January 1, 2007

Forefront Records, 2006

Reviewed by Ben Meydam

 

Their influence has possibly done more for the Christian music genre than any other group in the last decade. It isn’t that they were the greatest group/band of the 90s, though that is debatable among many.  It’s that DC Talk connected to youth all across America.

 

Their music inspired adolescents to search for the “New Thang” in Christ. It brought a consciousness of being “Free At Last” from sin and the influence of Satan. It motivated a revolution in teens and young adults to become “Jesus Freaks” like John the Baptist, sacrificing all to the perfect sacrifice. And it drove youth to become “Supernatural” in their relationship with God.

 

DC Talk has taken on many different styles through the years. Whether you listen to hip/hop, rap, or rock, this group has most likely influenced your musical preference.  Now with the release of the Tenth Anniversary Special Edition they are connecting again, by spicing up awe-inspiring songs like “What If I Stumble,” “What Have We Become?,” “In My Mind’s Eye,” and the famous “Jesus Freak.”

 

This two-disc wonder is loaded with original and remixed favorites. Disc one contains the original twelve-song Jesus Freak album, and disc two has eight remixed numbers, five live songs, and an awesome instrumental of “In the Light.”  The combination and composition of the songs is like DC Talk meets The OC. The music completely appeals to the youth culture of today’s era and infuses the righteous lyrics of a past era.

 

I really enjoyed going back in my mind’s eye to the first time I heard “Jesus Freak,” and remembering concerts of my peers committing to the lifestyle of the devoted. We were ready to eat locust and honey, ready to give all, and ready to live and die for the cause of Christ. The decision made by the Discman junkies will be the same made by the iPod revolutionists. I will be a Jesus Freak.

 

Take it from me, this CD reunites Toby Mac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max as DC Talk like nothing else could.

ninetyandnine.com

 

© 2007, Ben Meydam

 

---------

Ben Meydam is a graphic designer for the Pentecostal Publishing House, and
an avid music connoisseur. He and his wife Bonnie have lead worship for six years
at Landmark UPC in Bethalto, IL.