Those familiar with Groves’s previous work will findFloodplain familiar, yet fresh, thanks to solid songwriting, some new instrumental flourishes, and solid production. The lyrics remain front and center as Groves artfully articulates her inner world.
Thematically, Floodplain explores dualities like joy and sadness, hope and desperation, á la the Psalms. For example, “Thank God for our dependence/Here’s to our chasm of need/And how it binds us together/In faith and vulnerability.”
The title track meditates on people who find themselves emotionally flooded—often on the edge of being inundated by pain, sadness, or depression. It takes these struggles seriously while ending on a note of desperate hopefulness: “Lord, please send a boat.”
In addition to these weightier topics, Floodplain also deals with love, friendship, and parenthood, with “Signal” being a particularly poignant track to an older child. Sara Groves’ Floodplain is an album worth your time. (Fair Trade)
About the Author
Adam Stout lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Erin, two daughters, a dog, a cat, and a turtle. He pastors full-time at Faith CRC in New Brighton, Minn., and DJ's weddings part-time.
