It's being billed as "Moby-esque" praise and worship, and true to form, any time Christians try to mimic a successful mainstream formula, the results are less than spectacular. The liner notes are riddled with big names, from Johnny Cash and Vestal Goodman, to Mark Stuart (Audio Adrenaline) and Steve Mason (Jars of Clay), to those behind the scenes, Rick Alitzer, Tony Palacios, and DJ Maj. There are a few worthwhile songs, but aside from those the Soul Lift feels contrived.
'King of My Life' kicks off the CD with the soulful vocals of teenager Natalie LaRue, the rapping of T-Bone, and "dj elements" from DJ Maj. I'm not big on rap, especially the white-boy Christian rap of T-Bone, but this song finds a nice balance and works really well. 'Solid Rock' with Russ Taff and 'He is Lord' with LaRue both come together fairly well, but aren't quite as strong as they could be. Mike Roe of the 77's sings 'Mercy Seat,' which has a strange Moby meets O Brother, Where Art Thou sound. It works.
Steve Mason and Mark Stuart both make so-so appearances on the album, as does Benjamin's Gate, with their own euro-rock influence. The bombs on the album are definitely the biggest names. Johnny Cash is paired with drum loops and synthesizer sounds in song that proves Cash and techno don't mix. The Vestal Goodman tune sounds like a 1940s jazz number, but even the nostalgia can't save this one.
The writing is typical praise and worship, with bits and pieces borrowed from popular hymns and choruses. Nothing ground breaking here. The production and mixing is for the most part good--it's just lacking the necessary vision and magnitude. But that's what happens when you try to emulate someone like Moby.
Each song also comes with a short Bible study, which is unique. Too bad it was printed without readability in mind. I guess the spiritual growth goes to those willing to endure the eyestrain.
It's a unique spin on praise and worship music, and an impressive exercise in collaboration, but ill conceived. Listen before you buy.
