Jimi Ray and Rick Harwell are this new and interesting duo. They pull together some fine talent for guest appearances on their debut album such as David Huff on drums, Dann Huff on guitars, Rick Elias on Mandolin and guitar, John Nicholson and Mike Brignardello on bass, and Bob Carlisle, Carrie Hodge, and Bill Baumgart with background vocals. Baumgart also doubles as producer and does quite a fine job at the helm.
It's hard to classify their sound--probably a mix of many different styles. There's rock, some slight country influences and some of the "unplugged" pop sound to name some of the obvious ones. The album is quite diverse. Several songs are moderate rockers with great electric guitar licks, others solid but sweet ballads, and still others acoustic tunes bordering on a country edge. Standouts are "Someday" with a great acoustic/mandolin sound, "Let the Hammer Fall" as a rocker, and "I'm Ready" as a mid-paced acoustic based tune.
The album deals with the power of God ("Change Your World"), commitment to and focus on God ("I'm Ready"), staying committed to your beliefs ("Stick to Your Guns"), the importance of prayer ("Heart of the Young"), the forgiveness from sins ("Let the Hammer Fall"), and a prayer to an "abandoned friend" ("Over You"). Other, more social, topics are finding and trusting in love ("Will I Find Love" and "When All Else Fails"), appreciating the love of your parents ("What She Needed Most"), and child abuse ("Someday").
The background vocals carry this album, being what I noticed first. The combination of Hodge, Baumgart, Carlisle, and Harwell produce a superb blend of tones leaving a fresh edge to this album.
