Relationships are worth fixing (“It’s Not Over,” “Breakdown,” “What About Now”) and need to be nurtured (“Used To”). Life on the road can’t compare to the company of a woman at “Home” whose patience and faithfulness leave the singer awestruck. “Crashed” tells of a desperate man revived by a miraculous encounter (“You breathed your breath in me … you saved me”). It could be with a woman or it might be referring to God. After all, Chris Daughtry thanks Jesus in the liner notes and seems passionate about becoming who the Lord wants him to be on “What I Want,” a tune that features screaming guitars courtesy of Slash (of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver fame). “There and Back Again” rallies someone to seize the day, shine and live out a dream. Family dysfunction drives a teen to run away from home on the cautionary ballad “All These Lives.”
The breakup songs “Gone” and “Over You” don’t mention any marital ties yet suggest that both parties lived in the same house.
Last season on American Idol, Chris Daughtry followed Bo Bice’s lead by adopting an aggressive rock sound. It got him to the semifinals. Now the band bearing his name has a hit CD with gritty riffs and vocals similar to Fuel, Hinder or Nickelback. Fortunately, his lyrics are worlds better. Only minor reservations.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
