Taken is a good example of how modern worship should be done. Almost every song here is an original composition, the songs flow naturally one to another, and with one exception ("Shine Your Love"), never becomes overly repetitive or mindless. McKinnis is another one of those one man band types that make me extremely jealous - he wrote eight of the songs, plays piano, and Hammond B3, co-produced, and programmed. Caleb Couch is the sidekick, co-producing as well as chipping in guitars, bass, and drum parts.
McKinnis' vocals can be described in the Michael W. Smith vein, minus the scratchy feedback quality that kicks in when Smitty reaches for a high note. Other influences or comparisons would be to PFR or The Waiting. The music is a combination of rock and power pop, yet never overpowering the vocals. The result is a worshipful, intelligent, enjoyable piece.
Highlights include "Hero for All Time," "Only You" (nice guitar work by Couch here), and "All is Well," with a Michael W-like piano line. Taken is one of those small label releases that should prompt an enterprising A&R scouring for talent to give this young man a call.
4 tocks
