The return of the legendary voice!
Ralf Pansch | Decatur, IL USA | 03/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The legendary voice of progressive rock has returned - better than ever!John Wetton, the golden-piped and distinctive vocalist behind such powerhouse progressive bands as King Crimson, U.K., and oh yes, Asia, starts off 2003 with arguably his best solo effort. And when one knows what he's been through over the past several years, the impact of this work is chilling.The message in Rock of Faith is undeniable: spirituality and belief are what brings one through turbulent times with a new found sense of peace and tranquility. Hence, the title Rock of Faith.One of the strongest passages comes from the title track:
"I'll never stand alone, for I
Have the foundation stone I knew
So as my spirits rise anew
Then with all speed
To the path
That will lead
Surely back to You.........."While the aura of spirituality is prevalent in the lyrics, the vocal throughout the recording sound as though its echoing out of the balconies. The CD's first song, and instrumental offering entitled "Mondrago," opens with church bells, ultimately leading into "Rock of Faith."The spiritual overtones are undeniable, but don't think this to be a contemporary Christian offering. What we have is one of the best lyricists of progressive rock telling us his life's story through song.Wetton's troubles are well documented and still worth noting: long-time battle with alcohol, divorce from his wife Jill, with whom he'd been together since the mid-70's.The strength and clarity of Wetton's voice is overwhelming again, showing he has gained the upper hand in the fight against alcoholism. Those familiar with Wetton's vocal talents had found it to be weaker in recent CDs such as Arkangel and Welcome to Heaven/Sinister.Many fan reviewers on Wetton's website (...are raving about the return of the Asia songwriting partnership of Wetton and Geoffrey Downes. And that's not to take away from the absolutely majestic "I've Come to Take You Home."The real strength in Rock of Faith is not only Wetton's strong vocal performance, but the strength of the instrumentation.Too many past Wetton offerings had the band as an almost afterthought, overshadowed by the vocal choruses. Not so, on Rock of Faith. This is a bold, excellent recording where vocals and instrumentation work perfectly!While my copy is only a few hours old (after being on order for nearly two months), I can tell you that if American radio had any teeth, it would be giving some serious play to the title track and "Nothing's Gonna Stand in Our Way," a song co-written with Susan Shifrin (David Cassidy's wife).You'll have to excuse me now, I have to turn out the lights and listen to Rock of Faith several more times to absorb the brilliance of this recording.I don't think the chills will go away though."
Inspirational Wetton at his best
srob1024 | Chicago, IL USA | 03/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The "spiritual" title of John Wetton's fifth solo release is drawing comparisons to his 1999 work, Arkangel. But whereas Arkangel was a brooding, dark effort, Rock of Faith has replaced the dispair with hope - and the resulting work is much the better for it.Those who remember Wetton's amazing bass work with King Crimson and UK likely will be disappointed to find it buried in the mix, but the past two decades have seen Wetton more focused on his vocal efforts, and Rock of Faith finds his voice stronger and clearer than anything he's done the past decade.The songwriting is strong as well - back in the stable are co-writers Richard Palmer-James ("Who Will Light A Candle?"), Sue Shifrin ("Nothing's Gonna Stand In Our Way") and John Young, with the inspirational "Take Me Down to the Waterline". But it is Wetton's reunion with former Asia-mate Geoffrey Downes that has drawn the most attention. Two Wetton-Downes efforts (their first in more than a decade) are included - the touching "I Lay Down" and the emphatic "I've Come to Take You Home". Gone are the "poppy" sounds of the early 80s, replaced with an introspective maturity that suggests both still have much to offer when they combine forces.The Japanese release contains two bonus tracks - the angst-ridden, guitar-laden "Cold Comfort", and a live acoustic cover of the Beach Boys "God Only Knows" - a fitting end to Wetton's spiritual revival."
Mr. Wetton's Best Since "Voice Mail / Battle Lines"
srob1024 | 05/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Give this one a chance, and it is easily the best solo album John Wetton has turned in since his 1994 opus, "Voice Mail (Battle Lines)" -- if not his best work ever.Quite frankly, I wasn't so sure Mr. Wetton had this left in him. The sheer beauty of it is quite stunning. There is a theme, that if you program out the one clunker ("Nothings Gonna Stand In Our Way"), from the orchestral beginning to the a capela closing, is really quite touching.The standouts are the title track, "Take Me To The Waterline" and "When You Were Young." I can't really say enough nice things about this CD. If you happen to have [extra money], the Japanese import is worth it for the live cover of "God Only Knows" -- which, combined with the vocal flourishes and the Four Freshman-inspired closing comes as close as Mr. Wetton has ever come to matching his hero, Brian Wilson."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1