Description
Bloom is the third full-length studio album by the American alternative rock band Audio Adrenaline, released on ForeFront Records in February 1996, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group in the US. The album was recorded by John Hampton and Erik Flettrich at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee; with Hampton producing, except tracks 6, 7 and 9 recorded by John Mark Painter of Fleming & John fame and Jef Curtiss with The Gotee Brothers (tobyMac, Joey Elwood, and Todd Collins) producing for Gotee Productions. Mixed by John Hampton at Ardent Studios. Keyboard arrangements by Eddie DeGarmo of DeGarmo & Key Band fame. All songs written by the band except track 7, a The Edgar Winter Group cover.
Audio Adrenaline is lead singer Mark Stuart, Barry Blair, Will McGinniss, and Bob Herdman.
The recently released live album showed that the band had a lot more rock ‘n’ roll edge than suggested from the delicious pop on offer on their ‘Don’t Censor Me’ breakthrough hit. Now, like their label mates DC Talk, AA bring grunge elements a plenty to their new release while never forsaking those engaging hooks, laconic vocals and lyrical wit. Fans looking for another «Big House» won’t be disappointed with «Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus» which wryly points out that though the singer could go to Hollywood, have his teeth capped and be as big as James Dean or alternatively “climb the corporate ladder, buy sell and liquidate” or “be just like the Beatles – melodic rock heavyweights” they would never be as big as Jesus, “never gonna hold the world in my hand”. Brilliant stuff. Elsewhere other engaging hooks get even a casual listener singing along. The chunky bottom intro to «See Through» is guaranteed to get an audience moshing while a cover of «Free Ride» (which Edgar Winter Group hit with back in the ’70s) is another delight. A brilliant pop rock album which would make number one Stateside if it wasn’t for DC Talk and the Newsboys. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, April 1996]
[April Hefner, CCM Magazine, March 1996]
Girder Music Promo, 2026
Thirty years ago in 1996, Audio Adrenaline didn’t just release an album – they defined a decade of Christian rock with this album Bloom. Now, for the first time in three decades, the record that catapulted the band to superstardom returns in a exclusive and Limited Run Red & Orange Blossom, 30th Anniversary Vinyl Edition. Only 400 made and if you remember how fast Some Kind of Zombie sold, you’ll want to get on this now.
Perfectly capturing the album’s unique tension between heavy grunge textures and infectious electric guitar leads, this limited edition release honors the raw, riff-driven legacy of original guitarist Barry Blair and the unmistakable vocals of Mark Stuart. From the driving grooves of «Secret» to the anthemic «Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus», Bloom remains a defining moment in 90s rock history that earned both Dove and Grammy nominations for its high-energy sound. Mastered for vinyl by Rob Colwell and featuring art layout by Scott Waters @ Nolifetilmetal, this 30th-anniversary edition is a must-have for fans who want to experience these 13 classic tracks with the punch and clarity they deserve..
Anyone that thinks this is a grunge album is wrong because it’s got electric guitar leads throughout. Anyone that thinks this is a rock album is wrong, because it’s got the grungy feeling all over it. But anyone that thinks this is a CCM rock or Electric Pop album is also wrong. It’s heavy with punch.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/bloom/715552559)
CD tracklist:
01. Secret – 3:43
02. Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus – 4:26
03. Good People – 3:26
04. I’m Not The King – 3:51
05. Walk On Water – 3:51
06. See Through – 4:58
07. Free Ride – 3:22
08. Man Of God – 4:18
09. Gloryland – 4:23
10. Jazz Odyssey – 1:21
11. Bag Lady – 4:10
12. I Hear Jesus Calling – 3:37
13.1. Memoir – 4:06
13.2. (silence) – 0:21
13.3. Untitled – 0:43
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ForeFront Records. Track 13 contains a hidden track starting at approximately 4:27. Remastered for vinyl and re-issued as a Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music in 2026 (limited to 400 copies worldwide), pressed on Red & Orange Blossom Vinyl. (Officially licensed from Capitol CMG.)
Bloom. Remastered and pressed on Red & Orange Blossom Vinyl, Girder Records 2026.
“Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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