Michael Sweet
Michael Sweet
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Well, it's finally here. No longer an idea or item of speculation, the Michael Sweet debut solo album is now out and available for inspection and a test drive. Apart from Stryper, what can be expected from this guy?
Departure is the first word that comes to mind. The first thing noticeable different is the thundering drums that aren't there. Instead we get an electronic drum sound. The second thing that stands out is the energy level -- this isn't a heavy metal album, that's for sure. What it is, though, is a very good collection of pop rock tunes a la Richard Marx, Bryan Adams and Bon Jovi. Michael Sweet sets the record straight on where his musical interests lie -- power pop songs with incredible melodies and perfect sonics. In one word -- class.
"Together" starts the album off with a rocker that's reminiscent of a Stryper pop tune (like "Calling On You"), which is mostly due to the big BGV's and melody in each chorus. "All This And Heaven Too," another highlight here, capitalizes on the same formula -- write a hook as big as day and make the chorus one big sing-along time. Radio stations (both mainstream and Christian) could have a lot of fun with these two cuts.
Lyrically, Michael spends no time in vague territory. The tune "J.E.S.U.S" sets the record straight in a cheerleading fashion. "I tell you, man, that He's alive and well/ Not a story sittin' on the shelf...put your faith in Him." This one tune doesn't stand out as a token "Christianese" tune to please the Christian market, either. The entire album is straightforward in its message. "Someday" has a very hope-instilling message centered on the return of our mighty and loving Savior. It's the perfect pick-me-up both lyrically and musically.
Anyone who thinks Michael's lost his guts needs to hear the bold message of abstinence in "Ain't No Safe Way." It's also the hardest tune on the album.
Those looking for all those killer guitar leads that they heard in Stryper will still find some great little leads; they just won't find any all-out metallers with a rhythm section running at full throttle.
"All I Wanna Do (Is Love You)" is a dead ringer for Def Leppard in the BGV category. "Tommorrow, Tonight" sounds like this British pop group in its chorus as well, but "All I Wanna Do" even cops the skip-along guitar rhythm section sound you'd hear on the Hysteria album.
"Forever Your" takes a more bare-bones acoustic approach a la Guardian, which really works great. Because it showcases Michael's set of pipes the clearest -- with nothing big and loud to lean on -- it gets my vote for best all-around song. It's not my favorite, though. I still like the big anthemic rockers he does, like "All This And Heaven Too," "Together" and "Ain't No Safe Way."
With all the disclaimers of "this ain't no Stryper album" out of the way, it can be said that this is one fine commercial rock album. Sure, if the average couple strolls into a record store, the girl is more likely to pick up this and the guy is more likely to get the Precious Death album, but both will find something to like on this one.