To Extremes

Description

To Extremes is the twelfth and final studio album by the American rock combo DeGarmo & Key Band, released on Benson Records in 1994. The album was produced by John Hampton, Eddie DeGarmo, and Dana Key.

Last year, D&K celebrated their 15th anniversary of recording with ‘Heat It Up‘, which featured a somewhat purer rock sound than many of their recent releases. With their latest recording, Eddie and Dana prove that ‘To Extreme’ is more than just a clever title; it describes both their lyrical and musical direction.

The boys have never been apologetic about the direct simplicity of many of their songs; in fact, they may be among the few Christian artists who consider it a compliment to have their lyrics described as “bumper sticker theology.”

If there’s anything less subtle about ‘To Extremes’ than recent vintage D&K, it’s that the album marks more of a return to the band’s earliest influences; raw, Rolling Stones-style blues/rock and just a smidgen of their native Memphis soul. A killer guitar hook and off-beat drum riff launch the opening «Stressed», wherein Key recommends hitting one’s knees as a relief for the burdens of the world; the guitarist works out a bit of that stress with a neck-wringing solo. Following that is a soulful “semi-unplugged” remake of The Rascals’ «People Got to Be Free», which will no doubt be a feature of the band’s “Acoustic Café” tour; also fitting that description is the title track, which invites the listener to “live your life extreme so all can see God’s love.” «Hangin’ By a Scarlet Thread» features a New Orleans style drum beat (not unlike Aerosmith’s «Rag Doll»); besides gritty guitar work by Key, the track also sports, tight, punchy duet vocals by Ed & Dana. The ’70s Stones influence surfaces most recognizably on «Rebel for God» and «Judgment Day», with horn accents provided by DeGarmo’s keyboards and more amazing fretwork by Dana (has this guy been woodshedding, or what!?) – even in the midst of «To Extremes», Key checks in with a distorted solo that’s the perfect counterpoint to the acoustic arrangement. Although Eddie’s keys are not as prominently featured as in the past, his vocal work is solid, and he makes the most of the spots where his keys come to the fore. We would also be remiss if we didn’t mention the excellent ensemble work of bassist Tommy Cathey and drummer Greg Morrow, whose long tenure with D&K makes their fine playing seem almost second nature.

Perhaps the most satisfying thing about ‘To Extremes’ is the fact that even though you can tell a lot of care went into making the album, it seems relaxed and almost effortless. It is, simply put, Ed and Dana’s best work yet int the ’90s. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, July 1994]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/to-extremes/1395637554)

CD tracklist:

01. Stressed
02. People Got To Be Free
03. Hanging By A Scarlet Thread
04. Rebel For God
05. Judgement Day
06. Hyper-Faith
07. To Extremes
08. Carry The Cross
09. Dangerous Place
10. Reclaim America

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Benson.