Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The late Loyd Boldman is perhaps best known as being the keyboard player and singer with US Christian rockers Prodigal who, back in their '80s heyday, had radio success with songs like "Invisible Man", "Emerald City" and "Scene Of The Crime". In 1985, the group went their separate ways after releasing three albums and Boldman set about writing and recording a solo project that would see the light of day three years later. Boldman's decision to release it on his own independent label in cassette-only format meant that it's become something of a hidden gem for many CCM fans but the folks at Retroactive Records have thankfully decided to include it in the current run of Prodigal re-issues to give it the exposure it deserves. Digitally remastered from the original tapes, there is an immediacy about the album that is evident from the punchy Fleetwood Mac-like opener "Wall Of Sound" right to the very end. The materialism-bashing opener also sets the scene for other songs that deal with the world's continuing tendency to fall short of what God requires with tracks like "Meaningless Words", "Emperor's Clothes" and "Emotional Shorthand" pouring out judgment in not so subtle fashion. Elsewhere, Boldman offers up personal devotion to God in the bluegrass diversion "As Much As I Need You" and the '80s power ballad "I Have The Love" - both of which showcase the kind of impassioned vocal performances that Boldman (very much in the Billy Joel mould) was able to deliver in droves back in the day. Despite Boldman's vocal prowess, there are a couple of times when his voice is placed so far back in the mix that it's almost impossible to hear what's being sung - most notably in the aforementioned "Emotional Shorthand" - but, on the whole, this is a job well done. Aside from a brief acoustic coda "Island Of The Innocent", Boldman saves the best to last with the delightfully dated but nonetheless great sounding "Maximum Poverty" ending this rediscovered nugget in fine '80s fashion.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.