Ken Tamplin is best known for his work in the hard rock/heavy metal genre. Throughout the mid-to-late '80's he fronted Shout and released a couple of solo albums. In the early part of this decade, he collaborated with talented guitarist Lanny Cordola under the name of Magdallan. The result was the massive Big Bang album, a project by which all other hard rock albums should be measured.
The pair pursued their individual musical visions after that, and Tamplin signed on with Benson. The result was a self-titled album that ended up winning a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year in 1994. Then he showed up on Renaissance Recordings with In The Witness Box, which was not as hard as his previous releases.
This time out, Tamplin is on another label (Rugged Records) and has broadened his sound. Gone are most of the heavy guitar riffs, and in their place is a more balanced musical approach, with an increased emphasis on keyboards and strings. Still around, however, are the multi-octave range of Tamplin's voice and the polished production present on each of his albums.
We The People begins with "Save Me," which starts things rolling with a serious groove. The liberal use of horns plays nicely off of Tamplin's vocal licks. "There's A Way" features some nice piano and percussion work, and signals that we are seeing the kinder, gentler side of him. This seems to be the overriding theme of this album. This direction was somewhat evident on In The Witness Box, especially on the re-make of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," but not to the same degree. Don't get me wrong-Tamplin still rocks out somewhat, especially on "When Angels Cry;" however, in general this album has a lot more funk and soul in the mix, most evident on the first track and "We The People."
The lyrical slant is similar to his work in the past. Tamplin has always woven some history-both social and political-into his writing. This time is no different. "Daughters Of Time/Candles In The Night" speaks of women throughout history who have placed the welfare of others above their own. "When Angels Cry" addresses the issue of abortion. But the writing does take a more personal turn on some cuts, especially "There's A Way" and "Everlasting Arms," which speak to the longings of Tamplin's heart.
While many of his old fans may be disappointed by the lack of a serious guitar attack, We The People has the potential to win new fans for Tamplin, especially among people who appreciate well-crafted rock with pop sensibilities and lyrics that are more than mere fluff.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #4Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshTamplin may be aiming his latest release at "we the people," but maybe we really should be referred to as "we the surprised"; the opener's chorus gives the listener a straight out salvation message, but those familiar with Tamplin may be pleading for salvation from the overt string section, horns and acoustic (?) guitars. What next? A praise and worship album? We shouldn't judge a work by what we…More from Ken Tamplin
1990An Axe to Grind
1992At the Top of Their Lungs
2003Wake the Nations
1995In the Witness Box
1993Tamplin
1991Soul Survivor
