JERICHO ROAD, "True North" (Shadow Mountain) ****
Jericho Road, the local guy-group composed of Bret Bryce, Dave Kimball, Abe Mills and Justin Smith, burst on the scene a year ago with a debut album that sold more units than any other in Deseret Book history.
Now the group is back with a second album, "True North," that may be even stronger.
The album features a collection of songs that fit squarely in the contemporary Christian genre — songs of faith and finding strength in belief. A number were co-written by Nashville songwriter Steve Siler, including the opening "Finding My Way Back to You" and the tender "You Melt the Madness." The group also infuses Kenny Loggins' "Conviction of the Heart" with deep feeling.
But there are some substantial songs by local songwriter/producer Tyler Castleton and a variety of collaborators. "Lift Me Up," by Castleton, Jerry Williams and John McVey; and "A New Day," by Castleton and Jenny Frogley, are particularly nice.
The varied pacing, the mix of arrangements and background accompaniments — from the a cappella "If I Lose My Way" to the keyboards and strings on "Let Me Reach You" to the piano and guitar on "All I Do" — give the CD a fresh and exciting sound.
Some entertainers get by on looks and personality, some rely on good material and others have the musical ability to make any material sound good. Jericho Road is a complete package — earning full points in all three areas.
There's no question that the group's engaging stage presence and youthful energy win fans among teens — and their mothers. (They have recently released a backstage DVD especially for these fans.)
But their songs have powerful messages that can be enjoyed on a number of levels. And their music is solid — filled with tight harmonies, good range and heartfelt emotion.
"True North" takes Jericho Road in the right direction.
VARIOUS ARTISTS, "Charly: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (Cinergy Records)*** 1/2
"Charly," the movie, may be getting mixed reviews. But "Charly," the album, has a lot going for it.
The music, composed for the film primarily by newcomer Aaron Merrill (with some help from Cherie Call, Jeremy Elliott, Brett Raymond, Cassey Golie, Alex Boye and Alexander E. Jenkins), features a
mix of styles and genres from pop to jazz, with a bit of rap thrown in.
The CD is divided into two sections, the first part a collection of songs and the second of instrumental tracks.
Jenny Jordan brings tender emotion to "A Heartbeat Away" in both the initial offering and the reprise. Raymond nails the bluesy/jazzy "Got a Thing for You." Same goes for his "This Craziness Is Love."
Call's "Restless Soul" has a pretty melody, but her punchy delivery is also effective. "Living Out Loud" by Golie and "Cold Hard Streets" from Boye are filled with energy.
The soundtrack section works nicely as a tone poem of sorts. Mostly, it has a fanciful feel, light and airy, but with some depth. The flow is interrupted a bit in a few places, but overall it makes for nice, easy listening.
Knowing the movie's storyline can give the music a meaningful context, but this is also a CD that stands on its own.
E-MAIL: carma@desnews.com