Beth: I was intrigued when I heard that Jimmie Lee Sloas and Gordon Kennedy were hooking up as a musical entity. Both have a long list of credentials. Sloas has played on countless albums and tours for other artists, as well as produced albums for an impressive slate of people, including PFR. Kennedy was the guitarist for Whiteheart for a number of years, as well as being a sought-after session player. Both have written a number of tunes that have been recorded by artists all across the CCM board. So my expectations for the project were pretty high.
Roger: Ditto. Although, I didn't believe this one would happen until I had it in my "grubby little paws" (no pun intended). How many times have we heard that Sloas had assembled a band and was about to be signed? So, I am happy that it has finally happened.
Beth: I have to admit, I was kind of underwhelmed with the album. It's not like there is anything in particular that I can point out-the musical performances and the writing are very solid. But I have a feeling that this is not an album that I am going to come back to much in the future. I don't think that Sloas and Kennedy have really established an identity-there are too many obvious influences, at least in the music.
Song after song, you can pick out who these guys have been listening to-Kansas, The Eagles, U2, The Beatles... The list goes on.
Roger: I think you nailed it there-though you forgot Moody Blues, which I think "Do You Know?" sounds a lot like...
I really like the project, but I know why you are a little disappointed. I think the originality will be the decisive factor for the potential buyer. Musically, Kennedy's guitar, Sloas' bass and the duo's vocals (combined with some help from Blair Masters on keys, John Hammond on drums, and Eric Darken on percussion) are truly top-notch. I can't say anything but excellent things about their musical performance. I think that anyone who enjoys pop/rock, and especially those influences that you named, will enjoy the project.
However, people who are striving for something totally new will probably be somewhat disappointed saying song after song, "That sounds like ...." "This one sounds like..." That didn't bother me in the least, but some will not take kindly to that.
Beth: Lyrically, Kennedy and Sloas speak to the struggle of the individual, in terms of a relationship with God. Both men are experienced writers and the songs are adequate. I particularly liked "The Truth," which starts out with:
My life hangs in the balance Between what's lost And You and Your cross I've lied and alibied My way to the end With no way to win I've got nothin'
Roger: Yeah. I think there is a good bit said on the project; however, it took me a while to get into the lyrics on this one. I guess I was too busy grooving with the music to pay much attention to them. I would say they are simple enough to be understood right away, without being overly predictable and dull.
Beth: I think these two musicians have the ability to do work that is a little more original and I look forward to hearing them take another stab at it. This is an album that I certainly don't mind listening to, but it's a little too derivative to be a keeper for me.
Roger: Well, I don't think it will make my Top 10 of all time, but it's fairly infectious in spots. I will probably enjoy this for a decent while. I also think this could be a good album to give to some rock fans who aren't necessarily Christians-as an introduction into quality Christian rock.
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