Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review



Kevin Max
The Blood



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 24 seconds
Street Date: December 26, 2007


Kevin Max has proven to possess an incredible vocal versatility over the years, beginning with the hip hop outfit dc Talk in the late 80s. As that trio morphed into a pop/rock wonder, Max was given even more chances to stretch his vocals with different musical styles, an opportunity that has only increased with his solo career. With two pop/rock albums and a Christmas album under his belt, the vocalist reaches back to his roots with The Blood, a unique Gospel project that proves that Max's incredible pipes can conquer just about any style.

And though these Gospel tracks have been covered time and time again, Max gives them a fresh feel, and respectfully expresses their rich history in the process. "The Blood is not a classic hymns cover project, or a white/homogenized version of black gospel or soul music," Max says. "It's a sensitive and stylized adaptation of the music that was at the root of rock and roll, blues, and popular culture."

The "adaptation" gets started with a rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross," which receives the royal Johnny Cash treatment, with a single guitar being the only accompaniment to Max's deep, bass-filled voice. The song is warped to sound like it is being played on an old AM radio, adding to the Cash effect. At just over a minute-and-a-half, it is The Blood's shortest track, but it is an appropriate opener.

The AM radio effect almost poignantly fades away, and crisp, clear guitars appear as a dc Talk reunion ensues on their version of "The Cross." Not only does it work as proof of the legitimacy of rock 'n roll's roots in Gospel, but it is also a really solid dc Talk track. The nuances and subtle ironies are more than likely going to be overlooked however, because, well, this is the first new dc Talk song in years.

It is not the only track with a guest appearance. Indeed, an impressive group of talent joins Max on a number of tracks on The Blood. American Idol finalist Chris Sligh appears on the Blind Boys of Alabama reminiscent "Run on for a Long Time." Amy Grant and Vince Gill appear on a Gospel rendition of "Up above My Head I Hear Music in the Air." Ashley Cleveland sings background on a blues take on "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power." Erica Campbell of Mary Mary appears on the eclectic, beautiful "People Get Ready." And Joanne Cash herself appears on the Max-penned album closer, "One Way, One Blood." These guests represent a wide range of musical diversity, and all play their parts perfectly.

Calling this a cover album would be a spit in the face, not only to Max himself, but to the people responsible for the songs found here. It follows that Max's ability to make these old classics relevant today, to a completely different audience, is a compliment to both parties as well. The rich history and diversity found on The Blood is quite a work of intellect and artistry, and is played to near perfection.

- PReviewed: 10/24/07, Review date: 12/22/07, written by Josh Taylor




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 


. Record Label: Blind Thief/Infinity
. Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 24 seconds
. Street Date: December 26, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. The Old Rugged Cross
  2. The Cross (featuring dc Talk)
  3. Run On For A Long Time (featuring Chris Sligh)
  4. Trouble Of The World
  5. I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole
  6. Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The
    Air (featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant)
  7. They Won't Go When I Go
  8. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
  9. People Get Ready (featuring Erica Campbell of Mary Mary)
  10. One Way, One Blood (featuring Joanne Cash)
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images