Aaron Sprinkle first made a name for himself in Christian music playing guitar and keyboards for the groundbreaking alternative band, Poor Old Lu. When after 8 years they broke up, he continued his guitar brilliance and took lead vocals in the phenomenal Rose Blossom Punch for one album and a yet-to-be-released EP.

Now, Sprinkle leans in a pop direction in his debut solo project, Moontraveler, recently released on Organic Records. Full of hooks, catchy riffs, and hummable melodies, this album is without a doubt a gem of the pop variety. Yet the metaphorical lyrics and emotional build-ups make this more valuable than a top 40 record. Yes, it's pop, but much of it is a rather melancholic and introspective brand of pop.

Lyrics such as "Solace came with a drop of blood and a taste of shame/ When you took my turn you struck a match and you let it burn/ And it makes me ill the way you love me still" (from "Solace") go past the cliched lyrics listeners are all used to and really touch the soul. The intensely personal "Not All Bad" prays about/to Jesus "You know that you could've walked away/ Without a scratch but you had to stay/ With your watered down friends," and goes on to talk about how the writer's sin must be hurting Jesus.

Aaron Sprinkle definitely showcases his production skills on Moontraveler. He manages to make a tight-sounding, musically superb album that includes a variety of ideas and sounds, without making it sound like a huge, fancy production. From the acoustically shining "What Sorry Could Be," to the funky, groove-filled "A Step Ahead," to the electrically dreamy "Motor Cars," Aaron continually reinvents his sound, while providing the thinking listener with lyrics to ponder.

This album will not make you want to get up and dance, and it is not filled with "preach to the choir" lyrics that will make you feel great about yourself. However, if you want an album that will awe you musically and provide you with lyrics to think about, then go buy Aaron Sprinkle's Moontraveler.