dc Talk

Item: Solo
Author: Josh Hurst

Solo

(2001)

Reviewed by Josh Hurst

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Label ForeFront RecordsThe Rebel Base2001

ccm hip hop pop rock rap rock

A brief recap: Dc Talk, one of Christian music's most beloved groups, it taking a hiatus and the three Talkers, Toby Mac, Kevin Max and Michael Tait, are each releasing solo albums. In an effort to continue to make money off of dc Talk while they are taking a break from the band, ForeFront Records has released a seven song EP, simply called Solo. The EP features three songs from each solo album, as well as a live cover of U2's now-classic "40", performed live by the the group.

As many of you may know, I am an avid U2 fan. I enjoy the simple lyrics on their song "40", taken straight from Psalm 40. Dc Talk has been covering the song at their concerts for years, and, finally, it is on a recording. All right! All wrong...the 1983 version by Bono and the boys was an inspiring musical rendition of God's word, and a classy end to U2's War album. Sadly, dc Talk's version lacks the appeal of the original, and Toby Mac's voice seems to be absent from the mix. To make things worse, dc Talk's version ends before the song is over.

After this disappointing little segment, Michael Tait's new band, simply called Tait, offers two of their finest songs. "Alibi" is a straight-up pop/rock tune, driven by electric guitars performed by ex-Grammatrain member Pete Stewart. "All You Got" is a slower song, in the vein of dc Talk's "Fearless". Both songs contain some fairly good lyrics, but the sound is nothing terribly new, and Tait's talented musicians never get a chance to shine.

Thought by most to be the most eccentric dc Talk member, Kevin Max offers up the two best songs on the record. "Return of the Singer" offers an honest, poetic look at life on the stage, combining pop/rock and techno. Although it sounds a bit too much like Achtung Baby-era U2 at times, "Return..." is an impressive song, nonetheless. Max's second song on Solo, "Be", is a slower acoustic number, equally impressive.

Rounding out the bunch, Toby Mac serves up two hip-hop tunes that have both done well on Christian radio. "Somebody's Watching", which features guest vocals from Gotee Records vocalist Joanna Valencia, is a catchy R&B/rap number, while "Extreme Days" is a sectioned rock/rap hybrid, sounding like a very mellow version of P.O.D. or Kid Rock. Toby Mac's songs definitely seem like the most youth group-friendly.

Is the Solo EP a good collection of songs? For the most part. Is it worth buying? Hardly. Listen to it, maybe, but save your money for the full length solo albums. The only song on the EP that is not available anywhere else is "40", and if you are interested in that song, pick up U2's War. The bottom line is that Solo has some good music on it, but it is not worth the time or the money of anyone except a diehard dc Talk fan.

Josh's Score: 2/5