Some artists like creating a variety of sounds and rhythms to express themselves. Albums filled with highs and lows and everything in between are great pallets for musicians to display their range of artistry.

However, Christian rock is not a place to look for that diversity and “Mockingbird,” the latest LP from Derek Webb is not one of those albums.

Regardless, the title track starts Mockingbird out on a good note. The upbeat acoustic folk rhythm behind Webb’s smooth vocals gels with the subtle piano melody that accents the tune. “Yes it’s true, I need this more than you,” Webb says appropriately on the track. And with a Jack Johnson type air, the song is passively catchy and surprisingly good.

But within that first track, Webb foreshadows the downward slide of the final 10 songs on the album when he croons, “I’ve got no new song to sing.” Probably should have saved that one until last.

As song after song plays, the point of the album starts to emerge with a monotonous and boring arrangement of over-emotional tracks. Webb’s monotone vocals are continuously long and drawn out as he desperately tries to rescue the album from obscurity.

At the heart of Webb’s disappointing album are his awkward lyrics and even song titles ?” “Love is not against the Law.” Who said it was? But I don’t blame him for his redundancy.

Christian rock devotes itself to one idea and one message and that’s why it fails. When every song is about the same thing, there’s only so many ways you can say it. And even when it does tackle an issue outside of church, it’s nothing that hasn’t been said before.

In one of “Mockingbird’s” final attempts, Webb tries to take the clairvoyant approach to his song writing. “I’m a prophet by trade,” he declares. Well Derek, I guess you didn’t see this flop coming, did you?

To hear a sample of Derek Webb’s music click here.

Josh Huggett can be reached at [email protected].