritual teacher that says, "God is at home. We are in the far country."[1]
The Far Country | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | August 30, 2005 | |||
Genre | Christian pop, Christian rock, folk rock | |||
Length | 42:31 | |||
Label | Fervent | |||
Producer | Ben Shive | |||
Andrew Peterson chronology | ||||
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Background
Peterson worked with Ben Shive, in the production of this album.[2] Fervent Records released the album on August 30, 2005.[3]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [3] |
CCM Magazine | A[2] |
Christian Broadcasting Network | [4] |
Christianity Today | [5] |
Cross Rhythms | [6] |
Jesus Freak Hideout | [7] |
The Phantom Tollbooth | 4.5/5[8] |
Awarding the album four and a half stars at AllMusic, Jared Johnson states, "The Far Country saw Andrew Peterson going to great lengths to create a thought-provoking acoustic concept album, a sparkling feat indeed considering how dry the CCM-folk well had run by 2005."[3] David Mackle, rating the album an A for CCM Magazine, writes, "The Far Country, exudes a pride swallowing intimacy that begs you to bend your ear its way and then pushes you toward hope...Peterson is writing his own legacy, and you need to hear it."[2] Giving the album four and a half stars from Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier says, "Peterson excels with relatable lyrics grounded in both Scripture and everyday life, thus communicating timeless truths, rather than merely reciting them."[5] Jennifer E. Jones, indicating in a four spins review by Christian Broadcasting Network, replies, "His signature sound of quiet folk has barely changed a note, which works for Peterson because it allows his stellar lyric-writing skills to shine."[4] Signaling in a four and a half star review at Jesus Freak Hideout, Laura Nunnery describes, "Peterson's songs may have a folk sound, but they are anything but boring."[7] Michael Dalton, rating the album a four and a half from The Phantom Tollbooth, responds, "Andrew Peterson directs us toward home in a way that makes it a little easier to live in the far country...This is a look to heaven that alternates between hope, yearning and joy."[8] Giving the album a seven out of ten for Cross Rhythms, Mike Rimmer recognizes, "Elsewhere the acoustic sounds, poppy melodies and sensitive arrangements make this a winner if not a little derivative of Mullins' oeuvre."[6]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Andrew Peterson unless otherwise noted
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Far Country" | Peterson, Ben Shive | 4:35 |
2. | "Lay Me Down" | 4:07 | |
3. | "Queen of Iowa" | 3:58 | |
4. | "Little Boy Heart Alive" | 4:36 | |
5. | "The Haven's Grey" | Peterson, Shive | 3:58 |
6. | "Mystery of Mercy" | Randall Goodgame, Peterson | 3:19 |
7. | "Mountains on the Ocean Floor" | 4:54 | |
8. | "All Shall Be Well" | 4:33 | |
9. | "For the Love of God" | 5:03 | |
10. | "More" | Peterson, Pierce Pettis | 3:28 |
Total length: | 42:31 |
References
- "Andrew Peterson: Going Far". Crosswalk. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
- Mackle, David. "Andrew Peterson: The Far Country" (PDF). CCM Magazine. p. 44. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Johnson, Jared (August 30, 2005). "The Far Country โ Andrew Peterson". AllMusic. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Jones, Jennifer E. "Peterson, Andrew: The Far Country". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Breimeier, Russ (August 30, 2005). "The Far Country". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Rimmer, Mike (October 3, 2005). "Review: The Far Country โ Andrew Peterson". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Nunnery, Laura (August 15, 2005). "Andrew Peterson, "The Far Country" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- Dalton, Michael (July 27, 2005). "Peterson, Andrew โ The Far Country". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved October 6, 2015.