Geoff Tate has always been one of rocks better vocalists, and no one can
argue with me on that one. But what really takes me by
surprise on this, his first, solo disc, is the depth and span of his
abilities. Tate has always prided himself at being one of the most
capable singers and charismatic frontmen in his 'other' band, Queensryche,
and this album only further solidifies his position. He
has crafted a dense, lyrical, meloncholy, atmospheric, and deep album, full
of slower paced numbers, that may at first, shock, maybe
even anger longtime Tate fans, but please give this disc a good listen, a
few times if necessary, and then you will see what I am trying
to say. The songs are layered, and in your face at times, and at other
times, the tracks just glide on by with an ease that makes this
disc a very enjoyable listen. Tate slithers in and out of so many styles,
from mellow piano driven passages, to more rocking areas with
his Queensryche roots showing through and then flowing into a sultry R&B
groove, and this all occurs in one song, " A Passanger".
The tracks flow smoothly into one another, which gives this album a
continuety harking back to "Dark Side Of The Moon" era Pink Floyd.
The first "single" off this disc "Off The T.V." is surprisingly the weakest
track on the album and really has no hook, just a bunch of different
vibes criss-crossing in and out of each other, but never really grabs you,
so this is kind of a surprise as a first single. A much better choice
would have been the anthemic "Grain of Faith", which has a strong chorus and
tons of killer guitar to boot. The beautiful "Helpless"
and the closing "Over Me" are simply terrific trakcs and really show the
high end production and songwriting that sadly, haven't been
evident in Queensryche's music on their last couple of albums. I highly
recommend this CD to all Queensryche fans, and singers alike
and has LOTS to offer, so take the time, sit back and enjoy this disc in
it's entirety. You will not be disapointed.
