The Brave "Battle Cries"

The Brave

Battle Cries

1992 Pakaderm Records

Produced By: John & Dino Elefante

album cover

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insert (inside)

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Track Listings

All Together Now (4:29)

The Waiting (4:35)

If That Ain't Love (5:01)

Running All My Life (4:46)

Tears of a Broken Heart (4:33)

Little Love (4:27)

Never Live Without Your Love (4:41)

Big World (4:23)

Ride With the Rhythm (3:54)

Just a Man (4:42)

All Together Now (Studio Mix) (4:30)

Running All My Life (Studio Mix) (4:45)

Musicians

James Salters: Lead Vocals

Stayce Roberts: Guitars, Vocals

Malcolm Paris: Bass, Vocals

Randy Roberts: Drums, Vocals

Freddie Tierra: Guitars, Vocals

I've made it no secret that I'm a fan of just about any album that John & Dino Elefante have been associated with and The Brave's inaugural effort is no exception. This is yet another band/album that my brother introduced me to in the early 90's. In fact I seem to remember picking up this album along w/ Stryper's Can't Stop the Rock around the very same time. (Speaking of Can't Stop the Rock, see the producer notes on the back of the insert regarding the LA riots - the same subject as Stryper's song "Believe")

At this point in my life I really didn't listen to much mainstream music as I had enough Christian music to more than keep me entertained and tuned in. Because of this I really can't put a finger on a mainstream band that was similar to The Brave, but it really didn't matter as just about every single track on this album quickly became my favorite. 

One of the things about the album that I enjoyed in the 90's and even today are the big, easy to sing along with choruses. I love the big sounding harmony from the band. This is one of that albums that no matter how long it's been since my last listen, all the lyrics come rushing to the forefront of my mouth and I find myself singing along with every song.

The song writing is good, although when I was searching for song links on YouTube I found a couple of "videos" where it's obvious the user didn't clue in that the songs about love weren't about a girlfriend or the related! I should mention that all of the songs were written by the band with the exception of "Little Love" (Jean-Luc LaJoie) and "Never Live Without Your Love" (John & Dino Elefante). Songs such as "If That Ain't Love" show that this band really was on fire for God.

(chorus)

Gave His life 'cause it had to be

Shed His blood for you and me

If that ain't love, then I don't know what love is

Heart to heart - soul to soul

Through His pain I am made whole

The band went on to record one more album for Pakaderm, 1994's Trust. Unfortunately the lead vocalist, James Salters went on to other projects after this album so Trust has a different (but still good) sound. Drummer, Randy Roberts took on the lead vocals, however he passed away in 2007. In 2014, Stayce Roberts (Randy's brother) reformed the band and they recorded a new album, Rise. I'm not familiar this this one yet, but I'd like to pick it up eventually. Their website doesn't appear to be live anymore so I'm not sure what the status of the band is, but their Facebook page is still up as of this post.

I know it seems as if I recommend just about every album I post about, but this truly is the band's best effort in my opinion. It never gets old either. I find myself pulling out this CD from time to time and through each listen I still come out enjoying every last minute. Thankfully the album can be had on eBay for less than $15 if you're patient enough.

Guardian "Swing Swang Swung"

Guardian

Swing Swang Swung

1994 Pakaderm Records

Produced By: John & Dino Elefante

album cover

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Track Listings

The Way Home Back (4:31)

Endless Summer (4:32)

C'Mon Everyone (4:48)

Like the Sun (5:19)

Rich Man Over the Line (4:03)

Your Love (4:47)

Don't Say That It's Over (4:47)

See You In Heaven (4:39)

Let the Whole World (5:02)

Preacher and the Bear (3:15)

Still On My Mind (3:45)

Why Don't We (1:28)

Musicians

Jamie Rowe: Lead vocals

Tony Palacios: Guitar, vocals

David Bach: Bass, vocals

Karl Ney: Drums

In 1994 Guardian left their hard rock / metal behind them and tried something a little different with Swing Swang Swung. This time around they opted for an acoustic sound with a hint of folk. The final package I think is fantastic, but a lot of fans criticized the band for the sudden change in their sound. Yes, it is different and a pretty drastic departure from Fire & Love and Miracle Mile, but different doesn't have to be bad.

All of the sounds still have that signature Guardian sound, just less edgy. The bluesy sound of The Way Home Back opens the album and easily becomes one of my favorite songs. This song is a good example of how easy it is to sing along. You've got your acoustic rock, slower ballads (such as the video for "See You In Heaven") and then you have Preacher and the Bear. Hands down this is one of my all time favorite songs. Originally recorded by Jerry Reed in 1970 on his Georgia Sunshine album, Guardian puts their signature sound with an injection of blues to make this their own sound.

The guys may have taken a chance with their 4th studio album (2nd for Pakaderm Records), but it works. When I want to listen to Guardian I can't say this is always the first album I reach for, but by no means does it mean that I don't give this one a listen from time to time. While listening to the album while I typed this, my wife made mention that she enjoyed several of the slower songs and asked who I was listening too. If I can catch her ear then I know the guys have done well!