Customer Reviews

Rock of Faith

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Any time that I've been asked to comment on music that has attached itself to me spiritually, I talk about the compositions that John Wetton has created either in previous bands, especially Asia, or from his solo works. These recordings are those which I continually turn to enhance and embrace me in a curtain of security when life seems to overwhelm.'Rock of Faith', with its many themes of hope,loss, and perserverance has added another 'place' in which I visit consistently..
'Mondrago' opens with the toll of a church bell, and what a fitting opening this is as we are transported into a journey of what John's life was and is..As he states in the liner notes, this autobiography always makes me wonder, as I listen to each song, what exactly this man has gone through to create such a heartfelt experience where I feel every bit of pain, sorrow, or optimism that he has. The songs transition extremely well into each other and this adds a consistency that very few recordings can give, almost like a novel that you can't put down. 'Rock of Faith' begins the experience of listening to what John has to say and one needs to focus on the positive message that is conveyed here to appreciate the rest of the album. And what can be said about his cast of players? Geoffrey Downes, Clive Nolan, Martin Orford, John Mitchell, to name only a few. These names to me represent a union and a respectful collaboration of friends that time cannot seperate. It is evident from their contributions to each track that these men have a bond which many of us only hope of finding..After listening to 'I've Come To Take You Home', I see why Geoff Downes and John Wetton began playing together in the first place. The distance of a relationship expressed by this piece always finds its way into my thinking, and when putting it into perspective with my own life, brings many tears. The attractive harmonies of 'I Lay Down' also appeal to the side of me which craves a closer connection with the one I love.
There isn't much that I can criticize about this wonderful album as it has showed me that we all have our own stories to tell about and grow from, and that our experiences, as despairing as some of them have been, can force us to search for better days and people to share them with..

Yep. You will not find a more powerful, emotional, heartfelt collection of music than this CD. This is the culmination of what music is intended to be. Wetton is clearly the greatest voice in rock and roll, and this is his finest work both singing and songwriting. There is not one weak track on this CD, it flows from beginning to end through beautiful song after beautiful song, from cathedralesque pieces to straight rock. I thought Wetton would have a hard time topping Arkangel, but this does it. If you own only one Wetton CD, this is the one to get. Correction, if you own only one rock album this is the one to own. Everything else will seem meaningless and miniscule after this.

Since I am an impatient person, I ordered the Japanese Import of 'Rock Of Faith'. I only know of one word that even begins to describe the album...STUNNING.

From the moment I placed it in my CD player over a week ago, I've been captivated by the lush harmonies, catchy melodies, expert musicianship, and production quality.

My favorite song would have to be 'I've Come to Take You Home', followed by 'I Lay Down', 'When You Were Young', and the rest of the songs (which are all excellent by the way).

I realize I may be somewhat biased in my thinking, but the Wetton/Downes writing team has such incredible, unimaginable potential, which is again demonstrated so well in this album, that they should, in my opinion, continue this relationship with other projects and see where it leads them.

I've often thought that they could probably create an incredible rock opera or something like it. And as Phil Collins said in an interview once, "I'd like to get back together with the guys and play, I just don't want to be called Genesis...we are all grown up now, we don't have to have a name to make an album and play music."

So in conclusion, if you haven't obtained this album yet or made preparations to obtain it, do yourself a favor and order it. It is everything I'd hoped it would be times infinity.

Thank you John for bringing such heart-felt, uplifting music to your fans. It was incredible to see you live at the fan convention with your excellent musicians and with Geoff Downes in 02'. I look forward to hearing some music from 'Rock Of Faith' live in July of 04'

. . . just like everything else in Wetton's discography. This'll go out of print in a year or so, be unavailable for a few years, then get rereleased by some label you've never heard of before, then go away again, and on and on.

But while it's here, I offer my thoughts on the album for those who haven't heard it yet, or are desperately searching for one online. This album veers WAY away from Arkangel, Battle Lines, and the arena rock of Mr. Wetton's career up to now, and goes into a total Pink Floyd meets Lacrimosa territory where it isn't really rock anymore, but isn't easy listening, and sits kinda in between categorization.

