Amplifier
Artist: Big Tent Revival
Label: Ardent/ForeFront
For several months the guys of Big Tent Revival have been saying
that their new project, Amplifier, would really "RAWK!" And
they do not disappoint! Since the success of their song "What Would
Jesus Do" (from the compilation of the same name) and four previous hit
songs from the album Open All Nite, the band seems more confident
and willing to stretch. Amplifier is a more mature and well-rounded
outing by the boys from Memphis. Steve Wiggens's vocals are aptly
suited for these songs -- soft and gentle in places, rising to a scream
in others. Randy Williams's guitar work is excellent--predominantly
electric, with occasional moments of acoustic quiet thrown in. A
new and welcome addition to the band since their last project is David
Allen on keyboards. Rounding out the band is Rick Heil on bass and
Spence Smith on drums. Together these guys take the music through
several different styles, from pop to rock to blues, with a few surprises
thrown in.
All of the songs except the opener were written by Steve Wiggens,
and his intent is obvious throughout - to preach the gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ. In "God Made Heaven," he reminds a friend that
although it might take a lifetime or a minute, he is going to tell him
about the Lord, because "God made heaven, and He wants you in it!" "Star
in the Book of Life" looks at things from the point of view of the angels.
They must look down at us often and wonder why we live like we do:
There's a star by your name in
the Book of Life
Angels are watching you over time
They can't understand why a child
of the King
Would be happy to live with the
swine
In the Beatlesque "Lovely Mausoleum," Steve goes straight to the heart
of a soul that seems to be alive on the outside but is dead on the inside
without Christ:
Ain't it a shame
All of the world's a game
You can see everything
Circling down the drain
Ain't it a shame
All you've been fashionin'
Suddenly crashin' in
Surely you know?
You've built a lovely mausoleum for your soul.
The hit track "What Would Jesus Do" is included here, along with a
nice praise and worship song based on Psalm 72. "Someday (Time &
Space)" is a beautiful love song that gives David Allen a chance to shine
on keyboards. The band has a little fun with the funky tune "Jimmy,"
about a guy who rides a bicycle with a steering wheel instead of handle
bars.
The band's "thank-you's" are included here on track 11. They're
fun to listen to the first few times, these guys being pretty amusing,
but I'm not sure how many times you'd want to hear "I'd like to thank
my mom and dad...." Steve Wiggens does a pretty good Bill Clinton
imitation, though!
But the CD doesn't end there; in fact, it has four more unlisted
tracks. It's here that the band really turns it up a notch.
With Randy Williams's hard-driving guitars and Wiggens's vocals, these
songs are some of the best rock sounds I've heard in awhile. "Rivalry"
is an indictment against the negative competition that exists within
the CCM industry:
I live in a two-faced town
It's someone's job to put me down
Call me crazy, call it pride
I like to think we're all on the
same side
We're all God's children
We're all God's kids
Love each other like Jesus said
There's one thing I can't see
Tell me why there's got to be
rivalry
My personal favorite on this CD is "West Memphis Lawyers." Having
heard this previously in concert, I couldn't wait to get a recording of
it. Opening with some great blues guitar, it moves into a rock tune with
a blues interlude in the middle that has the keyboard and guitar playing
off each other. We're reminded:
When you stand before the Lord
for what you owe
All the lawyers in West Memphis
Sure can't save your soul
Amplifier is Big Tent Revival's strongest project to date and
should help to establish them as a major force in Christian rock music.
Fans will enjoy the growth displayed here, while new listeners will be
treated to some fine classic rock. And through it all the gospel
will be proclaimed.
By Janet Friesen
   
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