I See Things Upside Down

I See Things Upside Down (2004) is the second solo studio album from singer-songwriter Derek Webb. It was recorded at The Smoakstack recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee and engineered by Justin Loucks. This album branches out musically from what Webb had done in the past, and Webb has stated that he wanted to "dismantle everyone's idea of what kind of music they could expect" from him.^[1]

I See Things Upside Down
Studio album by Derek Webb
Released	November 9, 2004
Studio	The Smoakstack, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre	Experimental rock, folk, contemporary Christian
Length	63:42
Label	INO
Producer	Derek Webb, Cason Cooley, Matt Pierson, Will Sayles, Justin Loucks, Paul Moak, Kenny Meeks
Derek Webb chronology
The House Show (2004) I See Things Upside Down (2004) Mockingbird (2005)

Referencing the paradoxes provided in Christ's teachings, I See Things Upside Down investigates the idea that perhaps, contrary to our religious and social standards, failure equals success, poverty equals riches, weakness equals strength, and foolishness equals understanding.^[2] “What are the things that we American Christians value in our culture and how is that different and often ‘upside down’ from true Kingdom values? I’ve found that often success looks more like failure, riches more like poverty, and that real life often feels more like death,” Webb said in a press release.^{[This quote needs a citation]}

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
CCM Magazine	A−[4]
Christianity Today	[5]
Cross Rhythms	[6]
Jesus Freak Hideout	[7]
Challies	[8]
RELEVANT	[9]

Webb's second album was well-received by both fans and critics alike. Sonically folksy-rock, I See Things Upside Down wasted no time mincing words or sugarcoating Webb's perception of the state of the Church and the American faith culture. This criticism shouldn't be taken as disdain, per se, as Webb continues to assert he is particularly passionate about the Church. In an interview with Cross Rhythms, Webb said, "It's the same dilemma patriots have always had. Patriots love their government enough to be able to criticise it. I love the Church; the Church needs to hear the Gospel. I feel very encouraged at the camaraderie I have felt with college kids, families, even pastors, as we all share our concerns. If I can continue doing this, I am very happy." ^[10]

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"I Want a Broken Heart"	Derek Webb	6:33
2.	"Better Than Wine"	Webb	3:16
3.	"The Strong, the Tempted, & The Weak"	John Kent (words), Webb (music)	5:53
4.	"Reputation"	Webb	4:24
5.	"I Repent"	Webb	4:29
6.	"Medication"	Webb	4:58
7.	"We Come to You"	Aaron Tate	8:07
8.	"T-Shirts (What We Should Be Known For)"	Webb	4:33
9.	"Ballad in Plain Red"	Webb	4:42
10.	"Nothing is Ever Enough"	Webb	5:46
11.	"Lover Part 2"	Webb	5:48
12.	"What is Not Love"	Webb	5:05
Total length:			63:42

Personnel

Band Derek Webb - vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ebow, vibes, percussion, toy piano Cason Cooley - piano, synthesizer, atmospherics, electric guitar, organ, mellotron Matt Pierson - bass guitar, upright bass Will Sayles - drums, percussion, piano, filters Paul Moak - electric guitars, toy piano, Hammond B-3 organ, slide guitar Kenny Meeks - electric guitar David Henry - cello Sandra McCracken - vocals (on We Come To You) Rev. I.B. Longe [11] - electric guitar (on Ballad In Plain Red)

Technical Production – Derek Webb, Cason Cooley, Matt Pierson, Will Sayles, Justin Loucks, Paul Moak, & Kenny Meeks Recorded and Mixed by – Justin Loucks, The Smoakstack, Nashville, TN Additional Recording by - Derek Webb & Cason Cooley @ Webb Casa (Assisted by Jimmy Jernigan & Stephen Gause), Nashville, TN; and Paul Moak @ The Smoakstack, Nashville, TN Mastered by – Jim DeMain @ Yes Master, Nashville, TN Creative Director – Dana Salsedo Art Direction – Derek Webb and Wayne Brezinka Design & Layout – Wayne Brezinka Photography - Glen Rose Additional Photography - Sandra McCracken

Awards and accolades

I See Things Upside Down was selected as the #2 best album of 2004 by Christianity Today magazine.^[12]

Charts

Chart (2004)	Peak position
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[13]	34