One of the more difficult things to do in music is to follow up a successful debut project. Maybe the only thing more difficult would be to follow up a project that-at least in your own mind-wasn't successful. Add to that the fact your last name is linked to legendary status in the industry, and it pretty much sets an arduous path. Such is the situation for Benjamin Gaither and the sophomore effort, As You Wish, from his group called Benjamin.
Don't get me wrong. The self-titled debut wasn't by any means a flop. It did garner two top five songs, a feat many artists would gladly like to match. The talent was obvious on that first venture as was evidenced by several solid tunes. However, the album also lacked direction and focus. After a year on the road, they've gotten comfortable with their music. They are back and they are focused.
The opening cut, "Narrow Road," is a fast-paced song that gives the project an immediate boost. Gaither's vocals are strong and the background vocals from the other members produce a good rockin' chorus. Musically, it has a steady drum beat wrapped with lots of energetic electric guitar. This will remind fans of "Don't Tell Him You Love Him" from their first release. Lyrically, it gives an enthusiastic message of joy in traveling the narrow road:
And the narrow road Leads to the road of life And the load is easy, and the burden is light... whoa There's a choice you have to make Wider ways your feet could take But nothing replaces the days on the narrow road
"On The Inside" takes the listener on a roller coaster ride as the lyrics are in the mid-tempo range with Gaither's vocals maintaining the pace. It quickly shoots up to a power-packed chorus with the whole group reaching a high level of energy. As it ends, Gaither again slows it down with some gentle vocals that lead into "Until We Turn"-with a slight acoustic sound in a mid-tempo beat. Gaither lets the mellow bass line support his impassioned performance in this soul-searching message of spiritual challenge:
It's easy to say, as so many do My faith is secure and I'm making it through We all like to think that we're strong no matter how weak Until we turn from the world we see Until we turn to the page that reads In all things God is working faithfully
The title cut, "As You Wish," is a relaxed, flowing ballad with Gaither bearing a striking resemblance to Bryan Adams. It offers another chance for Gaither to give a relaxing vocal performance with plenty of calming piano and acoustic guitar for support. The theme can be summed up as trusting God during those times of pain and confusion:
My intentions may be good But I don't do what I should When I'm standing all alone When I don't know what to think... As You wish I will seek Your face I will stand on my faith with each step I take...
The next two songs give the project a boost of energy. "Heart In Danger" is a solid pop song with a good message and a peppy beat with plenty of saucy guitar play. "You Can't Get To Heaven" will remind many of "Shelter Of Love" from their earlier release. It is a bouncy tune that gives the impression that with all the seriousness of making a record, these youngsters wanted to just have a good time. Opening with papa [Bill] Gaither saying, "Some say I am too strict, there are others that say I am too lenient. When it's all said and done, you can't get to heaven acting like..." The beat is bold and serves as a vehicle for the group to just let it all loose.
Gaither again takes a solo vocal spot as he gives an inspiring performance in "You're The Reason Why." Musically, a piano and church organ give the song a sensitive intro and gently give way to some composed drum and guitar play. The vocals dominate, carrying this message of learning the lesson of self-sacrifice in order to live in Christ.
After a nice, mid-tempo acoustic tune in "As Long As There's A Heaven," the pace really slows with the last two cuts. "Cry For The Nation" has an echoing chorus and sound effects in the intro as the vocals carry a haunting cry for God's presence in a desperate hour. Musically, a lone piano carries the track most of the way until it ends in a blend of soulful guitar play.
In what Gaither calls his favorite lyrics, "Against the Grain" closes the collection with an inspiring gentle ballad. It stays the course with the other slow to mid-tempo songs as it wraps Gaither's soulful vocals on a delicate layer of piano and easy guitars. The message also rounds out the theme Benjamin produces with As You Wish-a message of getting through inner turmoil and confusion by continuing the search for our place with our Father.
More focused and mature than the debut from Benjamin, As You Wish sports a strong vocal performance from Gaither, great background support from the other band members, and deep and challenging lyrics. It's an exciting blend of rock and pop with plenty of juice intertwined with some inspiring laid-back grooves. This could be a good one for those who are not steadfast in their preference for mainstream pop or standard pop, but like a little of both.
