IN YOUR FACE

Shout released their debut album IT WON'T BE LONG in 1988. When they released their follow up in 1989, IN YOUR FACE (Frontline), the group's line-up was Ken Tamplin (lead vocals, lead guitars), Chuck King (lead guitars, vocals). Loren Robinson (bass guitar, vocals), and Joseph Galletta (drums). Mark Hugonberger played keys, while guest musicians included Lanny Cordola, Marty Friedman, and Alex Masi.

Starting things off is the sizzling heavy metal track 'Borderline' about living dangerously: "Living life out on the wild side/It's time it's known/We're in a danger zone/Is it too late, oh, to make a change?/Have we sealed the fate before a soul exchange?/Living, oh, you know we're living on the borderline/Living, it's all taking and no giving/See the warning sign". 'When the Love is Gone' speaks of selfishness: "Keep it all undercover/Leave it all to another/Never care for anyone's pain/Turn away, think it's all the same/Live it up for the good life/Ain't giving up, not a single slice/Gonna save it all 'till the day you die/Can't take it there, don't even try". 'Give Me An Answer' is a melodic rocker that gives an ultimatum: "How do I have to get your attention?/I got your number, don't even bother/You've gotta serve just one or the other/Give me an answer now/Yeah, you're taking your chances now".

'Faith, Hope and Love' is a recipe for success: "It's about faith, hope, with love as the key/We've gotta have trust and will to believe/Giving our all, we all have to give/Oh Lord, will You forgive?" 'Gettin' Ready' is about enduring till the end: "We're getting ready/Lord, we're holding steady/Getting ready all through the night/Getting ready/Lord, we're holding steady/Living on borrowed time.../Now, give us the strength and the hope to carry on/We'll raise our voices to the sky". The song builds to a breakneck speed.

The title track, 'In Your Face', won a Dove Award for 'Hard Music Song of the Year' in 1990. This pulsating song serves as a warning: "Evidence is pointing to the truth that must be known/Weather's changing all across the globe/Pestilence and famine shaking life like none before/While Mother Earth is quaking more and more.../Facts in your face/Facts in your face/You know that there are/Facts in your face (2X)". 'Getting on With Life' airs a grievance: "There's so much more to life than sitting 'round talking 'bout who's done me wrong or right/Now gossip may be fine for some, but I can't take that trash/I'm gonna run".

What follows is 'Waiting on You', a sincere ballad addressed to God: "I see the changes come all over me/I pray for Your grace and Your mercy/I never earned the loving that You've shown/Teach me how, Lord, and make Your presence known/Waiting, I'm still waiting/Waiting on You". 'Moonlight Sonata (In 32nd Notes)' is a half minute long electric guitar solo.

'It's All I Need' is a rock song. I like these opening words: "I don't know what people are thinking while they're saying my faith's a crutch/I can think of lots of different things that's keeping folks in their clutch/Ain't living life for houses on the hill or yachts in my backyard/Moving on up, never gonna stop, believing who holds the cards". Last up is 'Ain't Givin' Up (The Pay the Bills Song)'. It's about being determined: "Now is the time I'll take you by the hand/Together we'll climb to the promised land/We're gonna steal away the night with the dawning of the day/Taking my hand/We'll do what we can/Make a better way".

IN YOUR FACE is a competent hard rock/metal album that stands the test of time. It doesn't promote drugs, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, or anything of a vulgar nature. It does start with the premise that there is a God who wants to be involved with each of us personally. The choice is given to the listener whether they want to enter into such an agreement or not. Ken Tamplin's lead vocals are second to none and the harmonies are great too. The musicianship is of the greatest quality. I'm rating this album 88.5%. For more info visit www.boonesoverstock.com and www.kentamplinvocalacademy.com. Girder Records re-released this album with extra pics this year.

IT WON`T BE LONG

Before forming Christian metal band Shout, Ken Tamplin was in Joshua and Chuck King was with Idle Cure. Shout released their debut album, IT WON`T BE LONG, in 1988 on Frontline Records. Lanny Cordola and Dennis Holt were among the studio musicians used.

The rocker 'Never Stop', which includes a great electric guitar solo, starts things off and is about determination: "Can't you see, oh, that I'm racing time?/It's on with the goal, another uphill climb/Follow the heart, satisfy the soul/I'm moving on, heading along, well you know/In time it'll all work out/I know you know what I'm talking about/Never stop, never stop running/Never gonna stop, nothing's gonna stop us now". 'Winners or Losers' is a melodic rock anthem about unity: "In God's eyes, winners or losers, we're all the same/Can we try loving each other without all the blame?/Oh, let's hold, hold on forever to words of love/And I know, Lord it will show". The title track, 'It Won't Be Long', rocks and anticipates the future: "Won't be long, when all will be made known/Won't be long, yeah, we'll face it one by one/Won't be long, give you hope to carry on/Won't be long/Are you ready?/No, it won't be long/All the clouds roll back and we'll be gone/Yeah, we'll face it one by one/Oh, come on and sing along".

