I don't know about you, but it always bugs me a little when critics and label people act ga-ga over someone. I almost want to not like it, simply because I don't trust hype very much. This album, though, has that special quality called "greatness" all over it.
While it's not the next Stryper or the next Vengeance, or the next Crucified, or the next Circle of Dust, it is a unique and high-quality creation that welds the beautiful, alternatively tuned voice of Fleming McWilliams atop the quirky, and often aggressive guitar playing of John Mark Painter - thus the name Fleming & John.
After about 25 listens (it's addictive!), the songs start to engrave their identity into your brain. That dreamy high-voice child inside of us that wants to sing along whenever we think of the chorus to the title track. The punky aggression of "I'm Not Afraid" shows the band's unwillingness to be like everyone else and just make money doing pop music. This angle is so cool, it might make money and stay true to itself at the same time.
Due to its originality and pop penchant, these tunes might evoke negative reactions from music mongers and "safe" music fans alike. It definitely doesn't leave a lot of room to be nonchalant about 'em. You'll either hate it and it'll get on your nerves, or it'll tickle that place in your musical palette that you didn't even know was there. I'm sorry, but the hype is right. If you liked the cover of "It's Harder to Believe Than Not To" from the Steve Taylor Tribute album, you'll love this record.