Michael Sweet sing My Love
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Stryper - Michael Sweet Interview
Michael Sweet of Stryper is interviewed on I Testify Online about his life and career in the worlds first Christian Metal band Stryper. In this excerpt Michael talks about performing before hostile crowds who were not receptive to their message about Christ!
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Noëlle music video and Lando Van Herzog with Boys Choir
Michael Sweet sings Christmas Carol Noelle while scenes from the upcoming film (www.entertainmentrevolution.com) about a business minded Catholic priest who closes churches screens; and German pop singer Lando Van Herzog (www.lando-van-herzog.com) sings along with the Cologne Cathedral Boys Choir.
Christian Music News Source
Friday, September 19, 2008
Solo discography
* Unstryped (EP 1992)
* Michael Sweet (July 26, 1994)
* Real (October, 1995)
* Truth (demo 1998)
* Truth (official release 2000)
* Him (2006)
* Touched (2007)
Guest appearances
* Mu5tard - Electra Glide
* Longday - An Explanation For My Behavior
* Mars Hill - Sink or Swim (2003)
* Michael W. Smith
* Guardian
* DC Talk
* Mass
Projects produced
* Mu5tard - Electra Glide
* Longday - An Explanation For My Behavior
* Mars Hill - Sink or Swim (2003)
* Savannah - Forever's Come and Gone
Christian Music Links!
* Michael Sweet (July 26, 1994)
* Real (October, 1995)
* Truth (demo 1998)
* Truth (official release 2000)
* Him (2006)
* Touched (2007)
Guest appearances
* Mu5tard - Electra Glide
* Longday - An Explanation For My Behavior
* Mars Hill - Sink or Swim (2003)
* Michael W. Smith
* Guardian
* DC Talk
* Mass
Projects produced
* Mu5tard - Electra Glide
* Longday - An Explanation For My Behavior
* Mars Hill - Sink or Swim (2003)
* Savannah - Forever's Come and Gone
Christian Music Links!
Biography
Youth
He began his musical career at age 5 playing guitar and at age 12 he began to sing. Sweet also learned to play the drums, piano and bass guitar.
Stryper
Main article: Stryper
In the early 80s, Sweet and his brother started a band called Roxx Regime and started playing in small venues. This band would later become Stryper. The band challenged the
stereotype of Heavy Metal being satanic and took Christian rock fully into mainstream.
With the band, Sweet recorded five successful studio albums that reached gold and platinum status and won him many awards, plus worldwide fame. However, in the early 90s, rock
music was facing serious shifts in itself and the band fell into a steep decline.
Solo
After 11 years as frontman of Stryper, Sweet decided to leave the band in 1992 in order to pursue a solo career. He first released a demo album titled Unstryped which featured
several songs that were allegedly intended to be songs for the band. Sweet later featured some of this in his first full-length album.
His self-titled debut album was released in 1994 and sold over 250,000 copies. He followed it with a slightly softer album titled Real in 1996 which garnered him a nomination for a Dove
Award. However, he left the Benson label with which he had released those two albums.
A single from this self-titled album, "Ain't No Safe Way" was released. The song is about abstaining from sex outside marriage, and the video was rejected by MTV. Much controversy
arose from this, and rock critic J. D. Considine said on the short-lived VH-1 program "4 on the Floor" that "He could have been singing, 'Hi, I'm the devil, let's go have sex' and MTV would
not have played it because it's a terrible song, it's a terrible video, and it isn't the kind of music MTV is playing right now."
During this time, Sweet and his wife moved to Massachusetts, where Sweet worked as a park ranger in his father-in-law's campground called Maple Park.
In 1998, he released an independent demo album titled Truth which received critical acclaim. He was signed to Restless Records and re-released the album in 2000 with a new song-list
and new artwork (see Truth).
On August 19, 2007, Sweet acted as Boston's lead singer in Come Together: A tribute to Brad Delp at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, MA. He will be joining Boston during the
band's Summer 2008 tour.
