If you're like me, you've paid close attention to this band since its debut album in 1988. Have you also wondered, since its disappointing "In the Kingdom" album last year, "Just how commercial are these guys gonna get?" The good news is that this album is an improvement over last year's Dove Award winner. The title cut has that familiar Whitecross sound: nice cutting guitar lines over very hooky rhythms and the sassy vocals of Scott Wenzel. "Dancin' In Heaven," though espousing a great message about the biblical-ness of dancing ("If you let the Spirit move/ Even you can catch a groove"), it comes off as a little bit too nice for the tough 'n' troubled metal market. "In America" is, as Rex Carroll accurately put it, "'In The Kingdom' Part Two." A nice song/acoustic-flavored anthem, yet too darn similar to last year's single. "Overdrive" is this album's version of "Nagasake," "The Hammer & The Nail," "Flashpoint" and "The Eternal Fire" rolled into one--NOT!!! It sounds more like Rex is warming up for an explosion that never happens. Actually, if his guitar was just turned up to 11 here it would make all the difference in the world. It's buried behind keyboards. "Without Your Love" is a strong tune. It's a power ballad. The only drawback is that the BGV's in the chorus sound like they're pushed through a tube, making it virtually impossible to reproduce live. "Coming Home" is an acoustic ballad with a little electric thrown in for effect and a nice pre-chorus set-up. "My Love" is the Scorpions/melodic metal style ballad that finally finds the band delivering a kick-butt ballad. Put this on the radio and watch it climb the charts! The lead solo shows Rex making his guitar sing. Ahh, it's so pretty! "I'm Asking You Today" is a nice classical guitar-based ballad, but it is the third ballad in a row on the CD! What a lull in the action! You're better served by hitting "Random Play" on your CD player. "Gonna Keep On" is another Petra-like song, propelled along with acoustic back-up. It gets a bit bluesy halfway through. The album ends on a high note, with the last two songs being strong tunes: "I Shout" is a sassy R&B groove number that's reminiscent of the "Hammer and Nail" album ("Because of Jesus"); and "Long Road to Walk" is a plodding hard rocker chronicling the Via de la Rosa. So, when you add it all up, Whitecross comes out ahead (6 to 5) on its fifth album.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse February 1993Reviewed by Brad MatternOne of the all time leaders in Christian music is back with a new ground breaking album. This album is a big improvement since In The Kingdom. The only problem with their music is they get lighter, and lighter every album. I mean 4 ballads is enough to kill most "metal heads." The album starts off with "High Gear," which is a straight-up "kick you in the face" metal song. "Dancin' In Heaven,"…Syndicate Nov/Dec 1992Reviewed by Dave SteinerOver the past few years, Whitecross has garnered the reputation of being a band that is uncompromising in its approach to the preaching of the Gospel. Their treks over to Europe and even Central America and now its affiliation with the youth outreach organization Teen Mania, proves that these guys mean business and that they aren't about to change anything when it comes to reaching out to those…Similar sounding releases
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