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dc Talk is: Toby MacKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max
Skip to album: *Solo *Supernatural *Jesus Freak *Free At Lastjh: I got my first dc Talk CD amidst a turning point in my music interests. When I received Jesus Freak as a birthday present back in junior high, I was first starting to catch the modern rock bug. As a kid I listened to this and that, mostly country and then whatever else was playing on the popular local station. I liked listening to music but was rapidly growing out of the country I'd always loved... and hadn't grown into anything else. Then I remember hearing the title track from dc Talk's breakout CD when a couple friends were listening to it at 8th grade play practice, and boy did it rock. I think that was when it came to me that country was simply not going to cut it anymore. This is a band that sounds great live and if you're human, you'll probably find that you can identify with their music. A rock band with hip-hop roots and influences is not something I'd have expected myself to like, but in the case of dc Talk I definitely do.
Solo - © 2001
1. 40 Live
2. Alibi
3. All You Got
4. Return of the Singer
5. Be
6. Somebody's Watching
7. Extreme Days
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jh: Solo is, as you can see, a short CD. The idea behind this one was for the guys to each put a couple of their new songs on the same disc to celebrate dc Talk as they branched off in their own directions (Toby Mac, Tait, and KMax are the names they now work under, if you were curious). Naturally since the CD is short it doesn't live up to other dc Talk releases, so although most of the songs are really good I'd say this one is more geared towards people who are already big fans of the band. Also, if you find it cheap somewhere and would like to hear what dc Talk sounds like, it would definitely be worth $8 or so.
Supernatural - © 1998 Forefront/Virgin Records America, Inc.
1. Intro 2. It's Killing Me3. Dive
4. Consume Me
5. My Friend (So Long)
6. Fearless
7. Godsend
8. Wanna Be Loved
9. The Truth
10. Since I Met You
11. Into Jesus
12. Supernatural
13. Red Letters
14. There is A Treason At Sea
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jh: A good CD. Comparable to Jesus Freak not only as far as sound but also as far as overall listening enjoyment. "Supernatural," "It's Killing Me," and "Fearless" are good for playing nice and loud (especially "Supernatural") and of course the lyrics are solid throughout the disc. My only real complaint is that the CD seems to drag once in awhile with repeat choruses and bridges at the end of songs. This happens to a lesser degree than in their previous release and is only a big deal for impatient people like me...but it still detracts from the flow of the album. All in all there are several songs I love on this disc, and a couple others that I really like. Get Supernatural if you liked Jesus Freak and are itchin' for more dc Talk.
Jesus Freak - © 1995 Forefront Records
1. So Help Me God2. Colored People
3. Jesus Freak
4. What If I Stumble?
5. Day By Day
6. Mrs. Morgan
7. Between You And Me
8. Like It, Love It, Need It
9. Jesus Freak (reprise)
10. In The Light
11. What Have We Become
12. Mind's Eye
13.
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jh: A really good CD. I'd lost it for awhile, somehow it was in an old CD player that got moved to the barn...I was excited when my sister told me she'd found it. Anyway, you'll find a good mix of soft and moderately heavy songs on here and all of them are well-written. Most could be shorter; extra music/choruses and such at the end get on my nerves but then I am pretty impatient. Unless you are listening to the CD over and over again or during short trips in the car, the 5- to 6 minute tracks should not bother you. The title track, "In The Light," and "What If I Stumble?" are the best songs on this album and are all excellent. Jesus Freak contains a hearty dose of rock and even some good rap elements (very rarely will you hear me say that). It's still my favorite album from this band...listen to it once and you'll probably get hooked.
Free At Last (10th anniversary edition) - © 2002 Forefront Records
| 1. Luv Is A Verb 2. That Kinda Girl 3. Greer 4. Jesus Is Just Alright 5. Say The Words 6. WDCT 7. Socially Acceptable 8. Free At Last 9. Time Is... 10. The Hardway |
11. Two Honks & A Negro 12. Lean On Me 13. Testimony 14. I Don't Want It 15. Will Power 16. Word 2 The Father 17. Jesus Is Just Alright (reprise) 18. The Hardway (reprise) 19. A Look Back (commentary from the band) |
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jh: If you don't like goofy early-90s rap, there are definitely parts of Free At Last you won't like. That said, not all of this album is "goofy early-90s rap," and those songs that are...are still sweet. Also expect also a fair share songs containing degrees of both rap and rock. I am comfortable asserting that Free At Last contains a fun but thoughtful mix of silly and serious hip-hop ("That Kinda Girl," "Socially Acceptable")...and keep in mind that I hate rap. I think I am in love with the title track, which is a very cool, singable, uplifting tune supported by a full gospel choir. If you like dc Talk's newer music and their sense of humor, or if you enjoy the cheesiness of Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer, give this CD a try.