dc Talk - "Jesus Freak" Album Review (25 Years Of Jesus Freak)

In the world of the contemporary christian music scene there so many few records that can make an everlasting grip on the listener and DC Talk's "Jesus Freak" is one of those records. A record that not only made an impact on the christian contemporary scene but also music worldwide as a whole. With the likes of Audio Adrenaline, MxPx, Switchfoot, Jars Of Clay and more making their marks on the 90's; DC Talk was crafting one of the greatest pieces of politically charged music of all time and undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of music in history. Tackling topics of racism, culture, religion, atheism, facing hypocrisy and intolerance, and acceptance; mark this record with an urge for the controversial but also an urgency for the religiously inclined to wake up and realize the problems we face and fight them head on. It's a message that fits so well in our current climate and it's a message that is instantly relatable in today's corrupt world. Generally a record like this would not be covered here but as the record celebrates it's 25th anniversary and given the current status of our world it only seems fair to cover it here.

While the record is politically charged the record also features some christian and faith based material given that this band is a faith based band and were arguably one of the biggest bands in that scene and are still a band that are remembered fondly to this day it's good to point the correlations to their music with faith and religion. The record plays out almost like a rock story with a narrative centered around the members Toby McKeehan (TobyMac), Kevin Max, and Michael Tait and how their views shine throughout the record. The record plays with elements of rock, nu-metal, hip-hop, rap rock, and gospel with slight elements of r&b mixed in there for good measure; it's a record that flows so beautifully in it's almost hour long runtime and it's a record that has held up surprisingly well since it's initial release in 1995.

The record opens with 'So Help Me God' a rocking tune that houses everything that the band is good at and cranks it up to 11. It's a track that pulls all the best punches and gets you excited for the rest of the record.

'Colored People' is an important track that tackles the topic of racism and asks the question of why is there so much hate towards people of color and why can't the human race live together as a family. It's tracks like this that make you question preconceived notions about other cultures and asks yourself about how you can make a difference. It's a track that flows perfectly with both r&b and alternative pop stylings and it shows off everyone's vocal talents with pose and grace. Truly a defining moment on the record.

The title track 'Jesus Freak' is arguably the most popular and most important track as this track is the only protest track on the record that tackles religious freedom and the freedom to worship without consequences. It's a protest song that laughs at the face of a corrupt government that wants to take away the freedom of religious practices. The term "Jesus Freak" is one that is on fire for Jesus (or God whichever you prefer) and is one that will praise him even when the world tells you not too. It's an outsiders fight anthem that feels out of place in society and it's still to this day one of the best hard rock songs of all time.

'What If I Stumble?' is another important moment that tackles the topic of atheism and the harsh realizations that some face in the progressive heavily religious parts of the church and how unwillingly the church is to bring outsiders in. It's a problem that is consistent with the overtly religious sides of the church and this track 'What If I Stumble?' hits the topic head on with breathtaking results.

'Day By Day' kicks it back up a notch with an all out rocking track that hits hard with some 90's alt rock and grunge aggression. It's about one's lifestyle in faith and living out that lifestyle day by day. It's an excellent rock track and definitely a major highlight on the record.

'Between You And Me' is yet another beautiful moment that teases with r&b and alt pop excellence. This song like 'Colored People' tackles race but with thoughts of acceptance and accepting people who may have differing opinions that you do. It's a track that makes you think and it's an excellent track that is still relevant to this day.

'In The Light' originally by the excellent Charlie Peacock is an amazing cover that takes the original to new heights and toys with the track's original sound and adds it's own spin on it; making it it's own unique sound compared to the original. It's an incredible cover that deserves more praise.

The closing moment 'Mind's Eye/Alas, My Love' is an epic 10 minute closer that combines everything that the record has going for it and expands upon it in a strike of awe. With 'Mind's Eye' being an all out progressive rock track (which they would toy with more in the future); and 'Alas, My Love' being a spoken word hybrid with the opening track 'So Help Me God'. The closing part of the track list ends the record off with a somber and groundbreaking mix of moments that make's the record stand out in a major way.

To put it simply "Jesus Freak" is an important record and to this day is a very relevant record with today's current events and with the cultural relevance that this record holds it's still such an inspirational record that holds so much merit to this very day.

The record is a classic and should be regarded as such. It's one of the greatest records to come from the 90's and should be considered as one of the greatest rock records of all time. So thank you DC Talk and thank you for the classic that is "Jesus Freak". - Samuel Cook

Rating: 5/5