Terry McMillan

Item: Somebody's Comin'
Author: Alex Klages

Somebody's Comin'

(1997)

Reviewed by Alex Klages

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Label Warner AllianceThe LighthouseJune 1997

blues country gospel

In the past few years, there have been a great number of releases by artists primarily known for their studio work. In some cases, one is left wishing these studio musicians had stayed with what they do best. There are, however, cases where these projects transcend the studio abilities of the performers associated. An instance of this is Dogs Of Peace. It is rather pleasant to report that Terry McMillan seems to go beyond being "just" a studio musician.

This is a solid first entry into the musical market. McMillan is known as a harmonica and percussion player, leading to expectations of perhaps a country album. However, with the exception of the title cut, this album tends more towards a bluesy feel. But the songs cannot be easily pigeonholed into any one genre. There are hints of country, blues, funk, gospel, and soul on this album. Of course, he demonstrates his abilities on the harmonica, especially in the primarily instrumental songs "Amazing Grace" and "Soul Surfing," the former having a bluesy gospel feel to it, and the latter having a funk-like blues groove to it. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise is how well his vocals come through, reminding one at various times of Eric Clapton on his From The Cradle album, while at other times sounding a lot like Ray Charles. It is almost as though McMillan has a vocal style appropriate for each style of music which he uses on this project.

We also, upon listening to this album, get an insight into the man (on the autobiographical "A Man After God's Own Heart") and his songwriting abilities. Despite the many albums on which I have heard him play, I cannot remember, offhand, any songs for which he was given any songwriting credits. This seems to be a shame, for it is in these songs in which he is listed as a co-writer that the whole package comes together and the album comes to life. Not that the "other" songs, such as "Do Right," "Respect Yourself," and "It Must Be Love" are bad; it's just that they seem to lack a certain amount of vitality with which McMillan's own songs are injected.

The overall tone of the album is one of a man reflecting, in joy, on what Christ has done for him. While the album is not terribly evangelical in tone, it is definitely Christian. It could definitely appeal to a much wider audience than just the Christian marketplace, though. Most of the songs are catchy, without being annoyingly so.

Is this album worth setting out the money for? If you like authentic, from-the-heart, bluesy, good ol' rock-and-roll, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this album. Those looking for "new country" will be sorely disappointed (except with the Todd Snider co-written title track). Overall, it may not be the best album of 1997, but it's certainly a fun listen!