Boston
Michael Sweet currently is on tour performing lead vocals, background vocals, and guitar work for Boston. His first official show with the band was June 6, 2008 in Thunder Bay,
Ontario. Boston will continue their "Greatest Hits" tour through August 31, 2008, where they will play San Juan, Puerto Rico. Michael currently handles lead vocals on roughly half of the
setlist, including Boston staples "More Than a Feeling", "Amanda", and "Peace of Mind". The latter of which was re-recorded by Stryper and released via itunes on June 23, 2008.
Reviews of his performance have been overwhelmingly positive, as it is thought by many his vocal abilities, guitar talents, and stage presence have been very beneficial for Boston
following the untimely death of Brad Delp. While it is unknown how this may materialize for future Boston efforts, Michael may be included on new Boston recordings in the future, but
this has not been confirmed yet.
Stryper reunited
In 1999, Sweet reunited with former Stryper friends, Oz Fox and Tim Gaines during a concert in Puerto Rico. The concert featured Fox and Gaines' band at the moment, Sindizzy, while
Sweet was invited as a solo artist. The three of them got together for a brief set of four songs that showed that they still had the same intensity as before. The next year, the first
Stryper Expo was held in New Jersey and the whole line-up was reunited again.
The band has continued to work together releasing a new album titled Reborn in 2005. However, Michael has continued with his solo career as well. In August 1, 2006, he released a
solo album titled Him which features traditional hymns re-written and arranged by Sweet, and in 2008 he released another album titled Touched.
Stryper is scheduled to release a new album sometime in early 2009. The title of this album has been confirmed as Murder By Pride and will feature new Stryper material, as well as a
cover of "Peace of Mind.
Christian Music Links!
He began his musical career at age 5 playing guitar and at age 12 he began to sing. Sweet also learned to play the drums, piano and bass guitar.
Stryper
Main article: Stryper
In the early 80s, Sweet and his brother started a band called Roxx Regime and started playing in small venues. This band would later become Stryper. The band challenged the
stereotype of Heavy Metal being satanic and took Christian rock fully into mainstream.
With the band, Sweet recorded five successful studio albums that reached gold and platinum status and won him many awards, plus worldwide fame. However, in the early 90s, rock
music was facing serious shifts in itself and the band fell into a steep decline.
Solo
After 11 years as frontman of Stryper, Sweet decided to leave the band in 1992 in order to pursue a solo career. He first released a demo album titled Unstryped which featured
several songs that were allegedly intended to be songs for the band. Sweet later featured some of this in his first full-length album.
His self-titled debut album was released in 1994 and sold over 250,000 copies. He followed it with a slightly softer album titled Real in 1996 which garnered him a nomination for a Dove
Award. However, he left the Benson label with which he had released those two albums.
A single from this self-titled album, "Ain't No Safe Way" was released. The song is about abstaining from sex outside marriage, and the video was rejected by MTV. Much controversy
arose from this, and rock critic J. D. Considine said on the short-lived VH-1 program "4 on the Floor" that "He could have been singing, 'Hi, I'm the devil, let's go have sex' and MTV would
not have played it because it's a terrible song, it's a terrible video, and it isn't the kind of music MTV is playing right now."
During this time, Sweet and his wife moved to Massachusetts, where Sweet worked as a park ranger in his father-in-law's campground called Maple Park.
In 1998, he released an independent demo album titled Truth which received critical acclaim. He was signed to Restless Records and re-released the album in 2000 with a new song-list
and new artwork (see Truth).
On August 19, 2007, Sweet acted as Boston's lead singer in Come Together: A tribute to Brad Delp at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, MA. He will be joining Boston during the
band's Summer 2008 tour.
Boston
Michael Sweet currently is on tour performing lead vocals, background vocals, and guitar work for Boston. His first official show with the band was June 6, 2008 in Thunder Bay,
Ontario. Boston will continue their "Greatest Hits" tour through August 31, 2008, where they will play San Juan, Puerto Rico. Michael currently handles lead vocals on roughly half of the
setlist, including Boston staples "More Than a Feeling", "Amanda", and "Peace of Mind". The latter of which was re-recorded by Stryper and released via itunes on June 23, 2008.
