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THREE
"The
Radio Hits" (Silent Planet; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Three is a band of Christian rockers, as their song titles ("Holy Words," "In the Presence of Our Lord," "When Your Pray") and lyrics (some of which are pure gospel) will clearly indicate. I've heard of the band but only in passing so I'm a little curious as to how many of the 13 tracks on this CD are actually the promised "radio hits."
Some of the songs on "Radio Hits" have the hooks and the drive to actually have been radio hits at one time or another. The tracks on this CD are either 80s style hard rockers, bluesy ballads or driving instrumentals and they are all fairly well-written and performed with obvious talent.
What the band could use is a little punch. Although "The Radio Hits" is entertaining enough, it could be a little more energetic. This is surprising because usually Christian rock is laden with passion; "The Radio Hits" just doesn't have enough of it. Some of this might have to do with the lead vocals which range from serviceable to sounding a little lazy.
The CD ends with two instrumentals: the adequate "Heaven's Horses," and an untitled hidden track that throws a sly wink at Joe Satriani's style.
The good news is that there's nothing bad on this CD. The bad news is that there's nothing truly outstanding here either. "The Radio Hits" is an entertaining CD throughout but you'll get the impression that it all could have been just a little bit better.
For more information, check out http://www.theministryofthree.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
