dc Talk - Jesus Freak

Jesus Freak, like the 1970s phrase that it's culled from, is an oddity. Who could have ever imagined such a wonderful blend of grunge rock, rap, melodic pop, and funk? "So Help Me God" sets the tone with a wicked guitar riff that draws boundaries for the trio's magic harmonies. "What If I Stumble?" and the vastly underrated "Between You and Me" allow Michael Tait to showcase his silky smooth vocals, while "Jesus Freak" and "Mind's Eye" prove the band can change speeds and rock as hard as anyone. For good measure, they even improve upon Charlie Peacock's "In the Light." One of the best Christian CDs of the '90s. --Michael Lyttle Amazon.com essential recording

Jesus Freaks

I bought this CD for a friend of mine who is a missionary to West Africa. I hope it has blessed her. I was truly blessed by this CD and I'll say that it still sounds fresh, as if it was released last year and not in the 90's. That's the coolest thing about Jesus Freak, you can be a new listener and it doesn't feel out of touch. October 13, 2008

Great CD

This album is awesome! They made music that really spoke to me and how I really am. DC Talk is just a fun group that make good music worshipping God and you cant beat that. January 24, 2008

.

I'm gay*

Now that I have your attention, lemme stop for a second and talk about this great album. This album belongs to the dreaded genre known as Christian rock. But it's still a shining beacon in a sea of nothingness, and it's guiding you to the world of Christianity in the eyes of Talt, Smith, and McKeehan, with a little help from their friends.

Well, before I rant on about the songs, you must give credit to the numerous musicians that led a hand making the infectious music. Not to mention Mark Heimermann, who gets songwriting credits on nearly every song. I think he mostly produced it, but I was a little unimpressed to figure out the three main guys didn't write the songs alone. The thing is, did Mark write it? Fustrating stuff, but I must take of five points for the score. It's my review!

Alright, with everything bad out of the way (that's not much. There's a laundry list for most Christian rock), I got nothing but praise for this album. dc Talk knock down walls on this album, both vocally and musically (at least for christian rock). The editorial reviewer is right, this album is an oddity, and unlike the knocking down walls, the sound itself is one of a kind, in a lot of music. The great thing is how great it actually is. Diversity and breaking of rules means nothing if it sucks. Not the case with Jesus Freak. The music is memorable, dense, catchy, and, it just sounds great. It won't bore you at all.

The vocals, for the most part, are excellent. There's some rapping, soulful singing, and it sounds remarkably their own. Which is great, but they, as a whole, are great singers. Original? Who cares. They sound great together, and that's what counts. While they never played any instruments, they are like a compact, powerful trio, only in vocal form. At least in my opinion.

Finally, the lyrics. Typical lyrics? Nope. There are some great messages on this album, not the typical "I love you god" _____ that so many bands do. Read into them, it tops it. I give more flying _________ about the music.

One cavet though, if you are not a Christian, skip this one. The music may be sensual to you, but it may not affect you, because the music can't move you with the lyrics. Indeed, this was made for Christians (well everybody, but Christians will most likely get something out of this). Atheists will probalely be turned off from it. If you are a Christian, buy it now. Render Amy Grant useless.

9.5/10

*Not true. Seriously. If I were gay, it would show (not in my music!) December 23, 2007

Classic Christian rock music

I bought this tape back in the 1990's when it came out. I immediately liked their sound. I have 3 of their CD's now, but this is my favorite. The lead singer has a great voice and their sound is similar to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Good messages as well. December 8, 2007

Flawless

I believe DC Talk to the greatest band to ever walk the earth. Toby Mac is a brilliant producer, and the group as a whole are some of the finest talents you will ever find. Their diversity is profound, as each of their albums conforms to the popular sound of the year it was released, and as such each of their albums is drastically different from the other.

For Jesus Freak, the genre was Grunge/Rock...and this album is UNBELIEVABLY good. Arguably the best they produced. This album is also quite possibly one of the greatest the Christian music industry has ever produced. October 12, 2007

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