What’s the 4-1-1?
Liberty N’ Justice is a Christian-based rock outfit that was formed by Justin Murr in 1991. The group existed as a full band for several years before musical difference drove them apart. In 2002 Murr decided to resuscitate the group only this time using outside musicians. Jamie Rowe (Guardian) and Dale Thompson (Bride) were the first to sign on, and 18 others followed. Liberty N’ Justice released Welcome to the Revolution in 2004. Now Justin Murr has returned with the same formula that brought him renewed success. Soundtrack of a Soul features 18 more guest vocalists to deliver another dose of faith inspired rock.
Genre
Melodic rock / hard rock / Christian rock
The Good
Ez Gomer (Jet Circus) kicks things off with the guitar and effects heavy track “Kings of Hollywood.” Gomer’s vocals are reminiscent of fellow Christian rocker Michael Sweet’s (Stryper). Sebastian Bach makes an appearance on “Another Nail.” It’s really nice to hear something new from Baz. He delivers without missing a beat. He’s a little more subdued than his Skid Row days, but still just as confident. Jamie Rowe (Guardian) hits plenty of emotional highs and lows with the acoustic ballad “Malice in Wonderland.” Oni Logan (Lynch Mob) brings exceptional melodic vocals to his performance of “Show Me the Way.”
One of the unsung vocalists of melodic rock, Tony Harnell (TNT), handles to mic on “Flinch.” Dark guitar tones and driving riffs dominate the song, with the exception of the harmonic chorus. The combination of Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) and Pete Loran (Trixter) on “Thy Will Be Done” is a hair metal fan’s dream come true (well maybe on a B-lister scale). The chorus has quite the memorable hook. The last time I heard Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), he wasn’t sounding so great, but on “Killer Grin” he sounds like he has things back under control. Ted Poley’s “Always Tomorrow” has a smooth melodic flow to it. The track has a slow build-up that leads to a powerful chorus.
The Bad
It makes sense to have Leif Garrett on this collection, but I just wasn’t digging his song. I could have done without “Surreal” as well.
The Verdict
Okay, so Soundtrack of a Soul isn’t just a straight-up rock album; it’s a rock album with a message. Unlike other albums in this vein, the message comes across artful, rather than preachy. If you focus in on the lyrical content of Soundtrack of a Soul, you’re sure to look at life and its obstacles a little bit closer, with perhaps a little more faith or spirituality. If that’s not really something you’re into, it’s still a commanding rock album.
Did You Know?
This is the sixth album that bears the Liberty N’ Justice moniker.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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