Another greatest hits album from the hard rock band Bride has raised from the ashes and into the Christian market. Do we really want to travel down this road? There have been multiple greatest hits or "best of" albums for the band to the point where it becomes difficult to keep track of each release that's coming out. Earlier in 2006, Star Song Records went through their library to bring back the contemporary Christian music of bands such as Whitecross, DeGarmo & Key, PFR, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Whiteheart and several others. The ending result of this release is the Very Best Of Bride from the time period when the label was releasing their music from 1990 until 1995.

The album's first track "Hell No," although an eye-catching title at first glance, doesn't really have the right feel for the opening of the album. It is definitely a good song, but "Hell No" just doesn't have the right kick that Bride is well-known for. Moving onward, the second track, "Same 'ol Sinner," has the correct amount of energy and heaviness that will definitely have several listeners firmly holding their headphones close to their ears while head-banging to the song. "Everybody Knows My Name" continues this trend, but then the album comes to a halt on "Troubled Times" and "Hired Gun." There's no denying the craftsmanship of these songs, which come from their 1991 release Kinetic Faith, but both tracks just seem out of place and could have been left out.

The next several tracks come from Bride's breakthrough release Snakes In The Playground. The moment the opening words "Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart today" are spoken on the song "Rattlesnake," the listener will be in for a big treat. Each track brings a strong influence from secular hard rock bands such as Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses. Dale Thompson delivers a top-notch performance that brings to mind vocalists such as Axl Rose from GN'R and Brett Michaels of Poison. "Would You Die For Me," "Psychedelic Super Jesus," "Fallout," and "Beast" (the latter of which is from their 1994 album Scarecrow Messiah) are all a joy to listen to over and over again. Finally and once again, the last two tracks "Place" and "One" were not the best choices for closing this album and could have been left out as well.

Despite negative reactions to Bride's previous collection of hits, the good folks from Star Song Records made a good effort in collecting some of Bride's best material during the late 80's and leading up to the mid-90's. However, unless you are a new fan of the group and do not have any of their previous material then there is really no reason to pick up this release. Since there are also several tracks from their album Snakes In The Playground on this release, it \ would be wise to checkout Snakes... first before throwing down money on this release. Anyone else who just wants to hear the #1 hits from Bride, will probably find a lot to enjoy on this disc. Very Best Of Bride is definitely a major improvement over their previous hits releases and is recommended for fans of Guns N' Roses and all forms of classic Christian metal.

- Review date: 1/14/10, written by Fred Keel of Jesusfreakhideout.com