Reviews of his performance have been overwhelmingly positive, as it is thought by many his vocal abilities, guitar talents, and stage presence have been very beneficial for Boston
following the untimely death of Brad Delp. While it is unknown how this may materialize for future Boston efforts, Michael may be included on new Boston recordings in the future, but
this has not been confirmed yet.
Stryper reunited
In 1999, Sweet reunited with former Stryper friends, Oz Fox and Tim Gaines during a concert in Puerto Rico. The concert featured Fox and Gaines' band at the moment, Sindizzy, while
Sweet was invited as a solo artist. The three of them got together for a brief set of four songs that showed that they still had the same intensity as before. The next year, the first
Stryper Expo was held in New Jersey and the whole line-up was reunited again.
The band has continued to work together releasing a new album titled Reborn in 2005. However, Michael has continued with his solo career as well. In August 1, 2006, he released a
solo album titled Him which features traditional hymns re-written and arranged by Sweet, and in 2008 he released another album titled Touched.
Stryper is scheduled to release a new album sometime in early 2009. The title of this album has been confirmed as Murder By Pride and will feature new Stryper material, as well as a
cover of "Peace of Mind.
Christian Music Links!
Michael Sweet - Unstryped: The Post-Stryper Sessions
By rnorton828 "rnorton828" (Riverbend, IL)
Unstryped consists of the first few songs recorded & released by Michael Sweet following his departure from Stryper. Some these songs remind me, musically of "Against the Law" (especially the first 2 tracks). "All I Wanna Do" was, of course, redone for Sweet's first full-length CD. "Unstryped" is actually a very good effort--better than his first full-length release with Benson Music.
By Robert Lunte "Author of The Four Pillars of S... (Seattle, WA USA)
Micheal Sweet is one of the premiere Metal vocalists of all-time. Hes is truly talented. Going solo is a great idea! I hope to see more.
By J. Wright (San Diego, CA United States)
I like some of Stryper's stuff, but this album is pretty lame. Michael Sweet has a great voice. He even writes good songs, but this 5 song release is pathetic. If you really like Stryper, maybe this is OK for you. As for me, I already plan to trade this one for something else that I would actually listen to now and then....
Christian Music News Source
Unstryped consists of the first few songs recorded & released by Michael Sweet following his departure from Stryper. Some these songs remind me, musically of "Against the Law" (especially the first 2 tracks). "All I Wanna Do" was, of course, redone for Sweet's first full-length CD. "Unstryped" is actually a very good effort--better than his first full-length release with Benson Music.
By Robert Lunte "Author of The Four Pillars of S... (Seattle, WA USA)
Micheal Sweet is one of the premiere Metal vocalists of all-time. Hes is truly talented. Going solo is a great idea! I hope to see more.
By J. Wright (San Diego, CA United States)
I like some of Stryper's stuff, but this album is pretty lame. Michael Sweet has a great voice. He even writes good songs, but this 5 song release is pathetic. If you really like Stryper, maybe this is OK for you. As for me, I already plan to trade this one for something else that I would actually listen to now and then....
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet - Michael Sweet
By Justin Gaines "Corporate Rocker" (Atlanta, GA)
I was a huge Stryper fan in middle and high school, but they pretty much dropped off my radar after they broke up. I took a chance on Michael Sweet's 1994 solo debut recently when I saw it in a bargain bin, figuring it was at least worth trying. I'm glad I did.I was prepared not to like this one, expecting a Sunday School style serving of Stryper-lite (essentially Petra), but this one is hard to resist. I don't know how this album got released in 1994, when pretty much the entire music buying public had moved on to all things alternative, but this is an unapologetically upbeat and melodic AOR album. I'm sure that has a lot to do with Sweet's faith, which is apparent throughout the album. Perhaps too much so for those of us who came for the music rather than the message, but you have to respect a guy who stands by his convictions. This is a completely catchy, completely irresistible AOR album, even if it doesn't sound anything like Sweet's more popular previous band. It's got a strong Bon Jovi vibe as well, thanks in part to former Blue Tears man Greg Fulkerson's involvement in songwriting and production. Hard rock fans will no doubt be a bit disappointed, but those of you who still play Journey, Toto, Giant, and Bad English on a regular basis should find a lot to enjoy here.