'Find A Way' is a heavenly love ballad: "As I recall the years that all slipped by/I can't deny my foolish pride/Someday I'll hold You forever, never let go/Lord, I'll be Yours (2X)/Love, I know will find a way/Don't make me wait/We'll sail away, sail away".  'Dancin' Round the World' is a party song: "Everywhere you look they're dancin' 'round the world/They can't get enough, oh no, what they call rock and roll/Ain't no surprise to me/I love to play and sing/Get in the rhythm and we'll let those guitars ring/There's grooving, dancing to the beat tonight/Oh, and we will set those feet to flight". 'Shout' is a terrific rocker about overcoming: "We won't take it/Lord, we've gotta shake it/Running for our lives/We'll raise our voices so loud and clear/Like thunder and lightning for all to hear/Shout it out, never let it take you down/Shout it out, live, it's what it's all about".

Up next is 'Showdown' which deals with the end times: "Showdown is coming around/Running for cover when the trumpets all sound/Yeah, a ghost town is what'll be found/Searching for ways to blame it on another/Showdown's making its rounds, like a thief in the night/Where will you be found?/Ghost town died with a sound/We better slow down". 'Timeless Love' is addressed to God: "You never failed/Oh, how Your love prevailed/Nothing I could say/I want to be with You someday/I cry at night needing just to hear from You/But in the morning, always come through, oh You do". Last up is 'Without You', a rock song of testimony: "Without Your love/I know I'm never gonna make it home/Without Your love, I'll be alone/Can't imagine a thing that could replace it, oh no/If I had tried, I'd be kidding myself/Let's face it, oh".

IT WON'T BE LONG is one heck of a good rock/metal album that points to God as the giver and sustainer of life. He never fails us and truly cares about our well-being. He hears us when we talk to Him. His praises on this album are powerfully delivered by Ken Tamplin's superb vocals, and some top notch electric guitar work. I'm rating this album 90% and recommending it to fans of Stryper and Guardian. Collectors will appreciate a 1987 four song demo included on the 2019 Girder Records re-release of the album. There are also several great pics included with this project. For more info visit www.boonesoverstock.com and www.kentamplinvocalacademy.com.

DOPPELGANGER

Daniel Amos released their self-titled debut album in 1976. They are perhaps best known for a series of four albums known as The Alarma! Chronicles, released between 1981 and 1986. Here, I will be reviewing the second of those albums, DOPPELGANGER (Alarma!, 1983). According to one online dictionary the word means "an apparation or double of a living person". At the time, Daniel Amos was: Terry Taylor, Jerry Chamberlain, Tim Chandler, and Ed McTaggart. Tom Howard and Derri Daugherty are among the guests on the album.

Starting things off is 'Hollow Man', a spooky sounding cut about emptiness: "One finds no eyes here/In this empire of dying suns/In this vacant kingdom/This scattered realm of false empires/In this final assembly/We stumble together and are silent/Collected on the shores of the river of disturbance, the barren men". 'Mall (All Over the World)' is a great rock song about materialism: "How come you're sad?/How come you cry when golden arches cross your sky?/They're reminders of sweet by and by/This could be heaven when we die". 'Real Girls' includes chant like vocals and these not so hopeful lyrics: "Who are the real girls?/What's happened to virtue?/What's happening to people?/Some females, they don't see heaven/And he-men deflect their vision/Angels grieve their indecision/God escapes their imagination".

Bill Colton plays sax on 'New Car!' It's a hilarious old school rock 'n' roll number making fun of the prosperity gospel: "Well, I know what I want/I know what I need/I want a miracle/I know what I need/I know what I want, I know what I need/Give me a new car!/I'm one of the King's kids/I do deserve the best". 'Do Big Boys Cry?' is about humility: "Do big boys cry?/Do they come down from their place on high, to the dirty ground?" 'Youth With A Machine' is fast paced rock music. It speaks to parents: "Youth with a machine/He needs to know how to handle it all.../He needs you now (2X)/He needs you now, now more than ever".

