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.