In 1983, Steve Taylor began his outstanding and controversial musical career, with I Want To Be A Clone, a short, but sweet taste of his sarcastic and brilliant lyrical and musical style.

I Want To Be A Clone" begins with "Steeple Chase," a short intro about a man trying to find a church where he can hide his true self and continue a worldly lifestyle while still attending a church where he's "comfortable." Steve points out multiple issues with this idea, "You like the big ones/worship incognito/your problems ain't getting solved."

It then smoothly transitions into one of Steve's most popular and best songs; "I Want To Be A Clone" features creative guitar and bass work, paired with intelligent lyrics makes for an amazing all-around song, addressing issues still present today: "Now I see the whole design/my church is an assembly line/the parts are there I'm feeling fine/I want to be a clone."

"Whatever Happened To Sin" is a fun and upbeat song about possibly the most important issue within the modern church: the excluding of repentance of sin from the gospel, "If the Lord don't care/if he chooses to ignore-ah/tell it to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah." It's a personal favorite, with lyrics that are definitely an album highlight and should be listened to carefully.

Up next is "Written Guarantee," a song about dependence on God, with some great drum rolls and an infectiously catchy chorus, leading to a more funky tune, "Bad Rap." It's a song with too many little details and lyrical references to mention in one review. The EP wraps with "Whatcha Gonna Do When Your Number's Up?," a song about the sad conclusion of those who haven't accepted Christ; "Grabbin' for the gusto/Gonna hit paydirt or bust/Where's it gonna get you/When you bite the dust?"

I Want To Be A Clone is great album from beginning to end and a perfect example of Steve's amazing writing skill and musical diversity and originality. I Want To Be A Clone is short but sweet.

Review date: 7/15/12, written by Wesley Santiago for Jesusfreakhideout.com