Pete Stewart

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American singer and songwriter Pete Stewart of Grammatrain fame was released on ForeFront Records in 1999, distributed in the US by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was produced by Michael Tait of dc Talk fame and Pete Stewart.

Pete Stewart spent the mid-’90s singing lead for Grammatrain. Forget about that. Where Grammatrain frequently expressed angst, Stewart, on his eponymous solo debut, expresses victory. Where Grammatrain lamented, Stewart rejoices. Where Grammatrain engaged in the drone of post-modern quasi-grunge, Stewart ably nails a very listenable blend of arena rock and highly polished aggressive pop. Call it hard pop.

Not coincidentally, this music is very much like the sound of the latest efforts of dc Talk. There are several reasons for the sound similarities. The credits seem to include almost everyone who’s ever worked on a dc Talk record except Kevin Max. Michael Tait produced the record with Stewart, and they collaborated on writing eight of its 11 songs. Toby McKeehan helped write two songs. And the list of players include such familiar names as Todd Collins, Otto Price and Rick May.

Abundant assistance notwithstanding, Pete Stewart benefits from being a one-man show. Because he’s front and center on every song, Stewart delivers a set that’s more solid than some group efforts tend to be. He’s just as strong and convincing on the ballads («Worship Song», «Waiting for the Son») as he is on the record’s hardest rockers («Out of My Mind», «Up in the Sky», «The One»). Other highlights include Stewart’s reflections on grace («Spinning», «The Reason is You»), the Traveling Wilbury-esque «Better Off» and his rowdy front porch romp cover of Love Song’s «Little Country Church». Of particular note are Chad Chapin’s amazing drumming on the first three songs and Stewart’s stellar guitar work throughout. [Derek Wesley Selby, CCM, May 1999]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/pete-stewart/715640800)

CD tracklist:

01. Out Of My Mind – 4:41
02. Better Off – 4:01
03. Uphill Battle – 3:08
04. Worship Song – 3:02
05. Little Country Church – 2:37
06. Don’t Underestimate – 3:59
07. Spinning – 5:03
08. Up In The Sky – 2:47
09. The Reason Is You – 4:58
10. The One – 4:22
11. Waiting For The Son – 4:37

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