Roots Run Deep

The glowing acoustic pop of Life on the Inside went somewhat under the radar, seemingly readying the world for a breakout by one of the better vocalists in the CCM world. Roots Run Deep wasn’t quite that breakout, but it is still an enjoyable listen as Jadon Lavik lends his pristine voice to familiar hymns and spirituals. The collection rarely stirs louder than mezzo forte, though it benefits from pop-style arrangements. It’s hard to know whether this album would have stood out had it been released a few years earlier, when it seemed a new hymn collection hit the shelves every week (Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Avalon, for starters). The point is moot, however, since this album could stand on its own in any era. – Jared Johnson