By rnorton828 "rnorton828" (Riverbend, IL)
This self-titled CD, released in 1994, was Michael Sweet's first full-length solo release following his departure from Stryper. Michael Sweet has long been recognized as a great vocalist by both Christian & secular observers, and his vocals sound great on this CD. Musically this album combines elements of Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and perhaps even a little Def Leppard. Lyrically, this CD represents a return to the upfront Christian message found on Stryper's early records. There are also a couple of "relationship" songs as well--"Together" & "Tomorrow, Tonight." Some of the better songs here include "Take Me Home," "All This & Heaven Too," "Someday" & "Forever Yours." Altogether, this is not a bad CD, but I still believe it coud have been better. "Real" was more of what I was expecting, and I do think it's actually a better record. "Truth" is Michael's best solo effort to date....
Christian Music News Source
I was a huge Stryper fan in middle and high school, but they pretty much dropped off my radar after they broke up. I took a chance on Michael Sweet's 1994 solo debut recently when I saw it in a bargain bin, figuring it was at least worth trying. I'm glad I did.I was prepared not to like this one, expecting a Sunday School style serving of Stryper-lite (essentially Petra), but this one is hard to resist. I don't know how this album got released in 1994, when pretty much the entire music buying public had moved on to all things alternative, but this is an unapologetically upbeat and melodic AOR album. I'm sure that has a lot to do with Sweet's faith, which is apparent throughout the album. Perhaps too much so for those of us who came for the music rather than the message, but you have to respect a guy who stands by his convictions. This is a completely catchy, completely irresistible AOR album, even if it doesn't sound anything like Sweet's more popular previous band. It's got a strong Bon Jovi vibe as well, thanks in part to former Blue Tears man Greg Fulkerson's involvement in songwriting and production. Hard rock fans will no doubt be a bit disappointed, but those of you who still play Journey, Toto, Giant, and Bad English on a regular basis should find a lot to enjoy here.
By rnorton828 "rnorton828" (Riverbend, IL)
This self-titled CD, released in 1994, was Michael Sweet's first full-length solo release following his departure from Stryper. Michael Sweet has long been recognized as a great vocalist by both Christian & secular observers, and his vocals sound great on this CD. Musically this album combines elements of Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and perhaps even a little Def Leppard. Lyrically, this CD represents a return to the upfront Christian message found on Stryper's early records. There are also a couple of "relationship" songs as well--"Together" & "Tomorrow, Tonight." Some of the better songs here include "Take Me Home," "All This & Heaven Too," "Someday" & "Forever Yours." Altogether, this is not a bad CD, but I still believe it coud have been better. "Real" was more of what I was expecting, and I do think it's actually a better record. "Truth" is Michael's best solo effort to date....
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet - Real
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
Sweet's debut solo album never really did that much for me and I have to say that I wasn't particularly excited about reviewing this one but what a pleasant surprise! Now a grown up adult artist, Sweet has attended the Jon Bon Jovi school of rock 'n' roll. In fact, this album sounds more like Bon Jovi than Bon Jovi do! So you get the picture. Sweet's voice is well suited to this acoustic tinged rock music and the metallic guitars of his Stryper days are a long way from this set of songs. The strong melodies and memorable choruses are helped along the way by pianos and organs that drift through the mix to add flavour to the proceedings. I suspect that Sweet has mellowed out in his old age and going for the mass market with this one. So it's no cutting edge album, just a collection of strong songs, well sung and if you like Bon Jovi. . .
Christian Music News Source
Sweet's debut solo album never really did that much for me and I have to say that I wasn't particularly excited about reviewing this one but what a pleasant surprise! Now a grown up adult artist, Sweet has attended the Jon Bon Jovi school of rock 'n' roll. In fact, this album sounds more like Bon Jovi than Bon Jovi do! So you get the picture. Sweet's voice is well suited to this acoustic tinged rock music and the metallic guitars of his Stryper days are a long way from this set of songs. The strong melodies and memorable choruses are helped along the way by pianos and organs that drift through the mix to add flavour to the proceedings. I suspect that Sweet has mellowed out in his old age and going for the mass market with this one. So it's no cutting edge album, just a collection of strong songs, well sung and if you like Bon Jovi. . .
