DC Talk is a group that is quite easily one of the most popular groups in Christian music history finally comes out with the re-mastered Jesus Freak record after what seems like millions of years. The JESUS FREAK tour was one of the most successful tour by a Christian artist in 90’s, selling out at shows even in big cities such as Houston, Dallas, Boston, and others.
The first disc is simply a re-mastered version of the original Jesus Freak CD. The second CD has seven remixes, one unreleased demo version, five live songs, and one instrumental song.
I was blown away with how well this CD was performed. They practically changed everything about the songs except for the lyrics and singers and pulled it off better than any other group could even attempt to do.
As far as the music itself is concerned, they did simply amazing. One of the harder things to believe is that they made one remix of Jesus Freak as good or better than the original. With Jesus Freak being what is probably the most famous song in Christian music history, it just doesn’t seem possible, but they did it. I was most pleased by the first three remixes, So Help Me God, Jesus Freak, and What if I Stumble? Naturally, all of the live songs were great as well considering that they are the same songs as before, but just with an audience. To end the CD was the song In the Light done instrumentally, which was even a good song without the words.
Of course, the lyrics were very good, just as they were in 1996 when they were produced for the first time. Even after a decade, the words Jesus Freak can still bring back the memory of the seemingly timeless song, still being popular today.
The only thing in the entire CD that I didn’t like was the extra singer in the remixed Mind’s Eye. Whoever that was, he didn’t really have a good voice. Other than that one song, every other song was great as far as vocals go. Toby Mac, Kevin Max, and Michael Tait all have extremely good voices, but somehow they manage to sound even better when put together. I’m just glad we finally reached that point in time for them to do it again.
After seeing how they can take a CD that is already great and remake the songs without losing quality, this group can only be described as amazing. They are one of few groups that I can say have definitely lived up to their potential. With such amazing talent and focus, it is no mystery as to why they are so inspirational, not only to listeners, but to inspire other artists by giving them something to strive for.
This CD is overall one of the best CDs possible to get. It is one of very few that combines some of the best lyrics, vocals, and music all into one album. For anyone who has never experienced the musical greatness of dc TALK, just buy this cd and you will understand where all the popularity came from. For those who already have the original, I think it is still worth it to buy this special edition. Dc Talk has set the bar very high not only with this cd, but previous ones as well. I doubt I will be around when another artist sets it higher.
Article by Brandon Frady, Assistant Editor
