Search - Wilshire :: Second Story

No Sophomore Slump Here!

07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After leaving Rocketown Records (Christian pop star Michael W. Smith's creation) following the release of their self-titled debut, Wilshire took some time to focus, write, and produce & record their sophomore project, aptly titled Second Story. With the freedom to talk about whatever they wanted, rock as loud as they wanted, and do whatever else the heck they wanted, this husband-wife duo created an authentic, imaginiative, fun, and yet intriguing album. Lyrically, this album is more fun and edgy than the self-titled record, with Micah and Lori exploring helpless romance ("Fall"), depravity ("Shame"), doubt in God ("Angelina"), and utter surrender to God ("The Prayer"). Some of the lyrics are wistful, such as in "Brave," perhaps the best track on the record: "I've been down the yellow brick road, been searching for something to know that I can face another day." On the contrast, in "Be Yours," (my personal favorite) they funk things up lyrically, with lines like "I try to be strong, try to put up a fight / like a cartoon superman / when I think I'm alright, there's that kryptonite / and I see how weak I am" only to cry out in the chorus "take me, come invade me / please embrace me now / 'cause I just wanna be yours."Musically, the record is much more layered and interesting than their previous effort. From opening rocker "Fall," to the simple acoustic-guitar-and-vocal closer, "Edward," Second Story shows just how talented and diverse Wilshire is. The record shows much more aggression and grit. But it's not all rock; Micah and Lori are excellent song craftsman, and have managed to build this aggressive rock sound over the canvas of funky pop. "Be Yours" is an excellent example of this.Vocally, it's amazing. No other way to put it. While Micah doesn't sing as much this time around, it's incredible to hear the harmony this couple has. With peerless ranges and seamless vocal arrangements, one sometimes has a little touble figuring out who's who! But that's a good thing, believe me. They switch lead vocals (without changing keys or octaves) in several places, making for an pleasantly unpredictable alternative to most husband-wife duos.If I had a complaint about Second Story it would be this: While each song is different and unique, Micah and Lori seem to have a fascination with pre-programed drum tracks doing the intros for songs. They have a similar sounding track opening "Not Alone," "Shame," and "Angelina." But that is a minor and ineffectual complaint in what is an astounding album."