They say that absence either makes the heart grow fonder or makes it forget. At the mention of Scott Silletta putting out a new album, the Plankeye junkie inside of me was beside himself with pure joy. This time, he's flying solo and is giving the listener something true, honest, and unadulterated. Apparently, Silletta's life has to say something in The Life and Times Of...

The album opens incredibly with the soft yet driven "Break in Rhyme." The smooth combination of piano and stacked vocals is blended so well that it hooks the listener within the first few seconds. The lyrics are thought provoking as Silletta sings, "And so it goes, what we're handed can always be gone in the blink of an eye... and so it grows into something we cannot hide from this whole wide world." It's those honest lyrics that carry depth and are so appreciated; they don't deny hurt while still embracing a loving Savior. Another great standout track is "Time Remains the Same." The song really echoes the truth that God doesn't change as time goes by. In addition to that, the acoustic sound makes it that much more effective.

"This House Ain't Fallin'" is a beautiful confession about life not being perfect but knowing that it can't be brushed off as a mistake. It also features very melodic verses that have a pinch of rhythm and blues. Silletta's falsetto also complements the track very well throughout the latter part of the song. "It Shows That I Am Weak" continues with the same confessional feel as it's about acknowledging what he can't handle and that in our weakness God is strong, which is something we all need to be reminded of.

The only awkward moment on the album is on "All Because Of You" which is a love song written to his daughter. The track opens and closes with his daughter talking. Some people might think this actually very sweet, but it's so abrupt that it throws the song off a bit. Plus, it doesn't quite fit the album well and seems randomly placed. Nevertheless, the song itself is still good and could very well become a great one for fathers and daughters to share together.

If this album were to determine if Scott Silletta should continue with music it would be an emphatic YES! It's almost as if he is reflecting on the lessons that we were all taught in Sunday school as kids but don't become real until we're in the middle of it; it's pure genius. If you are an old-school Plankeye fan or looking for new music, this is the album that you should have purchased yesterday. Welcome back, Mr. Silletta.

- Review date: 7/8/11, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com