Search - White Heart :: Freedom

This one came out of left field...

Booker | Vancouver, BC, CAN | 03/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been almost 20 years since I jumped off the Christian/religious band-wagon, but there are still Christian albums that I listen to. The lyrics and messages contained therein no longer have their Christian based appeal (praise Jeebuz) but it's impossible to deny this albums sheer musical chemistry and the artistry on display. The really interesting part about this album for me was that there was very little indication leading up to this that White Heart could deliver such a stunning LP. Their previous work with Sparrowe Records had been very hit n' miss with "Don't Wait for the Movie" often coming off as cliched with the odd hint of some real songwriting power. But it never occured to me that this same band (with a few changes to the lineup) would produce an album like "Freedom". I would consider this album and Michael W. Smith's "I 2 (Eye)" album the two pinnicles of Christian Rock in the 80's or even the present day era."

My overall favorite White Heart album

rnorton828 | Riverbend, IL | 01/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1989, White Heart released Freedom, the last of their three albums on their contract with Sparrow Records. Freedom is my overall favorite White Heart album, featuring vocalist Rick Florian, guitarists Billy Smiley and Gordon Kennedy, keyboardist Mark Gersmehl, bassist Tommy Simms and drummer Chris McHugh--probably the best lineup in the band's history. This album has everything from kickin' rock tracks to pop to beautiful ballads. My overall favorite songs here include Let the Kingdom Come, Over Me, Invitation, Set the Bridge on Fire and I'll Meet You There. Other enjoyable songs include Bye Bye Babylon, Power Tools, Sing Your Freedom and The River Will Flow. This is not only my overall favorite White Heart album, not only one of my favorite Christian rock albums, but one of my favorite rock albums PERIOD."

Freedom Granted...

H. Detter | Herndon, VA USA | 02/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As it relates to music, I define the word "classic" as that which doesn't get relegated to that time in which it was created. I consider it to be a classic if it sounds current years after its initial release (usually 10 years or more). White Heart's "Freedom" cd was released in 1989 and yet nothing about it sounds dated. Brown Bannister's production is as sparkling today as it was when it was originally released approximately 17 years ago as of this review. There are moments of great density ("Bye Bye Babylon") as well as moments of spacious separation (the first 2 minutes of "Let The Kingdom Come"). The musicianship is of the same quality as Yes (90125 era), Kansas and Toto. Take the best and most accessible aspects of those bands, combine them together and you'll get an idea of how "Freedom" sounds. The song writing is incredible. All out rock workouts ("Power Tools", "Bye Bye Babylon") are combined with more grooved based songs ("Invitation"), ballads that aren't over wrought ("The River Will Flow") and a few unexpected styles ("Sing Your Freedom"'s Motown like chorus). The lyrics and singing are heart felt and never clique. Lead singer Ric Florian (if you're familiar with the band, you know he spelled his name differently on every album) has a voice quite unlike any I've heard and it fits perfectly with what the band does on this cd. Drummer Chris McHugh's style is aggressive and rock solid. Lead guitarist Gordon Kennedy is as versatile as they come. Bassist Tommy Simms' funk/r&b background gives the bottom-end its punch. Rhythm guitarist Billy Smiley and keyboard/2nd lead vocalist Mark Gerschmehl are the anchors. As compared to this lineup's previous cds ("Don't Wait For The Movie", "Emergency Broadcast") when Smiley and Gerschmehl were the chief song writers, everyone contributed almost equally which greatly increased the cohesive sound achieved on this release."