Goodness's second release is a mixed bag of throaty rock tunes with a decidedly retro feel. Your tolerance for the Seattle-based five-piece may depend on your love of all things '80s, since frontwoman Carrie Akre bears an ... more »uncanny vocal resemblance to the Wilson sisters from Heart and Pat Benatar, although she also recalls Melissa Etheridge on some of the huskier moments. While not a bad release, Anthem does have its woes, though they are relegated mostly to the freshness department. Rock numbers like "Bitter Man" and the title cut are standard but competent rock numbers with just enough sizzle to singe the ear into a heated state of interest. While the no-frills rock attack is harmless enough, Goodness never seem to go for what Spinal Tap once called "that push over the cliff." In the end, Anthem isn't about going all the way up to 11 but instead giving the people what they want. --Jason Josephes« less
Goodness's second release is a mixed bag of throaty rock tunes with a decidedly retro feel. Your tolerance for the Seattle-based five-piece may depend on your love of all things '80s, since frontwoman Carrie Akre bears an uncanny vocal resemblance to the Wilson sisters from Heart and Pat Benatar, although she also recalls Melissa Etheridge on some of the huskier moments. While not a bad release, Anthem does have its woes, though they are relegated mostly to the freshness department. Rock numbers like "Bitter Man" and the title cut are standard but competent rock numbers with just enough sizzle to singe the ear into a heated state of interest. While the no-frills rock attack is harmless enough, Goodness never seem to go for what Spinal Tap once called "that push over the cliff." In the end, Anthem isn't about going all the way up to 11 but instead giving the people what they want. --Jason Josephes
"Goodness deserves a much wider audience than it is presently enjoying. I have a wide range of tastes when it comes to music; I've also listened to a lot of it. Goodness is that rare band that delivers on all fronts: first-rate musicians, meaningful lyrics teamed with an incredible vocalist. Anthem is my first CD from the group but it certainly won't be my last! By all means- give them a listen! You'll enjoy it; they deserve it!"
Whoooooooaaaaaaahh!!!
12/22/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD rocks- hard! Carrie Akre has the most powerful female voice in the industry- BAR NONE. Every other musician in this band is extremely talented as well. You have to hear it to believe it. (The opening riffs of "Hiccup" are sheer musical bliss.) These songs are like Pringles, you can't consume just one at a time. Once you pop this CD open, you won't be able to stop listening!"
Another hit!
tradesman1400 | Akron, Ohio USA | 08/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After buying the aponymous album, I just had to have more. I really can't say that this album is a big improvement over the first one, but it shows more polish and a tighter sound. It's too bad that Goodness hasn't gotten the attention that it should have. Who knows where they would have gone. If you find this one, buy it. You won't regret it."
Best Goodness yet
tradesman1400 | 11/25/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everytime they get better. This album captures more of the energy of their live shows than any to date."
Excellent work, surpassing previous releases
tradesman1400 | 11/11/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All the other 5-star reviews are right on! I'll only add that Goodness seems to have actually decided to turn up the guitars (and the virtuoso guitar playing) on this album -- and I'd recommend doing the same on your stereo. Overall, it's power pop/rock sounding clear, crisp, and clean -- and actually surpassing their surprisingly good self-titled debut album. This deserves mucho airplay. Buy it!"