Search - James Christian :: Meet the Man

A great mix

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 02/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

"After the Love Has Gone" is led by a subtle chugga-chugga riff and forceful drum beats. The chorus has a flowing lyrical scheme to it, which in turn will have you singing along in no time. I'll admit it, not only does "Know You in the Dark" have a cheesy title, it also has some cheesy lyrics that go with it. However, I just can't get the song out of my head. It has a strong melodic chorus that just works. I'm a sucker for cheese anyway. You'll really start to notice how James has refined his vocals over the years on the ballad "Surrender Your Love". He invokes plenty of emotions with his deeper toned melodies, as opposed to his former high-pitched wails.



On the title track "Meet the Man", James shows that he still has a little eighties flair left in him. The guitars have more of a crunch to them, and when it comes to soloing time, watch out for the thrills and finger tapping. James returns with another power ballad on "Love Looked into My Life" and solidifies his spot as passionate rock balladeer. If that doesn't convince you, than "Hold Back the Night" surely will. "Strong Enough" sends out the message that no matter how complicated a relationship can get, love will keep us together. The female led chorus adds dimension to the track.



The Bad

Nothing



The Verdict

A great mix of melodic hard rock tracks, over-the-top power ballads, and emotional love songs. It's definitely worth your time to meet the man.



"

Fantastic!!!

Herzel Fernandes | Rio, Brazil | 12/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great Melodic Hard Rock/AOR. In the vein of House of Lords highlights. One of the best CD of this year. Don't think twice, buy it now."

HEAVEN SENT

Kevin Dobbs "dragonboots" | Perth Western Australia | 05/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sublime AOR from House of Lords vocalist James Christian. If you were disappointed in the HOL return with 'Power and the Myth' this should console you. The vocals are far more passionate and the pomp is there big style on this visit. As soon as 'After the Love Has Gone' sets things in motion you know that Christian has his mojo back. Rousing choruses, bold drumming, soaring guitars burning the fret board, with tales of love gained love lost this is everything that a lover of solid pomp rock should want.There is no down tuned guitars here just great majestic rock. Suprisingly little of the material holds a writing credit for Christian but hey it worked for Sinatra. 'Know You In the Dark' has rocketeering guitar work and another great chorus,the guitar bridge sounds very familiar but just can't place it. Great vocals though. 'Surrender Your Heart' has the fault of sounding like Bryan Adams in its early phrases not my favourite I must be honest, though its big and epic and I am sure in time I can place that prejudice aside. 'Meet the Man' is a lot rockier not too disimilar to the 'Sahara' era and the change of pace provides great balance to the running order. It has very understated singing in the softer sections and is very effective. 'End of Time' is sublime being an atmospheric winner and certainly my favourite. Other great moments abound as this release is very consistant. 'Strong Enough'is very upbeat Robin Beck's backing vocals can be heard all over it. Infact this reminds me of 'Fiona' Squeeze era. I like it a lot. 'Hold Back the Night' comes off an acoustic passage and soaring guitar work. What a way to finish its passionate and has everything I love about House Of Lords or rock in general the ability to move you inside. So this CD is the bees knees and is definately a winner to add to the collection. Thoroughly recommend for lovers of eighties tinged pomp rock."