Next up is 'The Double'. It's 'out there' in a good way: "My double's sitting in another world/My double's laughing in the heavenly places/I am his double here/I can expect we'll be together when time is no more/That's not so strange/You've got one, too/Behind your eyes killing you/Behind your eyes, killing me". 'Distance and Direction' is a song of reflection: "We're putting on our make-up but we never make-up/We're the beauty and the beast/We're the dead men telling tales/Sleeping through our wake-up/Two of me, two of you, two of us, two by two/The double life we live/Distance and direction run straight ahead to your better world". It's a good ballad. 'Memory Lane' rocks and warns of spending too much time in the past: "You take another trip down memory lane/You go down there once too often and you're likely to remain.../You make a list of all your failures/You count all your heartaches/Please sit up straight at the table and eat your words".

'Angels Tuck You In' is a pop song touching on Calvary: "You've been a wide-eyed innocent/Come to the garden, come to the hill/Come to the tree/Come to the kill/Won't break your bones, but it can break your will". 'Little Crosses' speaks out against Jesus trinkets: "Little crosses, I see on my T.V./Take my money and give me some of these/Little crosses with lots of color and sound/I'm in heaven with all these treasures around". 'Autographs For the Sick' is a short, weird track with lines like: "Phonographs for the deaf, they can't hear you/Gloves for the amputees, they can't cheer you".

What follows is 'I Didn't Build it for Me'. It's aimed at televangelists: "There's a plaque in the hall/My name's on the wall/And a statue of my family/It wasn't my decision/It was all in a vision/I didn't build it, I never would have built it/I really didn't build it for me". 'Here I Am' is a ballad about the distance between rock stars and their fans: "You want an autograph/What is your need?/Mine is for you to know that I really bleed.../Moving about in our own exclusive spheres/We touch not, we are not even near". Last up is 'Hollow Man (Reprise)'. It includes these words: "For me, therefore, everything has a double existence/Both in time and when time shall be no more.../My Lord and my God, having seen Thy salvation/I am a hollow man/I am his double here".

DOPPELGANGER, to the average CCM listener today will sound foreign and alien like. The lyrics are far deeper and require much more thought and interpretation to decipher when it comes to meaning. This is not a worship record. It is a commentary and a critique on the world and Christianity and the church, that is just as relevant today as when the album first came out. This is an energetic alternative Christian rock album which I'm rating a perfect 100%. The deluxe two cd version of the album includes a bunch of alternate takes, live versions of songs, etc, that collector's will eat up. It also includes writings by Terry Taylor in the cd booklet. For more info visit www.danielamos.com.

SOUNDS OF HEAVEN

Kathleen 'Kathy' Troccoli was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 24, 1958. Her debut album was 1982's STUBBORN LOVE. Fast forward to 1995 and she released SOUNDS OF HEAVEN (Reunion). It was produced by Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff, and Brown Bannister. In the liner notes we read: "All around us the world is crying out for truth to set them free. Sometimes they don't really know that's what they're searching for, but that's what it is". At the time, Kathy was a supporter of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

First up is 'I Will Choose Christ', an inspirational ballad written by Tom Booth and Kathy. Nine backing vocalists are used on this song of spiritual determination: "Some days are hard and I fight to see the truth/But I'm gonna take a stand in all I say and do/I will choose Christ/I will choose love/I choose to serve/I give my heart/I give my life/I give my all to You". 'That's How Much I Love You' includes an acoustic guitar solo by Dann Huff and finds God speaking to us: "I died for you/I'd do it all over again if I had to/To show you what you really mean to Me/I cried for you/I hung on the cross so you wouldn't have to/I made a way to set your spirit free/That's how much I love you/That's how much I want you".

'Go Light Your World' is one of three songs penned by Chris Rice. It became a popular adult contemporary anthem about sharing the Gospel: "So carry your candle, run to the darkness/Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn/Hold out your candle for all to see it/Take your candle and go light your world". Kathy and Robert White Johnson co-wrote the title track 'Sounds of Heaven'. It's an upbeat pop song of praise and worship: "I will lift my heart and sing with the sounds of Heaven/Praises to the only King/The sounds of Heaven/In my weakness I get strong/Cause there is power in their song/I will lift my heart and sing with the sounds of Heaven".

Shane Keister plays piano and Cindy Morgan, Lisa Cochran, and Michael Mellett provide backing vocals on 'Hallelujahs'. Nature lovers will appreciate these opening words: "A purple sky to close the day/I wade the surf where dolphins play/The taste of salt, the dance of waves/And my soul wells up with hallelujahs/A lightning flash, my pounding heart/A breaching whale, a shooting star/Give testimony that You are/And my soul wells up with hallelujahs". 'I'm Gonna Fight For You' is an adult contemporary ballad that asks us to persevere: "He has said His ways are not our ways/And His thoughts are not our own/He's more than just a man, oh He's God/Let Him hold the things you cannot understand/Cause faithful is the Lord/In the darkest hour of night/To keep the flame of hope alive".