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet - Truth
By B. GOODWIN "dragon678" (LIMA, OHIO United States)
This is a quality CD. Not only is the music fresh and kickin', but the lyrics have something good, positive, and real to say. From rockers Achilles Heel & Save Me to wonderful ballads Stone & All I'm Thinking Of Is You that show off his wonderful voice to a couple of very different but very awesome songs I Am Adam & Blue Bleeds Through (this song in particular really shows off his vocal range), this album is SWEET indeed. If your looking for the second coming of Stryper (OZ Fox plays some guitar on this album), this isn't it. Only 1 or 2 songs have the feel of Stryper. This CD is all Michael Sweet and it has a very fresh sound to it. I recommend this CD to anyone who likes to rock and ain't afraid of something a little different.
By rnorton828 "rnorton828" (Riverbend, IL)
I've been a Stryper/Michael Sweet fan since 1985 when I first bought "Soldiers Under Command." I was initially disappointed when Michael left the band in 1992 to pursue a solo career, but then became intrigued with the prospect of what his solo material might be like and how it might compare with his work with Stryper. I thought his self-titled 1994 debut was OKAY, but I was much more impressed with his largely acoustic follow-up "Real" (1995). But "Truth" blows away both of its predecessors. Musically, this is Michael's most diverse release to date, and the lyrics show much growth and maturity. Some standout tracks include "I Am Adam," "Save Me," "The Ever After," "Achilles Heel," "Stone" and the title track. Fellow Stryper guitarist Oz Fox plays a guest solo on "The Ever After." "Truth" is Michael Sweet's best release to date, and I look forward to hearing more music from Michael, both with Stryper and as a solo artist.
By theapoplectic1 (Tennessee)
Hands down, "Album of the Year". A more diversified sound of tunes put together by one artist than I have ever heard. After a five year absence, Michael returns with a rested, more powerful voice and fresh new songs (some re-recorded from previous "Truth" album). A must have for all Stryper, Michael Sweet fans! If you have never heard of this man before, do yourself a favor and listen to this album.....
Christian Music News Source
This is a quality CD. Not only is the music fresh and kickin', but the lyrics have something good, positive, and real to say. From rockers Achilles Heel & Save Me to wonderful ballads Stone & All I'm Thinking Of Is You that show off his wonderful voice to a couple of very different but very awesome songs I Am Adam & Blue Bleeds Through (this song in particular really shows off his vocal range), this album is SWEET indeed. If your looking for the second coming of Stryper (OZ Fox plays some guitar on this album), this isn't it. Only 1 or 2 songs have the feel of Stryper. This CD is all Michael Sweet and it has a very fresh sound to it. I recommend this CD to anyone who likes to rock and ain't afraid of something a little different.
By rnorton828 "rnorton828" (Riverbend, IL)
I've been a Stryper/Michael Sweet fan since 1985 when I first bought "Soldiers Under Command." I was initially disappointed when Michael left the band in 1992 to pursue a solo career, but then became intrigued with the prospect of what his solo material might be like and how it might compare with his work with Stryper. I thought his self-titled 1994 debut was OKAY, but I was much more impressed with his largely acoustic follow-up "Real" (1995). But "Truth" blows away both of its predecessors. Musically, this is Michael's most diverse release to date, and the lyrics show much growth and maturity. Some standout tracks include "I Am Adam," "Save Me," "The Ever After," "Achilles Heel," "Stone" and the title track. Fellow Stryper guitarist Oz Fox plays a guest solo on "The Ever After." "Truth" is Michael Sweet's best release to date, and I look forward to hearing more music from Michael, both with Stryper and as a solo artist.
