Much like his friend and tour mate Matt Wertz, McLaughlin offers subtle expressions of faith, but they still inform his broad spectrum of songwriting.

Though some of the pop songs are as predictable as average Christian adult contemporary, the strong production values by Greg Wells (Rufus Wainwright, Natasha Bedingfield) and Jamie Houston (Jessica Simpson, Macy Gray) helps elevate it.

"[5] JesusFreakHideout's Jessica Gregorious claimed "The debut from this Indiana-bred singer and songwriter is proof that he finished at the top of his class at Anderson University.

"[6] AllMusic said "Not to be confused with the innovative jazz guitarist of the same (differently spelled) name, Jon McLaughlin is a young singer-songwriter with a knack for catchy pop songs and earnest sentiments.

McLaughlin's debut album Indiana, named after his home state, is packed with tunes that tackle love, loss, family, and friends with all the honesty and ardor of a young troubadour setting out to make his mark with nothing but a piano and some great pop hooks.