From the opening harmonica solo to the closing cough, Rob Frazier's new album is a delight to listen to. Intelligent, yet straightforward, lyrics abound in this project, as in the title track:
I say I say what I believe Do I believe the things I say?
Frazier isn't afraid to tackle the hard-hitting issues such as abortion ("The Silence"), gun ownership and control ("Can An Angel Own A Gun?"), and messy theological disputes ("It Doesn't Work That Way"), but he does so in a manner that is at once caring and artful. It's definitely a reflection that his longevity in the Christian market as a songwriter is well-earned.
The musical style also deserves some attention. With producer Dave Perkins (former member of Chagall Guevara and Passafist, and general producer extraordinaire), Frazier has crafted a wonderfully bouncy acoustic-based pop-rock album. The tunes often recall the Beatles in their memorability, while the production is strongly coherent without sounding slick. Perhaps the only song that doesn't come off as well is "What He Wouldn't Do." The song opens with a very promising 80's new wave guitar similar to The Police or the Payola$, but then somehow seems to fall short.
Overall, this is a very solid album which should do much to re-establish Frazier's place as one of the better singer/songwriters in Christian music. While he may not be as esoteric as some, his straightforward style in the more simple musical packaging of this album works extremely well. Although he's been in music for some time (he was a member of Petra in the late 70's), it's clear to see he's by no means washed up or otherwise finished. If you liked Billy Sprague's recent albums, you'll probably enjoy this one.
Similar sounding releases
1998Mitch McVickerMitch McVicker
2000Justin McRobertsFather
2001Richard GilpinBeautiful Mistake
1998Nervous Passenger[Taller Trees]
1999Skatman MeredithThe Garden
2002Dan BernNew American Language
