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