Customer Reviews

Russ Taff

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

On the Really Short List of Great Contemporary Christian CDs. . . . Another site review called this set "less accessible," and I could not disagree more. Taff leaves everything on the table on this CD--no easy questions, no pat answers, no cliches, no fluff (like most of more current CC music). It is just raw energy and emotion as he struggles with the day-to-day business of being a Christian. He convinces himself (and us along with himself) by the end of the CD that Christ's "Life" in track 10 ("Breathe Life Into Me") and His "Healing Touch" in track 11 are worth the struggles present in tracks 1 ("Shake"), 2 ("Walk Between the Lines") & 4 ("Down in the Lowlands"), in particular. The catharsis and/or turning point is track 6, "I Still Believe." Taff wrestles mightily throughout this song, desparately hanging onto the convictions he holds deep down inside. An absolutely gut-wrenching emotional and spiritual struggle is presented in this song--life at its very essence. How can that possibly not be "acccessible". . . ? Ignore that one "expert" and listen to the customers. Follow Taff on his quest/journey--it isn't easy throughout, but it is well worth the trip.

The first timeI ever heard this album moved me in in every sense of the meanings and daily stuggles of life in general. Though Christian it is powerful in all aspects and moving with great metaphoric truths of life. Packed with both the powerful vocals of Russ Taff and the genre of the rock of that era this CD is still one of my all time favorites and even today I find myself ordering my 7th copy.

This album was quite a departure from the more pop-oriented album Medals. It included pop songs like "Walk Between the Lines" and "Breathe Life Into Me," but this album had more of a rock and blues feel. There are 3 cover versions, Chris Eaton's power ballad "Believe in Love," Charlie Peacock's "Down in the Lowlands," and the Call's "I Still Believe" (which sounds almost identical to it except with one line added "You can't take that away from me!"). There's also an old spiritual "Steal Away," with just Russ Taff on vocals and James Hollihan on steel guitar. In addition, Taff's lyrics were more direct, as on "Shake," which sounds almost like James Brown singing gospel (sample lyric: "I'm tired of great big men with ego kingdoms in mind trying to tell me how to spend my money and time") and "Living on the Edge of Time" ("The winds of the future are bringing a change. I've got to deal with my human condition and make a difference if I can.") Even the catchy "Higher" had some introspective lyrics- "The questions are unchanged, the cry remains the same. I pray you'll take me higher." "Your Healing Touch" and "This Love Is Strong" put things in a more positive perspective (these are the closers to sides A and B, for those of you who remember the days of cassettes). I had read that Russ Taff went through a period of soul searching and questioning his own motives at this time. The result is an honest and more introspective album than anything he had recorded up to that time.

I am a big fan of Russ Taff, but I must say that this album is BY FAR THE BEST. As another reviewer stated, this album is so open and honest. No matter how bad my mood may be, this music always gives me the strength to carry on. It is spiritual to be sure, but anyone searching for inspiration will not be disappointed.

I recall listening to and seeing Russ Taff live, several times, back in the 80's and early 90's. He was a pioneering performer and writer then and this record still lives up to that standard today. This man is an artist on a level that even many general market artists could only dream about being. I always wonder what could have been if he'd avoided the CCM industry and gone for it in the general pop music market. It's too bad that the spoon fed multitudes of CCM fans just didn't get this man.

This a great record! Russ Taff has always had that distinguishable and unmistakeable voice and this project hi-lights it! From the Blues driven "Shake" and old school dobro "Cross Roads" styled slide guitar on "Steal Away" to the 80's anthem styled "Walk Between The Lines" and "Believe In Love" this project is full of great songs and very well produced music. "Down In The Low Lands" has that Charlie Peacock vibe with Rebecca Sparks vocal delivering some sweet textured background vocals.

This album was also the precursor to a lot of the semi-punk flavors we loved about bands like The Cure with the "Lost Boys" soundtrack song "I Still Believe" and "Living On The Edge Time"

There is something for everyone on this record. One of my personal favs is "Breathe Life Into Me" probably because it always takes me back to when I was 18 years old and this was his "new" record and I was wearing out the tape.... what more can I say I love it...

Also, when you hear you the lead vocalist for Kings Of Leon there is such a resemblance to Russ that it makes me wonder who he listened to as a kid...? I'm just saying....

As a huge Russ Taff fan since "The Imperials" days, I have always thought this was one of Russ' finast projects. It has incredible energy that is displayed through his powerful voice. As a drummer I've also enjoyed how this album rocks too...even has Jeff Porcaro on highhat for "I Still Believe." After 20 years it's still a favorite! Thanks Russ.

I love this album. It has many great songs, including "Walk Between the Lines", "This Love Is Strong", "Believe in Love", and "Healing Touch". Russ Taff's voice is great!

What are the "extra tracks" that distinguishes this CD from the original, and that justifies the greater expense?

(The original rates 5 stars...one of the best CCM albums ever recorded--most definitely a "desert-island disc.")

Yes, it truly is a great thing, this CD. A pity that the first song is on it, it would get a 5-star rating without it. I can't really tell what is so great about this CD, it is just so full of emotion. I feel like it touches countrymusic, but very slightly (not nearly as far as 'The way home') and rockmusic, and the combination makes listening more than just worthwile.