By theapoplectic1 (Tennessee)
Hands down, "Album of the Year". A more diversified sound of tunes put together by one artist than I have ever heard. After a five year absence, Michael returns with a rested, more powerful voice and fresh new songs (some re-recorded from previous "Truth" album). A must have for all Stryper, Michael Sweet fans! If you have never heard of this man before, do yourself a favor and listen to this album.....
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet - Him
After decades of shaking the roof off of arenas around the world and rocking our socks off, Michael Sweet is back with his latest solo album, Him. Taking an unexpected turn in his own career, but not in today's world of Christian music, Sweet's latest release is a work of classic hymns. In a market saturated with artists giving their own take on the book that sits next to Bibles in pews across the world, could Sweet offer us a raucous dive into it or is this simply another bland repetition of the songs of yesteryear?
The first thing to be noticed are Sweet's undeniable vocals. He probably carries one of the most recognizable voices in Christian music. The one disappointment was the fact that you don't hear him soar up to the highest of high notes that we're familiar with hearing with Stryper. It's very evident that Sweet is into and feeling what he's singing. However, the experience feels a little hollow when you're expecting him to blow you out of the water with something vocally and it just doesn't happen....
Christian Music News Source
The first thing to be noticed are Sweet's undeniable vocals. He probably carries one of the most recognizable voices in Christian music. The one disappointment was the fact that you don't hear him soar up to the highest of high notes that we're familiar with hearing with Stryper. It's very evident that Sweet is into and feeling what he's singing. However, the experience feels a little hollow when you're expecting him to blow you out of the water with something vocally and it just doesn't happen....
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet - Touched
Review submitted by Sherry aka Sweet Soldier
Michael Sweet, Front man for the Christian band Stryper, has released his latest solo effort ‘Touched‘ a follow up to his 2006 release of ‘Him’.
While Sweet is no stranger to a melodic ballad he has ventured into a different realm with this record.
In a collection that includes several revised classic Stryper ballads, a new song ‘My Love, My Life, My Flame’ Michael has also added his interpretation of a few classic hits such as Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are so Beautiful’, Billy Joel’s ‘She’s Got a Way’, Harry Nilsson’s ‘Without You’, Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’ and Chicago’s ‘Color My World’.
Sweet has put his skills to the test and more than rose to the occasion.
In what has been called a “love letter” to his wife Kyle, whom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in February of last year, Sweet had this to say. “In an instant I learned that nothing is more important than love, faith and commitment. This led to my desire to record and dedicate an entire project to Kyle and it’s an honor to be able to share this music with all of you.”
In a riveting, core piercing, remake of the Stryper 1985 ballad ‘First Love’, you are literally held captive, until the breath taking climactic ending, that’s very different from the original.
Comparatively moving, is a new version of his ‘Together As One‘, which includes a few orchestral elements, particularly the violin, blended with big bold keyboards and brilliant harmonies. My ovation undoubtedly goes to this track not only for top notch vocals but for the musical mastery it represents. From the first note to the last, it is nothing short of perfection.
He continues to heat things up while belting out an explosive ‘Without You’ that even Harry Nilsson would appreciate.
In a hauntingly romantic version of Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face‘ Sweet’s passion can be felt with such gripping vocals that one becomes motionless and filled with his intensity.
One of the more surprising elements was his interpretation of Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’….Admittedly, I was curious as to how he was going to pull this one off. But, in true Michael Sweet fashion he more than delivered. He pulls his own harmonies and background vocals throughout the disk and this track particularly showcases just how diverse and talented he truly is....
Christian Music News Source
Michael Sweet, Front man for the Christian band Stryper, has released his latest solo effort ‘Touched‘ a follow up to his 2006 release of ‘Him’.
While Sweet is no stranger to a melodic ballad he has ventured into a different realm with this record.
In a collection that includes several revised classic Stryper ballads, a new song ‘My Love, My Life, My Flame’ Michael has also added his interpretation of a few classic hits such as Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are so Beautiful’, Billy Joel’s ‘She’s Got a Way’, Harry Nilsson’s ‘Without You’, Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’ and Chicago’s ‘Color My World’.
