Scott Krippayne has the dubious honor of being one of many talented artists to debut in 1995. His album, Wild Imagination, is a pleasing pop piece produced by groove-master extraordinaire, Charlie Peacock. However, with this tremendous onslaught of bright new talent, it will be surprising if some of these freshmen don't get lost in the "new CD shuffle"-much like Steve Wiggins (now of Big Tent Revival fame) got obscured in the hoopla the year that both Out of the Grey and Susan Ashton came onto the scene. Although Krippayne has a knack for catchy hooks as well as a strong set of pipes to deliver them, I am not convinced that he has the stylistic savvy needed to distinguish himself in this banner class.
Krippayne may have a "wild imagination," but the work he renders on his first release is entertaining yet uninspired. In addition to Peacock, there is an array of Nashville's finest players providing accompaniment, including Brent Bourgeois, Scott Denté, Tabitha Fair, Blair Masters, Jerry McPherson, and Jimmie Lee Sloas. Obviously, there's nothing lacking in the quality of Krippayne's musical backdrop. The content of his melodies is rather familiar (many have remarked on a similarity between Wild Imagination and much of Howard Jones' work) and overtly "radio-friendly." Perhaps in his quest for accessibility, Krippayne inadvertently sacrificed the music's originality and distinctive appeal.
Lyrically, Krippayne, who co-wrote eight of Wild Imagination's ten tracks, is much stronger. "I Will Love" is a powerful exhortation to love others, "the outcasts and enemies," because in loving them we love God:
I will love For to follow Christ Is to lay aside My right to choose Who I will love
"All My Days" is a powerful testimony to God's abiding and pursuant love:
I never saw Your hands around me Caring for my soul The work of love and wisdom Is too large for human vision But grace has followed Everywhere I go
Plenteous in potential, penurious on polish, the debut project from Scott Krippayne, while sonically flavorless (although far from unenjoyable), is lyrically substantive. Wild Imagination shows the promise and pitfalls common to freshman projects. Hopefully, Krippayne will be given the opportunity to mature and perfect his talent in the future.
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