Search - Whiteheart :: Redemption

Whiteheart saves best for last (see explanation below).

Brent A. Mikel | Maysville, GA | 11/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of us could feel it coming. It was just too quiet in the Whiteheart camp for too long. When "Redemption" finally came out and it was not supported with a concert tour, our fears were realized. Whiteheart disbanded in the months following the release of this CD. However, the introspective lyrics combined with the artistry of instrumentation make Whiteheart's "Redemption" one of the strongest Whiteheart albums ever.The years leading to the release of this project were not kind to Whiteheart. At the time of the recording of "Redemption", only co-founders Billy Smiley and Mark Gersmehl along with long-time lead vocalist Rick Florian remained. The remainder of the fellows in the studio were new to the band (not such a bad thing), and they were brought in soley for the making of the record. It worked because the sound coming off the finished product demonstrates an excellance in detail and quality.As you read the interviews following the release of "Redemptin", you understand better where the band (now trio) was coming from at the time of recording. Each man had been battling with some type of struggle that rocked him and his faith pretty hard. What came from these personal battles are honest, heartfelt, and certainly painful lyrics that parallel our own lives as well.The songs flow together in a theme even though each track is individually sequenced. The listener travels from despair to revelation to repentance to redemption (hence the title) by the time he/she finishes the final track. Despite the dark and melancholy feel to this CD, it actually provides a great deal of hope. Listen attentively to each lyric. In fact, take out the CD insert, sit down comfortably, and read along while you play through "Redemption" nonstop.While not as edgy as "Inside", you can still feel the rock. The majority of the songs are slower (slow to mid-tempo), but the production quality is outstanding. This CD will make you think."

It's different...

P. Kingsriter | Lakeville, MN United States | 07/09/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not yet a fan of this album, though I've been a huge fan of Whiteheart since "Don't Wait For The Movie". This album showcases very little of what I associate all things Whiteheart to be. There aren't anthemic hard rockin' songs ("Beat of a Different Drum", "No Taboo", "Bye-Bye Babylon", "Independence Day", etc...), nor are there poetic ballads ("How Many Times", "Montana Sky", "I'll Meet You There", "Desert Rose", etc...). What you do get are songs that are surprisingly brooding, even melancholy. A brief search of the band's website gives some insight: there was some major life-shakin' going on, which we all can appreciate. I really hope the best for the group, as they've ministered to me countless times in countless ways throughout the past decade and a half.Though the group has gone through many generations and personel changes, there always seemed to be a certain consistency about their music. This album was such a departure from their previous projects, if I hadn't read the name on the cover, I wouldn't have known who it was... I wouldn't go so far as to say you should pass on this album, just be prepared: it's not the same old Whiteheart."

Nothing but the best

C. L. Pariseau | Central Coast CA United States | 04/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I could only listen to one band it would be Whiteheart. If I could only have one album this would be it. I have all of Whitehart's studio albums (11). This by far is the best."