'Each Moment' is one of two songs written by Kathy and Bill Montvilo. Gordon Kennedy and Jerry McPherson play guitars on this easy listening number. I particularly like these lyrics: "May there never come a time/When I lose my hunger for Your love/And may there never be a time/When I don't remember where I'd be without You". 'Fill My Heart' includes these prayerful words: "Give me faith to move those mountains/Give me hope when times are hard/Give me love to conquer all/Give me You to fill my heart".

Kathy and Madeline Stone wrote 'May I Be His Love'. It's a quiet song desiring to lead others to God: "May I be His love for you/May I lift your eyes toward heaven/May I come to you and lead you to His light/May I cry His tears for you/May I be the place that you can run to/Where you'll hear His voice/And see Him in my eyes/All your life/May I be His love". Last up is 'Missing You', a pretty song about heaven: "I dream about Your promise to return/And I wake up hanging on Your every word/But for now my feet are planted here on earth/So I'm missing You".

SOUNDS OF HEAVEN incorporates easy listening, inspirational, adult contemporary, and pop songs. The majority of the songs are ballads on which Kathy's vocals shine. God's love for us is a main theme on this album. He is to be praised and worshiped for His creation and His care for us. This album encourages us to live wholeheartedly for God. We should also desire to share God's love with our fellow man. The pictures of Kathy accompanying this CD are beautiful. I'm rating this album a perfect 100%. For more info visit www.kathytroccoli.com and connect with her on social media.

WE BELIEVE

Steve Green was born in Portland, Oregon on August 1, 1956. He put out his self-titled debut solo album in 1984. Over the next few years he became well known for such inspirational songs as 'He Holds the Keys' and 'The Mission'. In 1991 he released his eight studio record, WE BELIEVE (Sparrow). It was produced by Greg Nelson. In the liner notes Steve shares: "With gratitude for those God has used to mold and shape my life..."

First up is the beautiful ballad 'All Across the Sky'. It's a song of praise: "His love is written all across the sky/As brilliantly the stars all testify/For the glory of the God who reigns on high/Is displayed in the world He has made". It was written by Jon Mohr and Michael W. Smith. 'Sing Children Sing' is an inspirational song desiring intimacy with God: "Father, Abba Father/We humbly come before You/Hear us and draw near us/As children at rest in Your arms/We find peace and safety secure from all fear and alarm/Sing children sing, let all His children sing".

The title track is 'We Believe', penned by Nathan DiGesare and Dan Scott. It's an anthem of great faith: "We believe in the Spirit who makes believers one/Our hearts are filled with His presence/The Comforter has come/The kingdom unfolds in His plan/Unhindered by quarrels of man/His church upheld by His hand/We believe". 'I Will Serve the Lord' speaks of martyrdom: "And though their journey led them/Through the shadowlands of death/The song of their commitment/They rehearsed with every breath/'I will serve the Lord/I will serve the Lord my God/And if God should choose and my life I lose/Though my foe may slay me/I will serve the Lord'".

Kelly Willard wrote 'Hidden Valleys', an inspirational ballad that speaks of the benefits of going through troubles and trials: "Hidden valleys produce a life song/Hidden valleys will make a heart strong/Desperation can cause you to sing/Hidden valleys turn shepherds into kings". 'Heaven' is one of four songs composed by Jon Mohr and Randall Dennis. It anticipates the future: "One day I'll complete my journey/I'll arrive at my destination/A city like no one living has ever known/The Spirit at work within me/Creates such an awesome hunger/To finish the race and turn for home".

'Let the Walls Come Down' uses strings and is almost six minutes long. I quite like these strong words: "Walls not born of government nor strife amid the nations/But walls within our churches and between denominations/Stones of dry tradition carved in fear and laid in pride/Become a dismal prison to those withering inside/Let the walls come down (2X)". 'Search Me, Oh God' serves as a quiet prayer: "Search me, oh God/Reveal my heart/Expose my sin that it may be confessed/Search me, oh God/Unveil each thought/And leave no hidden motive unaddressed/Uncover every action born in pride/Show me the worldly ways I still embrace".

