Many new Christian rock artists feel that they must fit in to a specific genre of Christian music. Aaron Shust, however, refuses to be forced into a certain stereotype. He balances rhythm and tempo, giving his music universal appeal.

Shusts’s smash hit single ‘My Savior, My God’, from his 2005 debut album, Anything Worth Saying, launched his career. In addition to receiving more radio airtime than any other song in 2006, the single topped number one on many radio charts, received a slew of award nominations, and was downloaded over 85,000 times on iTunes.

On Shust’s newest album, Whispered and Shouted, released in June 2007, the artist continues to combine his unique styles. On some tracks, Shust gives listeners an acoustic worship feel while electric guitar dominates others.

The first track, ‘Long Live the King’, is one of the faster songs on the album. The harder music and style, along with its classic rock roots, are comparable to bands such as U2.

In addition to upbeat tracks, slower worship songs also find their way into the album and fit in with the other songs quite well. Together, the songs form an album that flows from beginning to end. His tracks revitalize listeners fed up with cliches and rehashed themes.

Many of the well-written lyrics from the tracks are inspired by passages in the Bible, stressing reverence for his religion. Shust drew lines from Esther 4:11 and Romans 3:23 in ‘Long Live the King’, such as “Humbly we approach your throne of mercy/Aware that we’re unworthy of your grace”.

Another excellent track on Whispered and Shouted is ‘Runaway’, a song drawing from a unique blend of guitar solos and Christianity. Written from the persepctive of God to man, the lyrics relate God’s love and want for acknowledgement from the world. With words such as “No, I don’t care how far away you roam/I’ll ome running out with open arms to welcome you back home”, the song impresses God’s endless love for us.

Whispered and Shouted proves that Shust is not a one-hit wonder. He gained fame in the field of Christian rock because of his evocative lyrics and worship theme that escapes cliches. The up-temp rock tunes and slower ballads, paired with his original appeal, give Whispered and Shouted the ability to surpass his first album in popularity.

Aaron Shust is playing at the Rock These Walls Concert on Nov. 14. Shust will perform along with the worship group Building 429 at the Peoples Church at 7:30 P.M.

Tickets to Rock These Walls are $20 a piece and can be purchased in any campus office or at Majesty Bible & Gifts, Berean Christian Stores or online at Itickets.

For more information, visit Mary Kneefel’s ’07 article, Rock These Walls marshals thousands.