Beyond Measure

The envy of young power rock singers the world over, Jeremy Camp chose to forge ahead in the same direction on his fourth studio album, 2006's Beyond Measure. Considering his previous successes — three consecutive gold records — he may indeed have been justified in keeping the same basic sound. Once again he plays to his strengths — approachable lyrics conveyed with that gruffy, mature voice, raw electric guitar, and tight rhythm section. Camp recorded this album in his late twenties after marrying vocalist Adie (his first wife died of ovarian cancer in 2001 when she was just 21 and Jeremy was 23). The refocusing of his priorities after returning to a relationship are impressively transparent on songs like the title track and "Let It Fade," both of which exhibit his trademark earnestness in life-examining moments. He seems to be even surer of himself, offering more absolute song titles like "Everything," "No Matter What," and "I Am Nothing." Camp's mastery of the new-century power ballad has always provided a breath of fresh air for BEC/Tooth and Nail, whose roster favors the Tony Hawk crowd. There are no weak spots or filler, giving reason to pump your fist one moment and raise your lighter high the next. Still, with such rich vocal range and tenacity one has to wonder where a little more experimentation might take him.