DC Talk - Supernatural Revisited

I am not a fan of today's popular music, whether is be rock, country, southern gospel or contemporary gospel. Typically, I do not listen to new music unless I have to with the exception of new music on the local alternative rock station. I started getting into contemporary Christian music in the late nineties, this is when I started listening to a Christian music phenomenon know as DC Talk, we;-known for their hit single Jesus Freak.

DC Talk, comprised primarily by three amazingly creative and talented songwriter/vocalists followed in the steps of contemporary Christian music pioneers Petra and Stryper yet with a brand of Christian rock that had a sound all of its own. Combining clever lyrics with catchy yet hard rocking music from an entourage of gifted musicians and the element of Hip-Hop from founding band member Toby Mac, DC took their show on the road wowing audience with their exciting stage presence. Kevin Max and Michael Tait, the other founding members of DC Talk, with their unique vocal skills combined with singer/rapper Toby Mac to entertain and inspire young Christian audience around the world. The Freak Show live CD and video gives a good snapshot of a DC Talk performance.

When DC Talk came out with their Supernatural CD, I was quick to get a copy for myself. Do not get me wrong, DC Talk put out a lot of good material before Supernatural, but in my opinion, Supernatural, their last studio session, is their crowning achievement. Others, including the band may disagree, but having recently revisited the Supernatural album, I am still impressed, so impressed I downloaded the entire album.

The Supernatural project is the work of a seasoned band. This is no pop music album, this is a collection of cleverly crafted songs that not only make you feel like getting up and moving around, but also inspire you to turn your face towards God. Kevin Max really shines vocally on the song Red Letters, a haunting ballad about Jesus and His red letters. Although we can never fully capture the full glory of Christ, Red Letters conveys the glorious weight of the words of Christ.

The catchy tune, Since I met You, starts out slow and then bursts into a rocking, fast paced, alternative rock song featuring the vocal skills of Toby Mac. It is a fun song about the change that Christ makes in someone's life when they meet Him.

Fearless, a rock ballad, is about the comfort and courage found in a relationship with Christ. Great vocals and lyrics and awesome guitar solo make Fearless on of my favorite cuts.

The title cut, Supernatural is a modern hard rocking tune with a strong bass beat that makes you want to bob your head. This song packs a powerful message as it brings the reality of life into the Supernatural life of God. The opening lines of the song, "This world is a tortured place to be, so many things to torment me" draw you into this powerful rocking song. Michael Tait and Kevin Max sing the verses with Toby Mac coming in on the chorus.

Other cuts on this album are superb songs as well, all with great music, fine vocals and well-written lyrics. Maybe it's just me getting older, but today's cookie cutter pop music does not hold a candle to DC Talk's Supernatural. Supernatural is innovative, inspirational and just downright good music