Album Reviews

Michael Tait is no stranger to the Christian music scene. As part of power trio dc talk, Michael has enjoyed success in both Christian and mainstream arenas, amassing a nice collection of Doves, Grammys and six records of various metallic make-up. Since dc talk as a group is on intermission, Michael wasted no time forming a band with roommate Chad Chapin, former Petra bassist Lonnie Chapin (yeah, they're brothers) and former Grammatrain frontman Pete Stewart. Together, they make up Tait, a nod to Michael's late father and a band determined to make this solo effort one worth remembering. As the rock element in dc talk's threesome, Tait explodes with Empty, an album that pours intensity and musical blood-sweat. With Pete Stewart on guitar and the Chapin brothers on drums and bass, Tait's band creates taut arrangements that allow him to showcase his sing-along melodies. While almost all of the songs can stand on their own, "American Tragedy" returns Tait to the microphone of racism. Other highlights include "Bonded" (a tribute to Tait's musical influence, Lenny Kravitz) and "Looking for you." Empty shows amazing versatility. Tait says dc talk will be back, but it's hard to imagine him sitting on the creative sidelines after crafting an album like this. If the title weren't taken already, you could call it Free It Last. I give this album an A.

                                                   ~tsrocks.com

Most people will recognize Tait by vocalist Michael Tait, the band's namesake and one third of dc Talk. It seems safe to say that if Tait proves popular, Michael's superstar identity had a little something to do with it. However, after listening to this album it's easy to tell Michael isn't their only strong asset. The band is also graced by Pete Stewart's guitars (formerly of Grammatrain), Lonnie Chapin's bass (from Petra) and Chad Chapin's drums (from Curious George).

I can't say that with Empty, Tait has a straight shot to the top. In fact, most of their music affects me only enough for it to go in one ear and out the other. Tait's melodies, instrumentation and lyrics are oftentimes predictable and formulaic. Of course, with three of the band members originating from such giants as Grammatrain, Petra and dc Talk, that "Top 40" formula probably comes all too naturally to the songwriters. It's not bad music, but it can be uninspired at times. There aren't enough risks being taken in much of the album for the music to really be interesting or stick with the listener.

This generalization does not apply to every song. Two tracks from this album keep me coming back for more. The first, 'Alibi,' is memorable for its energetic melody and smooth guitar work. I expect this song will do well on the radio (be it Christian or mainstream).

The second of the two is my personal favorite. When listening to 'Unglued,' it's easy to tell the song is deeply personal for Michael. The emotion is readily apparent in his vehicle, and I wondered on one particular verse if he might have actually been crying while recording it. After reading about the meaning behind the song's lyrics, his sadness becomes quite understandable: the song is about the pain Michael experienced when dealing with the loss of his father, brother and sister all in a single year's time. This song is truly inspired. I only wish the same amount of heart had been put into the rest of the album.

One of the things I appreciate about this song, and the album in general, is that Michael would most likely never have been able to share this song on a dc Talk album. I suppose that's the point of a solo career. Although Michael hasn't gone 100% solo with Tait, it seems to be as far as he needed to go to express himself fully.

Empty takes a devotional approach to the everyday ups and downs we all experience. Each track showcases simple, solid songwriting and instrumentation with lyrics that are sometimes cheesy and predictable, but always honest. Michael's vocals are as solid as they've always been. Anyone who has loved his voice in the past won't be disappointed by his vocals on this album--they are truly top notch.

This album should top the shopping list of any fans of Michael Tait's vocals or Pete Stewart's guitar work. Anyone else may want to give this album a listen in the store before dropping it in their basket. All in all, Empty is a good debut, but Tait has a long way to go.

                                                    ~Josh L

Does the name "Tait" sound vaguely familiar? It should. While the white boys in dc Talk were off making hip hop records, Michael Tait joined former Grammatrain frontman Pete Stewart, former Petra bassist Lonnie Chapin, and drummer Chad Chapin (yes, they're brothers) to create some superb straight-ahead rock. Mix in some ballads showcasing Tait's fine voice, and this recording is a winner.

The songs were mostly written by Tait, Stewart and Chad Chapin, with contributions from several others including the guys in dc Talk. If you like Pete Stewart's solo work or dc Talk (the Jesus Freak era and after), you should definitely pick up this CD.

                                                 ~Randy Brandt

Tait (homepage)