'I Am The Vine' is a cheery sounding, upbeat song of spiritual wisdom: "I am the Vine/You are the branches/And if You remain in Me/Fruit will abound, abundant in measure/Come, children, taste and see!" Closing off the album is a medley of 'A Chasing of the Wind/Why Do We Live Without Jesus'. Witness these words: "Apart from the Vine/A branch bears no fruit/For Christ is the source of all life/And all He demands/As we keep His commands/Is to faithfully cling to the Vine".

With the exception of one song, WE BELIEVE, is an inspirational, easy listening album of ballads. It's a good album to wind down and relax to. It will help you draw near to God and enjoy all He is and all He has to offer. It brings attention to how empty life without God is and how full and vibrant our lives can be with God in them. He is to be praised for His love, creation, and peace, and for keeping us safe in His arms. Unity in the body of believers in Christ is encouraged, as is endurance through trials that can help us grow. I'm rating this album 96%. For more info visit www.stevegreenministries.org and/or connect with him on social media. 

FOUND A PLACE

FFH (Far From Home) put out six independent projects before releasing their major label debut, I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU, in 1998. It included the hit 'One of These Days'. In 2000 they were back with FOUND A PLACE (Essential). Group members were: Jeromy Deibler, Jennifer Deibler, Brian Smith, and Michael Boggs. In the liner notes the group shares: "It's amazing how the Lord can take four very average, undeserving people and use them to further His Kingdom. Thank You, Jesus, for letting us be involved in Your work".

Starting things off is 'When I Praise', a fast paced pop song with good harmonies. It's about glorifying God: "And I throw my hands up in the air/Here's my heart 'cause I don't care what they say about me/I gotta praise/I throw my hands up in the air/And I know that You will find me there/Find me when I praise". The title track, 'Found A Place', follows. It's about finding satisfaction in God: "I've found a place where I can hide/I've found a place that gives me strength/I've found a place where I am servant and You're the King/I've found a place that I call home/I've found a place that I know well/I've found a place where I am less and You're everything". 'Why Do I' is a pop ballad with very relatable lyrics: "I find myself awake again/Thinkin' bout eternity/How I am just a grain of sand and that You've got a plan for me/That You would choose to love me just amazes me".

'Lord Move, or Move Me' is an adult contemporary cry for Divine assistance: "Lord, I know the only way is through this/But Lord, I know I need You to help me do this/Lord, move in the way that I've never seen before/Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door/I'm drifting away/Waves are crashing on the shore/So Lord move, move, or move me". 'Daniel' is an upbeat pop song that looks to the Old Testament for inspiration: "I want to be like Daniel in the lion's den/Waiting for God's love to save him/I wanna be, I wanna be/I want to be like Moses when he raised his hands/And all the winds and seas obeyed him/I wanna be, I wanna be".

'Your Love is Life to Me' is a pretty, inspirational song: "Your love is a river flowing to the sea and the river runs forever and washes over me/Your love is life to me/My truest longing, my deepest need, yeah/Without it one moment I don't know where I'd be/Your love is life to me". 'Because of Who You Are' is a catchy pop number of praise: "I know You Lord 'cause You reached out Your hand/To rescue me and show me how to stand/In truth and love, more than I could ever ask for/I love You, Lord, because of who You are.../You are the start, You are the end, You are the Savior and my Friend".

Next up is 'Be My Glory', a ballad that includes these heartfelt lyrics: "How I long to be conformed in You Jesus/In my weakness be my strength/Hear my prayer as I kneel before You now/Break me till You're all they see". 'I'm Not Afraid to Love You' is all about trusting: "Well, it hurts as You're remolding my dreams/And as You're reshaping all my attitudes/It's hard to bear but every change means that little by little I am more like You/So I embrace Your vision 'cause when I see what You've done/I can't deny Your wisdom or how far I've come/So, I am not afraid to love You anymore".

'It's Been A Long Time' is about coming back to God: "I've been running, I've been hiding from You/Now I know there's only one thing I can do/So I throw my hands up in the air and I will pray/That You carry me away/All I have to do is call/You come running to my side/Then I look at You and You say/'It's gonna be alright'". Closing things out is 'Every Now and Then', a tender song that includes these great words: "Every now and then/You whisper peace to me/With Your tender words/Unexpectedly".

FOUND A PLACE is a mix of pop, adult contemporary, and inspirational sounds. Fans of Avalon and 4Him should give this album a listen. There's a good mix of slow and fast cuts. God's extravagant love for us is laid out here, as is His faithfulness. He is to be praised for His creation and salvation among other things. God always has a listening ear, so we should not hesitate to ask Him for help. He is trustworthy and wants to be in right relationship with us. There are some nice pics of the foursome accompanying this CD. I'm rating this one 90%. For more info connect with the group on social media.