OneMan
OneMan
Reviewed by Cara Baker
Some artists form an independent label to put out their own music. Former guitarist for the artist formally known as Prince and A & R vice president for Star Song Dez Dickerson began his own company, Absolute--but not to produce his own material. Until now. After releasing projects from four other artists, Dickerson feels it's time to share his guitar-driven pop rock and message. OneMan is akin to Dogs of Peace and PFR (without the humor). His vocals mesh sounds from the lead singer of Blessid Union of Souls with the lead singer of Skillet. Surprisingly, the sound is a nice blend. Dickerson wrote most of the material as well as played and sang back-up vocals (which sometimes lean toward a British sound). The opener, "Hello Again," will make you think you're listening to John Elefante's "Hello, My Good Friend." The laid-back, aching feel of "Maybe Tonite," about getting over past hurt, precedes the contrasting "Peacehopejoy," which ups the rock factor with heavier guitars. "OneMan" features backup vocalists Joel and Jade Hanson (Joel is the ex-lead singer for PFR, hence the song's PFR feel). "This Song," "Like a Merry-Go-Round," "Home" and "The Way I Feel" stick to the same lyrical theme (articulated by Dickerson audibly in the hidden track) that there is hope through "one man," Jesus Christ, no matter the situation. The music on OneMan is drawn from various influences, making Dickerson's solo album a complement to a pop/rock CD collection without stretching its boundaries.