Contemporary Christian music has come a long way toward secular acceptance in recent years thanks to the likes of Switchfoot, who avoid obvious sacred references in their lyrics. It's also refreshing to hear CCM songwriters like Switchfoot's Jonathan Foreman explore love and belonging as song subjects. Unfortunately, The Beautiful Letdown hews too closely to the formula established by alternative CCM brethren Jars of Clay and Creed. Songs like the title track and "More Than Fine" come close to forging their own identity, but too often sound overproduced and designed to appeal to the widest audience. Still, Foreman's songwriting shows potential, and his progressive vision for spiritual themes indicates a willingness to color outside the lines. --Matthew Cooke