Sweet has put his skills to the test and more than rose to the occasion.
In what has been called a “love letter” to his wife Kyle, whom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in February of last year, Sweet had this to say. “In an instant I learned that nothing is more important than love, faith and commitment. This led to my desire to record and dedicate an entire project to Kyle and it’s an honor to be able to share this music with all of you.”
In a riveting, core piercing, remake of the Stryper 1985 ballad ‘First Love’, you are literally held captive, until the breath taking climactic ending, that’s very different from the original.
Comparatively moving, is a new version of his ‘Together As One‘, which includes a few orchestral elements, particularly the violin, blended with big bold keyboards and brilliant harmonies. My ovation undoubtedly goes to this track not only for top notch vocals but for the musical mastery it represents. From the first note to the last, it is nothing short of perfection.
He continues to heat things up while belting out an explosive ‘Without You’ that even Harry Nilsson would appreciate.
In a hauntingly romantic version of Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face‘ Sweet’s passion can be felt with such gripping vocals that one becomes motionless and filled with his intensity.
One of the more surprising elements was his interpretation of Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’….Admittedly, I was curious as to how he was going to pull this one off. But, in true Michael Sweet fashion he more than delivered. He pulls his own harmonies and background vocals throughout the disk and this track particularly showcases just how diverse and talented he truly is....
Christian Music News Source
Only Weeks Left To Enter ISC 2008
There are only a few weeks left to enter the 2008 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) - Deadline is Oct 15. Offering better exposure, bigger prizes ($150,000 - including $25,000 cash) and the best judges for any songwriting competition in the world, this is a fantastic opportunity for songwriters at all levels to have their music heard by the some of the most influential people in the music industry today, and share in an awesome array of prizes.
This year's judges will include:
Recording Artists
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Chaka Khan; Tom Waits; KT Tunstall; Robert Smith (The Cure); Loretta Lynn; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Jon Secada; Ricky Martin; Buckcherry; T-Pain; James Cotton; Jerry Lee Lewis; Craig Morgan; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Mario; Black Francis (The Pixies); Natalie Grant; Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Pitbull; Sandra Bernhard; David Brenner; Jeremy Camp; Angelique Kidjo ; McCoy Tyner; Youssou N'Dour; John Mayall; DJ Tiësto; "Weird Al" Yankovic; and Paul Van Dyk
Music Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK); Renee Bell (Executive VP A&R, SONY BMG Nashville); Rick Krim (Executive VP Talant and Music Programming VH1); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP of A&R, Latin America Sony BMG and President, Discos 605); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Amy Doyle (Sr. VP of Music and Talent, MTV); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, Lost Highway); Jon Pikus (Director of A&R, MySpace Records); Mitchell Cohen (VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Peter Strickland (Senior VP, Jack Records/Warner Bros.); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, and more); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami); Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music for Little People); and Dr. Demento (Radio Host of The Dr. Demento Show).
Christian Music News Source
This year's judges will include:
Recording Artists
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Chaka Khan; Tom Waits; KT Tunstall; Robert Smith (The Cure); Loretta Lynn; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Jon Secada; Ricky Martin; Buckcherry; T-Pain; James Cotton; Jerry Lee Lewis; Craig Morgan; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Mario; Black Francis (The Pixies); Natalie Grant; Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Pitbull; Sandra Bernhard; David Brenner; Jeremy Camp; Angelique Kidjo ; McCoy Tyner; Youssou N'Dour; John Mayall; DJ Tiësto; "Weird Al" Yankovic; and Paul Van Dyk
Music Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK); Renee Bell (Executive VP A&R, SONY BMG Nashville); Rick Krim (Executive VP Talant and Music Programming VH1); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP of A&R, Latin America Sony BMG and President, Discos 605); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Amy Doyle (Sr. VP of Music and Talent, MTV); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, Lost Highway); Jon Pikus (Director of A&R, MySpace Records); Mitchell Cohen (VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Peter Strickland (Senior VP, Jack Records/Warner Bros.); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, and more); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami); Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music for Little People); and Dr. Demento (Radio Host of The Dr. Demento Show).
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