Last year's Heat it Up ended more than a year of hiatus for Eddie DeGarmo & Dana Key, two men who have been powering Christian music since 1978. The time proved valuable, as they generated one of their most powerful rock albums. Now, less than a year later, they complete a one-two punch with To Extremes, in many ways a continuation of last year's album. Both were produced by John Hampton and feature Greg Morrow on drums and Tommy Cathey on bass.
The lyrical base of the project is set in defusing the myth that we should feel helpless against the world's problems-that we have the power to change the world. The title track is the center-piece of the album, strongly encouraging the listener to take a bold approach to the Christian faith-also continued with "Hyperfaith" and "Rebel for God." "Judgment Day" warns that, unless they have provided strong guidance, parents should not be surprised if their kids develop problems.
The music is a great match for the urgency of the message. Losing many of the pop hooks of Heat it Up for a stronger rock edge, the slowest the album gets is with a few rock anthems. To Extremes is unmistakably DeGarmo and Key, but isn't simply more of the same. Mixed in are classic and hard rock influences and some excellent guitar parts. They left a few rough edges and kept the sound pleasantly thin, offering a more live feel.
"People Gotta Be Free" is an acoustic rock track that is a prelude to their upcoming Acoustic Cafe Tour. With a lower cost acoustic set, the hope is that it will enable more people to attend-especially those wanting to bring along their whole family.
If you like fairly hard rock, this should be an excellent project to add to your collection.
Other coverage for this album
Syndicate Aug 1994Reviewed by Chris WellMaybe we've been unfair to DeGarmo & Key in the past. It's impossible to review any "new" DeGarmo & Key album without holding it to the standards of their own work: However, the weight of their catalog proves DeGarmo & Key like to keep things simple. And, while in the past they've actually proven "simple" doesn't necessarily mean "mindless," it's time to wonder if we've been using the wrong…Heaven's Metal #48Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThe guys in DeGarmo and Key are back a long ways (they're not grandparents yet, though!). They know a lot of rockin' players, like the guys in King's X, REZ, etc.; so they're familiar with real edgy music. So, how come they don't ever kick it out? Comfortable with their audience, maybe? Well, anyways, Ed DeGarmo and Dana Key got a little gnarly 'n' nasty on this release. I guess they decided to…Similar sounding releases
1997King's XBest of King's X
2004Liberty n' JusticeWelcome to the Revolution
1997Holy SoldierEncore
1995Sign of the TimesDisengage
1992RansomSoul Asylum
2001Craig EricksonShine
