DC Talk Album: “Supernatural”

I know the kids in the youth group at my church raved about this album probably as much as our parents raved about "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in the Summer of Love in 1967. It was a good follow-up to "Jesus Freak", but I could sense that something was amiss in this album. I feel that alot of it had to be with the fact that all the band members were in their 30's, and probably yearning something more from God than what was the blessings they were recieving already. I feel that was I got out of it; I was into my 30's, and soon enough I'll be in my 40's. I found that this was the end of Contemporary Christian music as I knew it; I started seeing the writing on the wall when the Insyderz released the album "Skallellujah" that same year of 1998, and began everyone on the wagon of doing nothing but praise and worship songs for albums. I do have a couple of favorites like "Since I Met You", and "Consume Me", but then there were some like "Godsend", and "Into Jesus" that left me very melancholy. I know part of why "Into Jesus" left me that way was the fact that "What Have We Become" got considerable airplay around the time "Into Jesus" was released as the first single. I know that the group broke up on good terms, and that's wonderful, and I pray that their spiritual lives are for the better, but it's taken me 7 years to finally say that this album was like a goodbye to me as well. I know that the music scene isn't as fertile as it was almost 10 years ago, but I have to remember that it's all about Jesus, and not a music style, or music trend, and remember to not knock a certain genre because it sounds old and tired, but appreciate any good songs mixed in.

OK, here's the deal. dc Talk did not say "I'm consumed with Satan" during "Consume Me." If you don't know what I'm talking about, go 8 or 9 reviews down from here and read the one titled "Essential information about this CD and this group." Right after I read it, I put Supernatural into my computer and fast-forwarded to 4 minutes and 3 seconds into "Consume Me" and listened. At that point Michael sings these words: "Oh, I am consumed, I'm consumed with yoooooooooooooou." (emphasis mine) Right when Michael starts the yooooooou, Kevin comes in and sings, in a low, quiet voice,"So let me tell you," and goes on into the "There's no other way I can fly, It's You and I, You and I..." part. I can sort of see how someone looking for a way to discredit the work that God is doing through these three guys could come up with the story that "a music fan from Wisconsin" outlined for us. But, and please forgive me for the ribaldry, it's bulls**t. I won't comment on the Marilyn Manson remarks because I have not read the newspaper article "music fan from Wisconsin" mentioned. But I hope "music fan from Wisconsin's" falsities will not prevent you from purchasing this excellent piece of music.

Yeah right! DCTALK IS NOT SATANIC. For those of you who are new to this web site, several reviews ago sommebody wrote in saying that dcTalk was satanic. They also claimed that in the song "Consume Me" Michael says "I'm consumed with Satan." My response to that is BULL! I hope nobody was swayed by that one persons opinion 'cause if my two cents is worth anything, HE'S WRONG!

Matt

This is a most unique and impressive album. dc Talk took a major risk by delving into three or four distinct genres on one album, but it paid off. It's eclectic nature initially struck me as odd, but I quickly found it to be irrestible and had (and still have) a difficult time listening to anything else. Compared to the brilliant fusion of rock, pop, and British harmony of "Dive," the rich texture and soaring vocals of "Consume Me," and the aggresive, driving rock of "Supernatural" and "It's Killing Me," most other albums seem a bit dull to me. Every tune on this disc is catchy. Some say that this album lacks focus, but for me, it's variety has given it incredible staying power in my discman. dc Talk is extremely talented, and I can't wait for another album. If you buy this album and give it at least four or five listens, you will be hooked and very pleased with your purchase.

"Genius is never recognized in its own time."