Ctrl (Derek Webb album)

Ctrl (2012) is the seventh solo studio album release from singer and songwriter Derek Webb. He produced it with Joshua Moore, who also co-produced Webb's 2009 album, Stockholm Syndrome.

Ctrl
Studio album by
Derek Webb
ReleasedAugust 8, 2012
StudioWellhouse Studios (Cedar Hill, TX)
The Moore House (Houston, TX)
Ft. Sumner Studio (Nashville, TN)
GenreElectronica, contemporary Christian music
Length47:29
LabelFair Trade Services
ProducerDerek Webb, Joshua Moore
Derek Webb chronology
TN EP
(2011)		 Ctrl
(2012)		 I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You
(2013)

Ctrl tells the story of an unnamed protagonist who, disenchanted with physical human life, sets out to develop a vision of immortality and life free of pain by ultimately uploading his consciousness into a digital virtual reality. As Webb explains it, "It's an album about one man's desire for something he cannot have because it isn't real, the journey he goes on pursuing it, and the costs of that journey. But essentially, 'Ctrl' is both personal autopsy and cultural observation about how we use technology to try and control our lives, and my concern that it could ultimately have more control of us."[1]

Background

Webb co-wrote the story behind Ctrl with co-producer and fellow Caedmon's Call member Josh Moore, and television writer and producer Allan Heinberg. The resulting short story that accompanies the album was made available for free on his website.[2]

Music and lyrics

Ctrl is simultaneously an adventurous movement forward in musical style and a return to the acoustic guitar for Webb after an extended absence. Ctrl combines a few unique musical elements to create a sonic landscape that reflects the feeling urgency and alienation of the story. Along with his vocals and nylon-string classical guitar, Webb and Moore interspersed drum machines and dense electronic effects.

Most notably, throughout, Ctrl features old recordings of Sacred Harp singing, an historical tradition of sacred choral music from the Southern United States related to Shape note singing. Sacred Harp is characterized by direct, expressive and sometimes brash voices in 4-part harmony. The juxtaposition of musical elements is fully intended to bring about the overall effect of the album.

Critical reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
CCM Magazine[3]
Christianity Today[4]
Cross Rhythms[5]
Jesus Freak Hideout[6]
Jesus Freak Hideout[7]
Louder Than the Music[8]
New Release Tuesday[9]
The Phantom Tollbooth[10]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."And See The Flaming Skies"Derek Webb3:57
2."A City With No Name"Webb5:23
3."Can't Sleep"Webb3:00
4."Blocks"Webb6:41
5."Pressing on the Bruise"Webb4:57
6."Attonitos Gloria"Webb4:58
7."I Feel Everything"Webb5:33
8."Reanimate"Webb4:19
9."A Real Ghost"Webb4:37
10."Around Every Corner"Webb4:04
Total length:47:29

Personnel
  • Produced, performed & recorded by Derek Webb & Joshua Moore
  • Story by Derek Webb, Allan Heinberg, & Joshua Moore
  • All songs written by Derek Webb.

Charts
Chart (2009) Peak position
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[11] 9

References
  2. http://derekwebb.tumblr.com/post/32334622189/ctrl-the-complete-fictional-short-story-including
  3. CCM Magazine review Archived 2013-09-01 at Archive.today
  4. Christianity Today review
  5. Cross Rhythms review
  6. Jesus Freak Hideout review
  7. Jesus Freak Hideout review
  8. Louder Than the Music review
  9. New Release Tuesday review
  10. The Phantom Toolbooth review
  11. "Derek Webb Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard.
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