This project specializes in songs about friendship, commitment and relational reconciliation. A man is instructed to support the woman in his life by embracing her in times of need (“Hold Her Closer”). On “Scenes from a Coffee House,” loving friends are perfectly content to share platonic companionship. The idea that “love is the reason that we live” inspires a man to avoid taking advantage of the impressionable woman he cares for (“Jelly”). Sharing another’s life through good and bad, and wishing them the best, is a recurring theme (“Peace and Love,” “I Wanna Be There,” “My Friend,” “It’s Your Day”).
One mild profanity on “I Wanna Be There.”
Eliot Sloan-whose lead vocals sound at times like Michael W. Smith-has said that his group’s popularity is due mostly to its “positive lyrical vibe.” Not too shabby musically, either. With one minor exception, a terrific follow-up to the band’s equally upbeat Home.
