Album Review: Near The Cross Dearer Than All by Charles Keymer
Alright, buckle up, folks. This one’s gonna hit ya right in the feels if you’re into raw, unfiltered folk vibes with a heavy dose of gospel grit. Charles Keymer’s Near The Cross Dearer Than All is like that old hymn book your grandma used to thump during Sunday service—except it’s got teeth. Released under Cathedral Records (because, duh, where else would this kind of fire come from?), this sucker dives deep into religious themes and vocal-heavy storytelling. And yeah, it’s as intense as it sounds.
First off, let’s talk about “Near The Cross.” Man, this track grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s not just some soft, floaty praise number—it’s got weight. Keymer’s voice cracks in all the right places, like he’s living every damn word he sings. You can feel the conviction bleeding through the speakers, no joke. The melody? Simple but sharp, kinda like an arrow straight to the soul. I remember this one ‘cause it stuck with me for days after listening—like an earworm that actually makes you think instead of wanting to smash your head against a wall.
Then there’s “Dearer Than All,” which flips the vibe just enough to keep things interesting. This tune feels more intimate, almost like Keymer’s whispering secrets directly into your brain. The harmonies are haunting, man. They linger long after the last note fades out. What gets me is how stripped-down it is—just vocals and minimal instrumentation—but somehow it punches harder than most overproduced crap on the radio today.
Look, this album ain’t perfect. Some might call it rough around the edges, but honestly? That’s what makes it work. It’s real. No autotune, no flashy beats—just pure, unadulterated emotion. If you’re looking for something polished and shiny, move along. But if you want music that feels like it came straight from the heart of someone who’s been through hell and back, then this is your jam.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this record made me realize something weird. In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and forgettable pop hooks, albums like Near The Cross Dearer Than All remind us why music even matters in the first place. It’s not about streams or likes; it’s about connection. And damn, does Keymer connect. So maybe next time you’re scrolling mindlessly through playlists, give this one a shot. Who knows? It might just save your soul—or at least make you stop doomscrolling for five minutes.
