I made the mistake of watching the bonus DVD that is included in this release before listening to the audio CD.
Let me explain...
I have such a low tolerance for music videos nowadays that I run the risk of letting the video color my judgment of the music.
And so, I viewed Story of Love and was truly amazed at how many effects the video editor put in to distract us from the fact that there was nothing really interesting to look at within the video itself.
All form and no substance, alas. So where does that leave Mr Tamplin and Wake the Nations?
Smack in the middle of 80s hair-metal, I'm afraid. You know -- anthemic choruses, speedy guitar solos and hyperkinetic drumming, which Tamplin & Friends pull off with great accuracy and competence. Whilst, to his credit, Tamplin never obscures the Christian message that is central to each song -- although "We Jihad Enough," "Hare Kristians," and "Cell Phone Freaks" will no doubt give most reason to pause -- the music on show is a little too generic for my liking.
That said, if you're a rabid fan of 80s hair-metal, you're sure to find something to enjoy here.
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Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2003Reviewed by Marco PovervestKen Tamplin has a rich past in melodic rock music. He became popular in the eighties when he played in bands such as Joshua and Shout. Since the early nineties he invested in his solo career. The first solo disc was also entitled Ken Tamplin & Friends. Wake The Nations proves Tamplin assembled more friends than ever, including Marty Friedman, Doug Aldridge, Jeff Scott Soto, Kee Marcello, Reb…More from Ken Tamplin
1996We the People
1992At the Top of Their Lungs
1995In the Witness Box
1991Soul Survivor
1993Tamplin
1990An Axe to Grind
