DC Talk Album: “Jesus Freak”

Being a fan of many musical genres, it seemed only a matter of time before I began listening to Christian rock/rap/r&b/gospel/etc. I was first exposed to Christian artists such as Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. As my "secular" tastes changed, however, I wanted to explore more of Christian music's offerings. I found early on that most Christian artists who didn't sing gospel music were usually carbon copies of mainstream, secular bands who didn't sing about sex or drugs. Thankfully, the good Lord saw this and brought along groups such as PFR, the Newsboys and DC Talk. These groups sang their own style of music and revealed to us that Christianity isn't always good times at the church social, but an ever-changing lifestyle that brings with it persecution, humility and pain beyond mortal man's imagination.

Perhaps that is why I was originally drawn to "Jesus Freak" and a multitude of albums from other artists who were brave enough to stand up to the preachers and say, "You've got to reach out to people on terms that they understand."

You won't here Twila Paris or Sandi Patti singing about racism or how your personal image can destroy the impressionable minds of others. DC Talk does.

"What If I Stumble" is a question that I see very few so-called Christians asking themselves these days. With no intent to sound preachy or high and mighty, most folks these days who claim to be washed in the blood seem to wash their hands of those people that they should be reaching out to. I used to be a Protestant, but I grew weary of the hypocrites that I saw in the bar on Saturday and then the pew on Sunday. Now a Catholic, I realize that hypocrisy bleeds over into all religious belief systems, because there are just as many hypocritical Catholics as there are Protestants.

Moving on, "Jesus Freak" is the ultimate, in-your-face testament to being a Christian. But even it begs the question, "What will people think?" In the end, however, we learn that it doesn't matter what others think so long as we are living the way we should. There is no hiding your true self, advice which many Christians should heed.

"In the Light" is a Charlie Peacock tune that shows us a Christian struggling to be more like Jesus, and less like a man. It shows a person just how complicated internally that a real Christian can be.

"Colored People" may seem like a song about race on the surface, but its underlying theme is that we should not only get along with each other, but embrace each other for our differences instead of looking down on people whom we feel are less than us.

This album throws chinks in the armor of Christianity. It reveals the doubts and fears of true Christians, something rarely sung about in contemporary Christian music. Once again, it took rock n' roll to reveal what TRUE Christians are made of. They aren't perfect, and they know it. Yet they don't badger those who may not "look" as Christian as they do. You quickly realize that TRUE Christians are not some snobby group of people who try to force their beliefs on others, but they have fears and concerns like everybody else, and they do not alienate themselves from others because they are different. As a matter of fact, a true Christian WILL be in the bars on Saturday, but he'll bring a few friends to church with him on Sunday, instead of trying to hide from the other churchgoer he saw plastered on the sidewalk of a local dive.

Buy this album if you want a taste of real Christian concerns, and not the plastic Christianity that so many of us have to deal with each day.

I can't even begin to describe how great this album is. It's rock ranges from the heavier side to the softer side. It is a great album for anyone. it also dispels the thought that all Christian music is sappy. My mom couldn't believe that Christian music could sound like this. This CD rocks. It's the best rock/alternative album i own, and i can't imagine finding one that could outdo it. My favorites are "What If I Stumble" and "In the Light". "In the Light" is an amazing song. It may be the best rock song I've ever heard.And best of all, unlike most secular rock, the message in it is extremely powerful.. The message of DC Talk's Jesus Freak is extremely powerful. When we played the CD at youth group, several epople were so emotionally wrapped up in the songs, that they began to cry. this CD is a must for any music fan out there. Buy, and enjoy for a lifetime.

No collection of contemporary Christian music is complete without this album, Jesus Freak, dc Talk's 1995 follow-up to Free at Last. Toby McKeehan, Kevin Max Smith, and Michael Tait have created an excellent album, ranking right up there in my top ten favorite albums of all time. Although not quite as good as Supernatural, Jesus Freak is almost its equal and is a very excellent album. My personal favorites include, Colored People, Jesus Freak, Between You and Me, Like it, Love it, Need It, Mind's Eye, and the untitled poem by Kevin Max Smith at the end. Other songs include: So Help Me God, What If I Stumble?, Day by Day, Mrs. Morgan, Jesus Freak Reprise, In the Light, and What Have We Become.

In concluding this review, I say that anyone who enjoys Christian contemporary music will definitely enjoy this album. I highly reccomend it. I also highly reccomend other Christian contemporary music groups and artists, such as: Jars of Clay, Newsboys, The W's, Rhubarb, John Rheuben, and just about all other Christian contemporary music!

This one of the greatest cd's to come into the Christian world. The songs on here give me chills and ask questions often by Christians. dc Talk is a very talented band and yet so annointed. They're unafraid of sharing their faith. I've noticed lately popular Christian artists are afraid of putting words like Jesus and God into their work or ask convicting and hard questions for fear that they will not get radio time. The reason why dc Talk is my favorite band is because they add these things boldly regardless of people's reaction; they merely want to touch hearts.

This album makes you think hard about your faith. After listening to it, i felt so committed that i didn't care if I was "labeled a Jesus Freak" because that's what makes God so proud to call you his child. I know that all audiences-secular or Christian-religious or nonreliguos-anyone is capable of falling in love with the trio's uncanny ability to draw attention to their work. Before, I was unsure but now I am proud to call myself a Freak.

I first listened to "Jesus Freak" almost six years ago. At first I couldn't believe that these guys were conveying such a positive message through rock music. Later I learned that they also did this with rap music. I listened to the CD more and more and found myself really enjoying the songs. "Jesus Freak" does not throw Christianity in your face and preach at you. It presents itself in a way that everyday people can understand. That way, listeners can make their own decisions about which path they choose to take. I have to commend the members of dc talk, Toby, Kevin, and Michael not only for their vast talent, but for also presenting such an incredible message to Christians and non-Christians alike.

Stand-out tracks:

I would highly suggest this CD to any fan of dc talk as well as people who would like to hear music that is not only entertaining, but uplifting as well! You won't be disappointed!!!