Solo

Description

Solo is a seven-track CD-EP sampler featuring selected solo recordings by all members of the American pop/rock trio dc Talk, released on ForeFront Records in April 2001.

In the spring of 2001, Toby McKeehan, Kevin Max and Michael Tait of DC Talk released Solo. The EP aimed to introduce listeners to the trio as individuals, showcasing two songs from each of their upcoming solo releases. In July 2001, Michael Tait’s project Empty was issued, followed by Kevin Max’s Stereotype B in late August, and finally Momentum by tobyMac in November.

The recent hiatus taken by Christian music super group dc Talk was peculiar. There would be a one-year “intermission,” during which time each member would complete a full-length album and release it under his own name. The structure heightens with the release of Solo: Special Edition by the trio. The album is released under the dc Talk moniker, yet contains individual efforts, leading one to wonder whether the three really are running from the “group” status. Despite the confusion, Solo reveals three very distinct individuals making their way as performers, songwriters, and artists, in the process making some stellar music that’s both accessible and complex.

After the bonus cut, a live version of the U2 sing-a-long concert favorite «40», Michael Tait is the first up, having chosen to surround himself with a full band dubbed, appropriately enough, Tait. The first track, «Alibi», is straight ahead pop/rock, flavored with edgy moments courtesy of band member Pete Stewart (of Grammatrain fame), who is at the top of his game as experimental guitar guru, showing a real knack for the sort of controlled mayhem necessary for top-drawer rock production. The production is sonically rich, each instrument cranked to the max and Tait’s vocals hanging on for dear life above it all, clearly in control. There’s never been any doubt as to dc Talk’s members prowess as vocalists, and Tait is up to the task of frontman with flair and the necessary raw power. The lyrics are a little soft, however, tending towards generic subject matter, which only slightly spoils the overall exuberance. «All You Got» is a mid-tempo rocker, destined for countless radio spins. Tait’s vocals have never sounded creamier, and the song showcases his exceptionally masculine meaty approach. There’s always been elements of the great soul rockers in his voice, but he’s given more freedom to move in these tunes, although one would hope for a little more creative experimentation on the full LP.

When it comes to creative experimentation, dc Talk exhibitionist Kevin Max has always had it in spades. It was never a question of whether he would create fresh sounds, but whether he would corral his creativity into song form. On his two tracks, Max proves his ability to do so, the songs experimental, yet accessible enough to cut the mustard. On the first song, «Return of the Singer», a really chunky stutter-stop vocal loop spins behind Max’s trademark fluttering tenor. He’s really got a great tripped out funk-disco vibe going on, which almost sounds like something Sting would have cooked up in his spare time. As usual, Max accomplishes really miraculous vocal work, making it spontaneous and attractive. «Be» is a more traditional dc Talk number, cut from an organic cloth. Part of its effectiveness stems from a collaboration with guitar guru Adrian Belew, whose steel guitar work on the verse makes this soft acoustic number. On both numbers, Max shows he is a strong writer, lyrical without being cute or reaching too hard.

Toby Mac brings the hip-hop funk on «Somebody’s Watching», which settles into a nice groove courtesy of funky guitars and bass, elevated by the sweet soul backing vocals of Joanna Valencia. Toby’s a decent lyricist by his own right, spinning rhymes like “Sometimes I feel God in the middle of the night/ In the cool of the shade in the bright sunlight.” The disc only falters slightly by the inclusion of «Extreme Days», a Bizkit-esque rap-core romp. The form comes naturally to Toby Mac – he’s been doing this rap-over-rock for years with the group – and Toby plays master of ceremonies nicely. The groove, while not terribly inventive, is certainly a tight one, but the whole song seems too much of a paint-by-number effort, disappointing from the creative force behind Jesus Freak and Supernatural.

Solo is difficult to judge as a whole album, without cutting it into pieces or seeing it as a clever marketing ploy. Despite these obstacles, each member contributes solid, original material that certainly will make for three quality albums from the guys who first brought Christian music to the mainstream. [Glenn McCarty, The Phantom Tollbooth, 4/21/2001]

So the sabbatical that was foretold with the ‘Intermission’ greatest hits package has spawned solo outings from dc Talk members who will release the fruits of their labours in the coming months. In the meantime this tantalising taster acts as a warm up and it’s definitely whetting my appetite for more from Toby, Michael and Kevin. Democratically the EP opens with a live rendition of U2’s «40» (what is it about U2 tracks at the moment? Circadian Rhythm just covered my fave U2 track «Gloria» on their debut). This gives each member of the band a turn at lead vocals and it’s got rarity value for fans. Then Michael Tait unfurls his new band (simply called Tait and featuring pal Pete Stewart on guitar) and he’s off. with the rock’n’pop «Alibi». Then there’s his ballad «Carried Away» which has him getting a little soulful. All well and good but I have to confess that such perfect production and catchy songs are pretty commonplace in Nashville these days and it doesn’t really grab me that much! The next two songs come from K.max and it’s clear from the opening chords of «The Return Of The Singer» that Kevin Max has been having a creative beanfeast in the studio. Pushing things leftfield with a solid groove and some eastern melodies his unmistakable voice soars over the surging beats and it’s a winner. His ballad «Be» has a message encouraging the listener to have confidence in who they are. It’s the sort of song you could imagine Lenny Kravitz singing! Kevin’s leftfield elements make his two tracks a compelling listening experience and I think the album is going to surprise a few people. The EP concludes with TobyMac’s return to his hip-hop roots. The «Extreme Days» track is a rock’n’rap fusion which has already been on the movie soundtrack album of the same name. His other song «There In The Air» features a vocal hook from an old Motown one hit wonder Rockwell which will bring back memories for older music fans. It’s a brilliant piece of work packed with vibe and a fitting conclusion to the hoers d’oevres on offer here. Can’t wait for the three course meal of solo albums to arrive at the table. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, July 2001]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/solo-special-edition/724929913)

CD-EP tracklist:

01. dc Talk – 40 Live – 2:40
02. Tait – Alibi – 4:12
03. Tait – All You Got – 4:40
04. Kmax – Return Of The Singer – 3:51
05. Kmax – Be – 3:47
06. tobyMac – Somebody’s Watching – 3:48
07. tobyMac – Extreme Days – 3:50

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