Idle Cure's 1990 release 2nd Avenue is a phenomenal album. Generally considered to be the band's best. The writing is sensational top to bottom, and some of the very best in all the Christian rock domain. Steve Shannon and Bob Carlisle (who provides background vocals here), deliver a vocal tour de force that is breathtaking.

What makes this project so special is the incredible energy contained in each track, as well as the remarkable variety of styles and musical textures. It offers some of the hardest rock for the time (witness "Talk It Out," and "If You Mean It"), followed by beautiful, tender ballads ("Contend For The Faith," "Ordinary Man").

For anyone wanting a taste of what Contemporary Christian Music can and should be, they need look no further than Idle Cure's representation.

Review date: 5/5/09, written by William Shay for Jesusfreakhideout.com