dc Talk

Item: Supernatural
Author: Steven S. Baldwin

Supernatural

(1998)

Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin

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Label ForeFront Records / Virgin RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1998

alternative rock ccm pop rock rap rock

An album as consistently strong, accessible, and fun as Jesus Freak comes along so rarely that it is not fair to expect dc Talk to follow it up with an album that exceeds such high fans' expectations. Nevertheless, they have very nearly accomplished that task with Supernatural, an album that is considerable in its own right.

Supernatural is to Seal's second self-titled album of "Kiss from a Rose" fame, what Jesus Freak was to Seal's first album. Ultimately more lush but less immediate, Supernatural proves itself with repeated exposure. Furthermore, whereas both Seal's first and dc Talk's Jesus Freak were buoyed by strong upbeat singles (i.e., "Crazy" and "Jesus Freak" respectively)--like Seal's second, Supernatural is an album with fewer super-hit-singles, but no throwaway tracks. There are still an album's worth of singles here. Freed to experiment and create art in the nearly virgin territory of alternatively-shaded soul music, both artists succeed by accomplishing something of the highest caliber in a relatively uncommon niche. Plus they sound great doing it!

Now on Virgin Records, dc Talk has (presumably) an even bigger budget, allowing them to add lavish amounts of admirable production. Consequently, you won't hear many other albums that sound this well made. The band Zilch is still backing up the trio with great funky alterna-R&B style. How many bands have one singer as good as this, let alone three? Whatever the amount of money they spent to make this album, it pays off in a superb signature sound that is still diverse but rooted in their love of both soul and more modern music styles. It is a hybrid worth hearing whose time has come.

Both new and old fans of the band concerned about lyrical content are in fine shape, too. dc Talk continues to adhere to the highest artistic standards while clearly communicating the essentials of our shared faith. The gospel message is clearly communicated and with such musical accessibility that dc Talk not only witnesses to their faith, but makes it seem absolutely attractive. Though some of the lyrical statements bear a seeming simpleness, they are all delivered solidly in the common vernacular of today's hip generation. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be that more and more listeners find themselves reading the Lord's "Red Letters" in the gospel, exclaiming "Consume Me" to the Holy Spirit, and ultimately "Into Jesus" as each of these songs declare.

If this potently groovy composite is what young people favor these days, we can all take hope. Given dc Talk's continuing high exposure, increasing numbers of people will not only have noteworthy music to enjoy, but hear the desperately needed transforming message that Jesus not only saves, He's just plain cool!

4 tocks