"Mondrago" gets things started on a total "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" vibe. Fans of the Arkangel album will probably also feel a bit like they're hearing "Circle of St. Giles pt 2." Then we get the utterly depressing title track, with synths that don't exactly push the song, but give it a Sting vibe. The same can be said for the crunch guitars on "A New Day." But I've gotta say; if you're looking for a theme to this album, then two words will sum it up rather well: UTTERLY DEPRESSING. The subject matter is all about knowing you're going to die, and trying to find comfort in one's faith, and trying to enjoy life all the while being haunted and horrified at one's own mortality. This isn't the happy "Heat of the Moment" "Right Where I Wanted to Be" John Wetton. This is the "Starless" and "Rendesvouz 602" John times 1,000. You won't be driving down the highway with windows rolled down on a happy spring day to this cd.

And if you doubt my comparison to Lacrimosa, just listen to the song "Who Will Light a Candle." It's a morbid orchestral requiem number, complete with the mournfull woodwinds, that sounds like it was ripped out of a Lacrimosa album. And the subject matter is, of course, about being forgotten after you die. Then there's the low point of the entire disc, the dreadfull "Nothing's Gonna Stand in Our Way." If you can get past that without killing yourself, congradulations, you should enjoy the rest of the album, as the theme turns more and more religious (and thus, a little less depressing). It even has a few moments that border on rock.

The final three tracks give little glimpses and reminders of why we all loved John in the first place. "Take Me to the Waterline" is classic Wetton. "I Lay Down" reminds me of Astra era Asia. Then the a capella finalle leaves you on an oddly cheerful note, given that by the time you get to these three gems at the end, the rest of the album has sufficiently darkened your mood for the rest of the day. But if you like Floyd-style progrock which should be listened to on headphones, this album is THE album for you.

When I think of John Wetton, my thoughts hearken back to the early 80s Asia stadium anthem, Heat of the Moment. To call it a song, is to call Bach just "another classical composer" or the Beatles just "another rock band." Rightly so, Wetton was 1/4th of that 80s supergroup which was equal parts Yes (Steve Howe on guitar), The Buggles (Geoff Downes on keyboards), Emerson Lake & Palmer (Carl Palmer on drums), and King Crimson (John Wetton on vocals and bass).

Part of the chemistry of that line-up was the superlative songwriting of Wetton and Downes. Much like Nirvana in the early 90s. Asia spoke to only a single generation before the various members went their separate ways. They were known for hits describing heartache and general teenage lust. Wetton's trademark impassioned vocals took songs that would have sounded cliché being performed by lesser singers and gave them a heavy dose of credibility... then again Wetton's passionate vocals could give the phone book credibility.

Fast Forward to 2002-- for the first time in over 10 years John Wetton once again found himself writing material with Geoffrey Downes... on the very same piano they used in their heyday in Asia. Wetton's solo catalogue has produced albums worth of anthems which hearken back to his days in Asia, mixing hints of seventies prog-rock with deeply passionate, and more often than not autobiographical, lyrics.

Wetton's latest, Rock of Faith, is no exception. With each listen I find myself growing more attached to this gem of a CD. The highlights of the CD are the two songs co-penned by former Asia bandmate, Geoffrey Downes, I've Come to Take You Home and I Lay Down but truly there are no weak spots on the album. The album is peppered with Eastern European influences, heavenly choirs, Supertramp-esque keyboards and saxophones, and even hints of Beach Boy, Brian Wilson's multi-layered vocal harmonies. The instrumental tracks, Mondrago and Altro Mondo are lush and absolutely beautiful. All-in-all it's a shame that this album goes largely undiscovered due to it's Japanese/European only release-other than his work with Asia and King Crimson, Wetton's solo work is known in the United States only by a handful of very devoted fans.

The new trilogy has begun. after the soul searching and reflection of battle lines/arkangel/sinister we now hear from a man who has found a comfortable point in his life. john's work has always been autobiographical and just by using our ears we have heard the struggles and fears he has endured, both public and private. rock of faith, by the title alone, places the listener in john's stability. each song is a message of strength, courage and reflections. musicaly, john mitchell's guitar speaks the passion of david gilmour and yngwie malmsteen (i've come to take you home), and having geoff downes musicaly and spiritualy by jw's side shows the magic is still there. very beach boys in texture with a tip of the hat to his past, rock of faith almost sounds like king crimson if they stayed together all these years(who will light a candle and i believe in you). the nicest suprise is the chello work of elo's hugh mcdowell. john's voice has never sounded better than the multi tracked when you were young. just listen to the high's, mid's and low's of john's range blend into one beautiful voice. if this doesn't become your favorite of any of john's work, give it another listen. listen to where he's been and where he is now. if you ask him, i'm sure he'd say he's right where he wants to be.

