Wayne Watson’s latest project almost wasn’t. Scheduled for a July 1999 release, Watson just could not "buy an ounce of creativity," as he puts it. But in November of 1999 he heard James Taylor sing and became inspired.

Watson went to his own experiences for song-writing fodder, turning his uncertainties into "Pray," coming to grips with his father’s death in the tribute "Turning Into Dad" and mourning over the Columbine carnage in "Ones Left Standing."

There are no bells and whistles. Instead, the recording rests on basic rhythms that aren’t particularly memorable and thoughtful lyrics that aren’t necessarily catchy. But what Watson does deliver are songs that ponder the problem of pain as well as songs that marvel at the mystery of grace. And perhaps this simplicity is what will make the album enticing to its listeners.