Following up their classic self-titled album, Jars of Clay produced the melancholic 'Much Afraid'. Drastically changing their music, the album featured a much higher singing voice and depressing subject matter. This can be seen in the beautiful and haunting song 'Frail', as well as in 'Tea & Sympathy'. In many ways this is a more indie album than the previous, featuring interesting musical arrangements and subdued tones. Notable also is the lack of immediate pop hooks within the music. Nevertheless, the music remains highly moving and achieves a depth not existing in their first record. So although this album is not as immediately accessible as their debut, it compensates by adding surprising depth.