The legendary voice of progressive rock has returned - better than ever!

John Wetton, the golden-piped and distinctive vocalist behind such powerhouse progressive bands as King Crimson, U.K., and oh yes, Asia, starts off 2003 with arguably his best solo effort. And when one knows what he's been through over the past several years, the impact of this work is chilling.

The message in Rock of Faith is undeniable: spirituality and belief are what brings one through turbulent times with a new found sense of peace and tranquility. Hence, the title Rock of Faith.

One of the strongest passages comes from the title track:
"I'll never stand alone, for I
Have the foundation stone I knew
So as my spirits rise anew
Then with all speed
To the path
That will lead
Surely back to You.........."

While the aura of spirituality is prevalent in the lyrics, the vocal throughout the recording sound as though its echoing out of the balconies. The CD's first song and instrumental offering entitled "Mondrago," opens with church bells, ultimately leading into "Rock of Faith."

The spiritual overtones are undeniable, but don't think this to be a contemporary Christian offering. What we have is one of the best lyricists of progressive rock telling us his life's story through song.

Wetton's troubles are well documented and still worth noting: long-time battle with alcohol, divorce from his wife Jill, with whom he'd been together since the mid-70's.

The strength and clarity of Wetton's voice is overwhelming again, showing he has gained the upper hand in the fight against alcoholism. Those familiar with Wetton's vocal talents had found it to be weaker in recent CDs such as Arkangel and Welcome to Heaven/Sinister.

Many fan reviewers on Wetton's website [...] are raving about the return of the Asia songwriting partnership of Wetton and Geoffrey Downes. The real strength in Rock of Faith is not only Wetton's strong vocal performance, but the strength of the instrumentation.

Too many past Wetton offerings had the band as an almost afterthought, overshadowed by the vocal choruses. Not so, on Rock of Faith. This is a bold, excellent recording where vocals and instrumentation work perfectly!

That being said, the songwriting partnerships are excellent as ever. The aforementioned Wetton/Downes team penned two pieces, including the absolutely majestic "I've Come to Take You Home." The song features beautiful cello work by Hugh McDowell, of Electric Light Orchestra fame.

Another collaboration is with childhood friend (and often time songwriting partner) Richard Palmer-James, the lyricist of the early-70's King Crimson work on the haunting "Who Will Light a Candle?"

One song that brings back memories of Wetton's impressive improvisation work in King Crimson is the musical interlude in "I Believe in You," featuring guest saxophonist, Tim Garland. Wetton's band, featuring Clive Nolan (keyboards), John Mitchell (guitars), Steve Christey (drums), and Wetton (bass and vocals) form a talented quartet.

The true brilliance of Rock of Faith cannot be absorbed in one sitting. However, two songs immediately jump out: the title track and "Nothing's Gonna Stand in Our Way," a song co-written with Susan Shifrin (David Cassidy's wife). If American radio had any teeth, both tracks would be given some serious airplay.

Turn out the lights, and listen to Rock of Faith over and over. The chills won't go away!

Without getting into particular tracks, this is music! These are songs. 'Songs' reflect a personal experience, or an observation that had an effect on you, or a big, direction-defining realization ... that's put into words, and music. Not music made with a computer [only] with a bunch of words thrown in that rhyme, with a repeating rhyme that gets called the "chorus" ... that happens like 30 times before it's over. Sad that most people under 28 no way would give this John Wetton CD a listen, today, all because it's by a guy who was in an '80s band. This man is what you call a SINGER. His voice is one of the top 10 best male singing voices on the planet. I happen to prefer this over the Asia stuff (with possible exception to the Astra record). His voice can be heard on the Asia Phoenix CD and on their Omega CD. This solo record came out a fair while ago, now, but it's a great listen ..... This is what music is supposed to be.

Great CD, Some great songs on here, very heartfelt such as "I Lay Down" and "I've Come To Take You Home". "A New Day" was also an immediate favorite.

The only regret I have is not purchasing this wonderful CD sooner.

As a jukebox disc, a smashing success. But there is just too much pop and not enough power in these progressive-lite diet plans.