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C.O.E. fans will not be disapointed

Stephen B Williams | Kent, WA United States | 05/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have recently discovered C.O.E. and like what you hear you might want to try out their earlier work. Their self titled first cd is their best. If you grew up on early techno like me you will enjoy the synthetic sounds and melodies along with the crisp rhythms of the early 90's drum machine. C.O.E. has always been my "Christian version" of New Order. The distinct voice of Barry Blaze along with the beautiful backround harmonies make this a techno cd for the ages. Most importantly the message of God's love and salvation through Christ is clearly relayed. I hope to hear more from C.O.E. soon!"

The best of Code of Ethics

J. H. Trotter | Virginia, USA | 11/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The self-titled 1993 Code of Ethics (COE) album is, in my opinion, the best album Barry Blaze has put out. This is not his first COE album, as some assume (there's a 1991 release called Visual Paradox) but this album captures the height of Blaze's experimentation with synthesizers and maintains consistent musical and lyrical hooks throughout. In my long experience with COE (had this album on an old, worn-out cassette before CD), this album is one of few that can and should be played in its entirety, in order. I hardly ever skip through tracks on this; it just fits so seamlessly together. My version has a track 13 that is a remake of track 3 "True Love" with different lyrics and is okay at the end, although it could've stopped with track 12 like the Amazon playlist indicates.



This remains the best CD by COE, although Blaze has certainly succeeded in other albums as well, particularly "Arms Around the World" and "Visual Paradox." Those albums are also very good, and each has its unique and excellent qualities. The newer offerings, Soulbait and Blaze, are less impressive in my opinion. Soulbait has its moments, but it seemingly abandons the synth-based sound that identifies COE for something more pop-rock and organic based. The results are mixed. Every time I listen to Soulbait, I long for the sounds that made the older albums so good. I just feel like I'm listening to every other Christian pop-rock album circa 1996. Blaze may be a pretty decent praise and worship album, but that's the thing that makes me not appreciate it as much as the earlier offerings. The self-titled 1993 album contains songs of substance, insightful lyrics, interesting ways of looking at faith: "I hold this weapon in the palm of my hand, I can't remember who I was but I know just who I am, when chasing the dragon through the streets of Amsterdam." Each song is poetry, not just repetitive praise music. To each our own, but if you are new to COE, I recommend this album first. You will like it."