Few bands can pull off a new music sound as well as Big Daddy Weave does in their latest powerful release, What I was Made For. They’re closing in on a more distinctive style, with the added ladleful of acoustical guitar, and a noticeably heavier rock feel.

This, the band’s third national release was recorded amidst devastation and personal loss left by hurricane Ivan in 2004. The storm took out the band’s offices and the Weaver family home with most of their belongings.

Although it’s a definite change, it’s not an F-5 in velocity, so fans won’t be scared off by their new foray. Even though the music is dominated by acoustical guitar, they do stay true to their roots with a good mix of ballads, worship, and Christian adult contemporary. Just in case fans aren’t happy with the new mix, the hit, “You’re Worthy of My Praise” with BarlowGirl are worth the coppers.

What I was Made For infuses the theme of having a close moment-by-moment relationship with God, and it is most apparent in Mike Weaver’s touching ballad, Without You. The greatest revelation is his vocal range. His transitions are flawless.

The vocals and instrumentals in What I Was Made For, Just The Way I Am, and Killing Me Again particularly reflect a surge of strength, and the latter, Killing me Again has a decidely bluesy, even heavier rock bent. The segue into their new sound seems effortless thanks to Mike Weaver's songwriting, the existing vocal and musical talent, and the help of a few friends (Fred Hammond and BarlowGirl).

—Kudos to Big Daddy Weave for stepping out and reaching for originality. Their success with this album is bound to defy the law of gravity.