Album: Gentle Revolution
Artist: Scott Krippayne
Label: Word
Sounds like: Steven Curtis Chapman, Maroon 5

Scott Krippayne started his career as a sort of second rate Michael W Smith or Steven Curtis Chapman, and there are still similarities on “Gentle revolution.” But it also sees him aiming for a more energetic, more up-to-date sound. So while the album begins with jaunty staccato piano chords, a forceful rhythm section soon kicks in, and track 2 “Take me to the place” features a Maroon 5-style swagger, with twisty guitar licking. “Renee” seems to be a letter to Renee Zellweger, and pivots on a plonking piano motif that is revisited somewhat in the last track’s plunking classical guitar. Other songs take a straightforward, uplifting rock approach, like Audio Adrenaline and Third Day, with “Shadow on the sun” swiping at the cult of celebrity and youth. It’s not unique songwriting, but then rock is hardly built on individuality, and the overall energetic mood is catching.

Four out of Five