Review

It took me awhile, and several listens, to decide what Jason Upton's new release Beautiful People was all about. Several things were obvious: 1) this guy is really talented, vocally and instrumentally 2) this project is full of passion, he really believes what he is singing about and it comes through loud and clear, and 3) he is not trying to flow in the mainstream lyrically or musically.

Beautiful People is something of a cross between a musical sermon and a piece of music with multiple movements. You certainly won't be bored as Jason takes you through a number of styles and genres. That aspect is probably what intrigued me enough to search for his message.

Two themes dominate: loving people and loving God. That's a pretty biblical message! The title track Beautiful People encourages us to not be so distracted by the noises and busyness in our world and miss the beautiful people around us. You Decide What's Beautiful invites us to see things from God's perspective and look to hear Him in places we might not expect, specifically the broken and imperfect. In Lullaby for a Sacred Society he laments the walls we have built and the windows and doors we have shut seeking a safe place for ourselves. Yet by doing so we are shutting out so many beautiful people around us. Safety is not worth the exclusion of others.

Interspersed with this message of loving and befriending those around us, Jason sings a clear message of love and passion for God. Loving others is impossible without loving Him. Not too many of the songs on this album are congregationally singable, but In Your Presence is one of them. It's a wonderful song of the joy of being in God's presence. I Will Never Leave You Children and Sons and Daughters also fall into that category. Into the Sky invites God to come to what Jason has phrased "the next to me place". What a great visual picture that lyric paints.

Beautiful People plays out more like a musical story rather than an album. Imagine you are going to the opera, except stylistically it's not opera. But still, it has that story-telling deliver-a-message feel to it. Take the time to hear Jason's message. It will be worth your while.

Review by Danny Mullins