Published: January 02, 2008 05:24 pm      

‘The Blood’ brings Kevin Max full circle

“The Blood” is the latest solo album from one-third of DC Talk — Kevin Max. Since DC Talk went on hiatus some years ago, Max has struggled to find how he fits into modern music as a solo artist. Releasing a series of alternative rock albums on different record labels over the last few years, he has made some extremely noteworthy music, but his fierce individuality has often been perceived as a threat by many of DC Talk’s fans. With “The Blood,” Kevin Max finally embraces his gospel roots without letting go of who he is. In other words, he found his fit.

This album is composed of a host of brilliantly arranged versions of what Max refers to as “the roots of rock and roll, blues, and popular culture” (aka gospel songs). Featuring such playmaker guests as Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Joanne Cash and American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, the album moves smoothly through a host of classics from “Run on For a Long Time” to “People Get Ready” to “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

There are a host of highlights here, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t address the astounding way the album opens. Lo-Fi vinyl scratches immediately hit your ears as Max’s classic (and on this song particularly deep) voice quietly and contemplatively sings “The Old Rugged Cross.” While I love the sound, it doesn’t last as the hymn explodes into an upbeat pop cover of Prince’s “The Cross,” which overshadows the rest of the album by becoming the first new DC Talk offering in many, many years.

That’s right. DC Talk fans holding out hope for the elusive reunion will get a moment of elation as Max is joined by Michael Tait and Toby McKeehan, even going as far as to bill the song as “featuring DC Talk.” I have to admit that while I was never a huge DC Talk fan, it’s good vibes all around to hear them do it one more time.

The bluesy slide guitar work on “I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole” is one of the more traditional sounding moments and Max is like a man possessed on it. “Up Above My Head I Hear Music in the Air,” featuring husband and wife Amy Grant and Vince Gill, is another pretty awesome moment, offering up a choir-tinged pop country sound that ends up being a more unique offering than you’d think.

“People Get Ready” gets the royal treatment, too, as Max is joined by Erica Campbell. Max is arguably at his best vocally on this song and, as with much of the album, you can tell that this is a song very dear to his heart.

Remarried, back in the hustle and bustle of Nashville, and on seemingly good terms with his former bandmates (and possibly the only band in the history of the Christian music industry that could make for a sold-out reunion album and tour), this is a strong way to kick off the new year for what some would consider a wayward son.

From where I’m standing, Kevin Max never lost his way, but “The Blood” is unquestionably his most invitational solo album to date. Fans of rock, soul, blues, R&B, gospel and country will all find something to love here.

Kevin Max’s “The Blood” is available everywhere now through Infinity Music Distribution.