Reviewed June 03, 2008
John Schlitt The Grafting
by Ron Hollywood

Produced by Dan Needham

It’s been over 10 years since John Schlitt’s last solo album Unfit For Swine and the hiatus has not slowed him down one bit. He’s delivered a solid, more mature effort that’s very enjoyable from start to finish.

The medium rock of Stand is a song that personally spoke to me on my own life in ways a song hasn’t for years especially with lyrics like “It’s amazing where you’ll find yourself / On a mountain or the gates of hell / and many times you know it’s hard to tell”. The radio friendly single Face of God has every element to be a big hit with a chorus and backing vocals that is sure to have people singing along. Every church should have Lord Have Mercy included in it’s hymnal. It’s pure worship that doesn’t get better.

The Grafting is a real family affair since a lot of the music and lyrics are from his son-in law, Dan Needham and there’s artwork and backing vocals from John’s daughter, Kari. In fact I think Dan Needham could have a real future as a lyricist or musician for other artists.

The only thing is that John falls into the same category as most singers who come from big bands who release solo albums. There always seems to be the missing magic ingredients from their former bandmates. Unlike someone like Sting who reinvented himself John still has that rock vein it’s just missing that extra shot of adrenalin. Petra fans shouldn’t be expecting howling vocals. This is an older, wiser John Schlitt that sings with a real passionate conviction of maturity.

First Song_ is a midtemp rocker that best describes this album entirely “That’s then and this is now / And we’re older yet somehow / I long to know that music once again / So Jesus lead the way”.

Amen.

Check out our interview section for a full interview with John Schlitt himself.

Also visit John Schlitt’s official website for tour dates, news and more.
JohnSchlitt.net

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