"I've got a good life, I do" is the chorus of the opening track on this, Ty Tabor's big-label solo project. Tabor, better known for his work as guitarist of King's X and as a producer (including Resurrection Band's Lament), steps out from the shadows and firmly into the spotlight.
At first, one would think that because of Tabor's links and his past recorded history, this would be primarily a showcase for his oft-virtuosic guitar skills, akin to Tony Palacios' solo project. However, Tabor demonstrates his abilities on a wide range of instruments, playing everything except the drum kit and percussion on this album (Alan Doss, formerly of Galactic Cowboys, covers those). Even more impressive than the instrumental variety, however, are his vocals.
If, like me, you have heard a bit of King's X in the past, but you don't follow the band closely enough to figure out who sings which song, let's just say that Tabor's voice can be compared favorably with the vocal characteristics of Joel Hanson (formerly of PFR) and Gordon Kennedy (Dogs of Peace and Whiteheart). In fact, at times I wondered whether I was listening to a cranked-up PFR or a revitalized Dogs of Peace album, the vocal harmonies were so sweet and lush. The song "Another Day" also features the vocal talents of two other members of Galactic Cowboys, Ben Huggins and Monty Colvin. Add in Wally Farkas' presence on one track, and the entire band makes an appearance.
Beyond the musicianship, which is topnotch, the lyrics aren't half-bad. The opening track, "I Do," is an affirmation of the joy of being alive. "Live In Your House" includes the thoughtful lines "And a man stands tall for the one true God/An evolutionist says it's a pile of wad/And the scientist's dogma seems awfully religious to me." "I Know Everything" is a song from God to His people: "So weak and tired and looking for the key/Well look no further, you've just run into me." "The Truth" deals with the frustrations of living the Christian life, and keeps returning to the refrain, "Let the Truth set me free." A couple of the songs are simply about Tabor's love for his wife: "Walk With My Love" and the aforementioned "I Do."
Considering that this album was released first on Metal Blade Records (a well-respected secular hard music label) before hitting the Christian market, it's an impressively spiritual album. Clearly Metal Blade has enough faith in Tabor's abilities to write good, catchy songs that will be appreciated in both markets to give him the freedom to make the album he wanted to make. And that's a very good thing. The album is more pop-like than King's X, bright in tone, and it has really topnotch playing, making this disc a welcome addition to my collection.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #23Reviewed by Scott W. ChristopherKing's X has always had an odd relationship with Christian music, the band caught in a violent tug-of-war between the general market and Christian fans. Sure, one of the band's prime selling points has been its unique penchant for melding solid pop melodies and Brit-invasion harmonies with the storm and stress of honest-to-gosh heavy metal. But the other selling point, for many fans, has been the…HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernThis man knows he's blessed. A listen to "I Do" reveals his happiness with wife and family. With Ty's trademark smooth vocal, he lets loose a few of those Beatles similarities. Check out the laid-back "Live in Your House," with fascinating lyrics like, "A man stands tall for the One true God, an evolutionist says it's a pile of wad, and the scientist's dogma seems awfully religious to me." There…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin1998 may just be the year that King's X garners the worldwide devotion that they deserve and certainly have earned. They've paid their dues for over sixteen years now. It's time. Doug, Jerry, and Ty of King's X recently signed with Metal Blade Records, home of such dubiously-titled acts as both God Dethroned and Hecate Enthroned as well as Dark Funeral, Lord Belial, Screw, and Cannibal Corpse;…
