This album, though excellent on many fronts, is still not as personal and, in my opinion, not quite on the level (lyrically and musically) of her truly amazing debut album "Kansas" a few years back. This CD's still holds its own against the best, though, with performances that outshines the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, and other female artists. She's got a knack for writing lyrics ( .."make believe won't hide the truth, when judgement falls it falls on you..") and matching guitar melodies to go with it. She pours out songs from her soul, and they're easy to relate to, as it relates to everyday struggles, religiously and spiritually.

You need not be Christian to appreciate Jennifer's music; I'm not Christian, and I love the style and sincerity she's put into her music. I appreciate listening to music that speaks of meaningful things, and you'll find plenty of that with her. She seems to have progressed nicely from her first CD to this one, with no lapse in originality, quality, or passion. I can't wait to see what her next progression will be.

Spectacular Sophomore Offering
She's done it again! When i reviewed Kansas, I wrote that I couldn't wait to see what Jen had in store for us with her next cd. She's blown me away. A Little More, the opening song, is pure magic. The rawly personal lyrics blend with the pleasing music to form a truly inspiring song. The title track follows, rough and bluesy, a tad reminiscent of the Fiona Apple sound Jennifer sported on "Undo Me" from Kansas. Usher Me Down is lyrically perfect and sweetly arranged, it's sincere message adding more powerful to an already beautiful song. There appears to be an Alanis Morissette influence in the next track, a standout, as she tells of a "skin-art junkie, all cute and petite" who's reached an impasse in her life that only Christ can move. The whimsically calypso-fused "All Consuming Fire" is a departure from Jen's folkish regular sound, but she succeeds, and the song is enticing.The latter part of the album has three major highlights. Shawn Colvin must be a particular source of inspiration to contemporary Christian artists; she is a wonderful secular songwriter and singer. Jen covers (and outdoes Shawn) Colvin's late 80's song "Diamond in the Rough," a song about regaining things the innocence of childhood. It fits perfectly on the album. The sincere honesty in the next song is intriguing, and the album closes with great melodies and more messages.Jen shows more growth in this album and her singing is still very diverse. Those looking for another "In the name" or "undo me" need look no further than the fourth track.Jen has grown musically and spiritually in this second effort. I'm almost afraid to see what boundaries the third album might reach.

Very uplifting and soul touching
I just have such a great feeling when I listen to this CD. I'm so grateful to have such good music to listen to with a great message and such a great musician.

really shows what living like a Christian means
Jennifer Knapp's sophomore release takes a slightly different approach than Kansas. While on the first album Knapp would be more likely to rock out on her guitar, she keeps Lay It Down fairly mellow. Surprisingly enough, it works. She still does rock out on "A Little More" and "Into You", but Jennifer Knapp shows a softer side to her music while keeping her thoughtful, introspective lyrics regarding her faith and belief in Christ. The music and lyrics reflect the real life of Christian living and show that while everything is not perfect and wonderful in our lives, we still do have hope. While the song "When Nothing Satisfies" is probably my favorite on the album, it is the closing song "Peace" that is truly full of honest worship.

Buy This CD
This cd is great. I am a new fan of Jennifer Knapp's. I am buying this for everyone in my life. Great songs, great voice, great message!
Wow. Twenty-six-year-old Jennifer Knapp has done far more than rest on her laurels for her much-anticipated follow-up to 1998's Kansas--the record is a subtle, yet stellar, leap forward. The songs have pop hooks that stick in your brain for hours; the music is tightly woven and expert, yet rarely too slick. Expertly produced by pal Toby McKeehan, layers of complimentary, warm sound surround Knapp's folk-bluesy, expressive voice like the foam atop a perfect latte. The lyrics are introspective and spiritual but they have this real-life quality to them, and that is her true gift. One has to struggle not to identify with Knapp when she sings, on "A Little More," of the struggle to live a Christian life: "A little more than I can give / A little more than I deserve / Unearth this holiness I can't earn." The only justifiable quibble is that, at 36 minutes, Lay It Down is way too short. --Mike McGonigal