Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Most fans of dc Talk felt that the Michael Tait band project ‘Empty’ was the weakest of the three band members’ side projects since dc Talk decided to go on that seemingly never ending break from each other. Perhaps that’s unfair as ‘Empty’ did contain both “Alibi” and “Loss For Words“ which sounded great on radio. But whatever your thoughts about Tait’s debut, this second one is definitely a step up with some of Michael’s finest every lyric writing, co-production from Mark Heimermann with spine-tingling chords and augmentation and songs that instantly register. In a recent interview Michael told Billboard that he “wanted to write about what goes on in my life, what goes on around me, what God is doing, what I want God to do, what my fears are.” I’d say he succeeds magnificently. Take the title track with its memorable images of being stuck in a spider’s web and its spine-tingling swoops of falsetto over jangling guitar which manages to be eminently radio friendly despite being five minutes long. Or “Numb” with its hard music riffing sounding every bit as convincing as the latest crop of Tooth & Nail bands. Or for me, the absolute gem, the ballad “Fallen” which beautifully depicts a young lady “tired of the games and the politics” surrendering to the lover of our souls and “running headlong into the light”. The covers don’t do a lot for me, I’d never particularly cared for Eddie Grant’s “Electric Avenue” in the first place while the bonus track rendition of “The Christmas Song” with a full symphonic arrangement is a curio for Nat King Cole buffs but few others. But let’s return once more to the passionate, tuneful and spiritually honest music here. This is pop rock of a high pedigree indeed.

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