Bob Carlisle

Item: The Hope of a Man
Author: Bruce Rothwell

The Hope of a Man

(1994)

Reviewed by Bruce Rothwell

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseApril 1995

pop rock r&b soul

Bob Carlisle was the definitive element for the sound of Allies. On this second solo release, his voice is as strong and textured as it has ever been.

After listening to the opener "Walking Up The Steps Of Faith," it should not be much of a surprise that Carlisle co-wrote it with fellow "Springsteen-ish" rocker Rick Elias. With multiple guitars, horns, and thick organ as the backbone of this driving tune, it calls believers to keep up the struggle to continue toward God, resisting the temptation to give up.

Carlisle captures the feel of The Blues Brothers on "Real Love"--a raw, gut-level R&B tune, again with horns, B3 organ, and plenty of backing vocals. Alvin Chea turns in an impressive bass vocal line as well. "The Rest Of All Time" is what I've come to expect from any production that Bob Carlisle is associated with--a great rock ballad. The chord changes are moving, and the backing vocals are tight. Lyrically, it is an offering to God of one's self.

If you like the Motown beat, "One Step Closer to Your Broken Heart" serves it up quite nicely, with the addition of some very polished lead guitar work. "Somewhere On The Other Side" offers a change of pace in a soulful duet with Donna McElroy, reminding us that there will come a day, "if we stand and pray," when "there will be no hurting inside..." and that we'll be all we're supposed to be. More R&B is executed with a masterful touch in the final track "Last Train To Glory," with Dan Huff laying down a groove with his fine guitar work. It has a classic sound to it--with more B3 organ. It's evident throughout this album that producer Bill Deaton spent some serious time getting the right finished sound out of every track laid down by a band of fine musicians.

It's been a long time since I have enjoyed and been blessed by an album this much. If you're a fan of the blue-eyed soul/R&B enhanced pop rock, then Bob Carlisle's The Hope Of A Man deserves your attention.