As I mentioned in the Audio Adrenaline self-titled album review, the band showed they could rock a party and still rejoice in God's glory at the same time. Their follow-up, Don't Censor Me, showcases the band's rising maturity both lyrically and musically. Despite the fact Mark's occasional rapping is nonexistent on this CD, the album is still worthy of owning for one's Christian rock collection. The album begins with a melodic tune "Can't Take God Away," which in and of itself is pretty self explanatory throughout the entire song. The next track, "A.K.A. Public School," is a nice fringe upbeat tune that encourages the teen listener to be a Godly witness in his/her school. A notable highlight of this record is the stirring ballad "My World View," which has a similar meaning to Collective Soul's "The World I Know" and features guest vocals by Kevin Max [Smith] of dc Talk. Things pick up again with Audio A's first huge smash "Big House," which is a fun description of Heaven that only these guys can offer.

If you're wondering if Don't Censor Me eventually begins to get harder, you may be in for a surprise since all but 2 tracks on the album are either ballads or upbeat, melodic tracks. However, the songs "Let Love" and "We're A Band" do have the tendency to allow the listener a chance to want to bang his/her head or even participate in a mosh pit. For those who are into thought-provoking ballads there's "Rest Easy," which simply suggests that we, as Christians, should rest in the embrace of Christ's arms regardless of how badly we're sinning in our lives. Each song on Don't Censor Me has Mark Stuart singing exuberantly with passion and undeniable credibility; fortunately, the guitars of Barry Blair and Will McGuiness along with Bob Herdman's keyboards also make the album a must-have with the listener hoping for more after it is finished.

All in all, Don't Censor Me may not be Audio Adrenaline's best effort, but at the same time a stepping stone in the band's growth spiritually and musically. If you're looking for a heavier side of Audio A, I would recommend albums such as bloOm and Some Kind of Zombie. But if you're a fan of such bands like Collective Soul, Maroon 5, and John Mayer, do yourself a favor by picking up a copy of Audio Adrenaline's Don't Censor Me.

Review date: 11/20/03, written by Paul Portell of Jesusfreakhideout.com