''Roots'' is the third studio album by American Christian singer-songwriter

Shawn McDonald Shawn Michael McDonald (born September 4, 1977) is a Contemporary Christian music Contemporary Christian music, also known as CCM, Christian pop, and occasionally inspirational music is a genre of modern popular music, and an aspect of Chri ...

. The album was released on March 11, 2008, by

Sparrow Records Sparrow Records is a Christian music record label and a division of Universal Music Group. History Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 by Billy Ray Hearn, then artists and repertoire (A&R) director at Myrrh Records. Purchased by Thorn EMI in ...

. This album was produced by Christopher Stevens. The album got commercial successes and positive reception.

Background

The third studio album from American-Christian musician Shawn McDonald is entitled "Roots". The album was produced by Christopher Stevens, and it released on March 11, 2008, through

Critical reception

''Roots'' garnered generally positive reception from nine

music critics Music journalism (or music criticism) is media criticism and reporting about music topics, including popular music, classical music, and traditional music. Journalists began writing about music in the eighteenth century, providing commentary on w ...

ratings and reviews. At ''

Christianity Today ''Christianity Today'' is an evangelical Christian media magazine founded in 1956 by Billy Graham. It is published by Christianity Today International based in Carol Stream, Illinois. ''The Washington Post'' calls ''Christianity Today'' "evange ...

'', Russ Breimeier rated the album four-and-a-half stars, remarking how the release "finds the rapidly burgeoning singer/songwriter becoming even more grounded in his creative abilities", and this makes it "easily his finest work to date." Andree Farias of

AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...

rated the album four stars, stating that "Roots brings all of those elements together with far more focus and balance, adding a healthy dose of his trippy folk-pop approach and a dash of organic soul to create McDonald's most accomplished album to date." At

Cross Rhythms Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It operates an FM and online radio station, produces radio shows sent internationally, and its website has resources about contemporary Christian music. Hi ...

, Alastair McCollum rated the album nine squares, calling it "a near perfect CD". Scott Fryberger of Jesus Freak Hideout rated the album four stars, saying that "''Roots'' is definitely worth the money though, and if you like beautiful guitars and heartwarming melodies, it's a good addition to your collection." At ''

CCM Magazine ''CCM Magazine'' is a twice-monthly online magazine focusing on contemporary Christian music, published by Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications. History ''CCM'' was first published in July 1978, as a printed magazine. It has bee ...

'', Matt Conner rated the album three stars, observing how the album has a misleading title and some mistakes on it, but did say that "''Roots'' reaches new heights for an already impressive singer/songwriter." Kaj Roth of

Melodic A melody (from Greek μελῳδία, ''melōidía'', "singing, chanting"), also tune, voice or line, is a linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single entity. In its most literal sense, a melody is a combinat ...

rated the album two-and-a-half stars, calling this "an uneven affair." At The Christian Manifesto, Calvin Moore rated the album three stars, writing that "'Roots' is definitely more commercially-viable, but I think he has stepped away from the sound that initially drew people to him", which "There is something to be found in 'Roots,' its just not likely what you’re expecting to find because you didn't know you were looking for it", and "In llactuality, this may be the genius of Shawn McDonald's music." Barry Collins of Christian Music Review rated the album an 8.1 out of ten, saying that "This album is truly unique and carries a good message, but it could be missed if not listened to carefully." At The Phantom Tollbooth, Ryan Ro gave a positive review of the album, stating that the release is not an album of the year candidate, however writes that McDonald "has delivered a winner that is enjoyable and, at times, indeed 'captivating.'"

Commercial performance

For the ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' charting week of March 29, 2008, ''Roots'' was the No. 198 most sold album in the entirety of the United States by the ''Billboard'' 200, and it was the No. 14 most sold Top Christian Album.

Background

Critical reception

Commercial performance

Track listing

Chart performance

Album

Singles

References