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Artist: Michael Olson
Label: Rocketown
Length: 11/50:53
Michael Olson is another in a long line of prodigies that have recently entered the CCM world. After releasing an independent album, and touring with Sara Groves, Olson signed to Rocketown, and has released his first label release, Long Arm of Love.
Olson avoids the trends of most performers his age, staying away from the nu metal/hip hop/pop punk genres that are ubiquitous as of late. Rather, his music sounds as if he's been listening to CCM and '80's stations before writing these tunes.
"I Believe in Jesus" will be the radio song, unless I miss my guess. Olson has a higher vocal that falls somewhere between NewSong and Mark Schultz. In fact, "Give My Life Away" bears a strong resemblance to the former's "Gonna Live What I Believe." At various other intervals, Olson resembles '70's standouts Dan Fogelburg and Michael McDonald.
"Long Arm of Love" owes its meter and rhythm to the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic." "Lift My Eyes" is Olson's musical interpretation of Psalm 121. "So Glad" is somewhat out of place (in a good way), showing Olson's guitar talent–this song has a little more soul to it than its predecessors.
Michael Olson shows us occasional glimpses of talent here, particularly on the title track, and on "So Glad." The rest of Long Arm of Love, though, comes off as standard CCM radio fare, with not much to distinguish it from ninety other performers with a similar sound. Time lends perspective–it will be fun to see if his music breaks into new terrain, or if he plays it safe for the next few years.
Brian A. Smith
22 May 2005
If Michael Olson’s debut, Long Arm of Love is any indication we should be hearing from this Minneapolis-based singer / songwriter for years to come. Sonically he resembles another Rocketown Records artist, Shaun Groves. If you had to compare both artists, their music would more closely resemble performers like James Taylor, Sara Groves, and Carolyn Arends. On "Long Arm of Love" however Olson demonstrates the versatility to stretch the boundaries considerably further than his contemporaries with sounds of classical, country and a blues finding their way onto this CD.
Rocketown continues to sign artists who have the ability to write very good lyrics. Michael W. Smith’s label is simply not content to have a stable of artists who follow market trends with catchy hooks; instead they have assembled a stable of musically gifted poets who write thought provoking lyrics. That roster of artists includes; Ginny Owens, Watermark, Chris Rice, Shaun Groves, and now Michael Olson.
On "The Measure of His Love," Jerry McPherson, Scott Dente, and bassist Matt Pierson lay down some great guitar licks. The song speaks to the heart of our faith as Christians with words like;
Wait, your faith is a treasure on displayThe title track "Long Arm of Love" from the album released on May 17th was the first track to receive airplay. This song is a testament to Olson’s ability to think outside of the traditional songwriting box. He blends original lyrics with a verse of "Blessed Assurance" and another verse of "Amazing Grace." The resulting song is set to a soft rock beat.
Don’t go and wish it all away
‘Cause it’s in the hardest times
We realize the measure of His love
It is difficult to focus on one thing that stands out about this CD because there are so many positives. Olson possesses one of the better male voices to appear on the Christian music scene as a solo artist. His voice has no rough edges in fact you may want to apply a term not often used for folk/rock artists--that being silky smooth. This quality is particularly highlighted on "When It Comes To You"; a song that hints at Olson’s potential to dabble in a more R&B sound.
"So Glad" once again demonstrates Olson’s versatility as he crosses the line ever so slightly with a song that is closer to country than it is to folk or rock. In fact if you didn’t read his bio you might think he was from Nashville and not the Midwest.
Long Arm Of Love, the CD bears the fingerprints of producer Nate Sabin (Sara Groves). It is a masterpiece from a quality artist. This album is well worth the investment. If Shaun Groves’ White Flag to be released July 1st is even close to Olson’s rookie creation Rocketown will have put together a sensational one-two punch for the summer months.
By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
This material may not be redistributed without prior written permission from Joe Montague.
Joe Montague is a freelance Christian journalist / photographer who has been published in a variety of community, daily and Christian newspapers coast to coast in Canada and the United States. Joe Montague's ministry of journalism is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven far too early at the age of 18.
