David Huff Proclaim Christian Records Adult Contemporary 05-04-2004

SCORE 79%

The name of Huff is a storied one in Christian music. If your name is David Huff, it can be even more confusing, since there are two David Huff's who have made a name for themselves in the industry. Even worse, both were involved with a band that had the word "giant" in it. David Huff, brother of Dann Huff, was once a member of the group White Heart as well as the band Giant. David (W.) Huff, father of Kellye Huff, is the man behind the long-running rock band David and the Giants. He is also the man who has just released his second solo project, Proclaim.

David and the Giants called it a day about six years ago, but Huff still had a passion for creating music that glorified God. Proclaim focuses that desire in an explicitly vertical manner. Though David and the Giants had more of a southern rock foundation, Proclaim moves more freely in contemporary/rock territory, though eclectic influences find their way into the music enough to keep the album from becoming stale or overly Christian-poppy. "I've Come To Worship," for instance, has a guitar riff that might feel halfway at home on a U2 record. "Just Like Jesus" has a PFR-esque sing-a-long chorus. On the whole, the album contains straight-up praise and worship songs - songs, not choruses meant for corporate worship. The distinction should be noted.

For those who remember Christian music in its heyday, David Huff's record will be a pleasant surprise and reminder of Christian music's more simple times. It certainly does share many of the characteristics of what defined CCM in the 80's, with its praise-oriented, blatantly Christian rock/pop lyrics. Musically, any of Huff's fans will quickly find much to love, as will those who appreciate classic rock melodies and sensibilities in their contemporary music selections. I really like this album - it's a pleasant surprise and a refreshing listen in a musical world where everyone is often trying way too hard to be progressive. Sometimes its nice to celebrate what once was. Proclaim is contemporary, but with a strong, 70's/80's rock foundation.