We have reached the half-way point in our exploration of 20 Albums in 20 Weeks. In case you missed a week, here are links to each of the albums we have look at so far:

Week 1: Morning Phase by Beck

Week 2: Live at the Regal by B.B. King

Week 3: Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons

Week 4: Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams

Week 5: Rare Bird Alert by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Week 6: Kintugi by Death Cab for Cutie

Week 7: Leaving Eden by Carolina Chocolate Drops

Week 8: Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins

Week 9: Strange Wilderness by Lord Huron

 This week’s album is After All These Years: A Collection by Andrew Peterson. I was a slow convert to Peterson’s music. His voice was different than I expected. The intelligence of his lyrics drew me in, however, and before long his music became a welcome retreat for me.

There aren’t a lot of reviews out there for Peterson’s work. You are more likely to find reviews on his books (he’s a talented author as well) than you are for his 9 full length albums. He is well-respected in Christian music circles, even though he doesn’t have a pop sound or produce stadium shaking worship songs.

Peterson’s music is intelligent and honest. The folk edges of his voice and accompanying music are relaxing and encourage contemplation. After All These Years: A Collectionoffers a great selection of his songs as well as a few new ones. I think that Peterson’s work is some of the most worshipful out there today.

If a man has got to listen 

To the voices of the mob

Who are reeling in the throes 

Of all the happiness they’ve got

When they tell you all their troubles

Have been nailed up to that cross

What about the times when even follower’s get lost

Cause we all get lost sometimes

I will continue to escape into Peterson’s music for times of reflection and to relax. When life gets hectic and I’m losing my bearings I’m as likely to go to this album as to anything else I have. If you are needing some new insight into the Christian life, or just some moments of calm and contemplation, this album is a great place to start.