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Review submitted by Sherry aka Sweet Soldier

Michael Sweet, Front man for the Christian band Stryper, has released his latest solo effort ‘Touched‘ a follow up to his 2006 release of ‘Him’.

While Sweet is no stranger to a melodic ballad he has ventured into a different realm with this record.

In a collection that includes several revised classic Stryper ballads, a new song ‘My Love, My Life, My Flame’ Michael has also added his interpretation of a few classic hits such as Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are so Beautiful’, Billy Joel’s ‘She’s Got a Way’, Harry Nilsson’s ‘Without You’, Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’ and Chicago’s ‘Color My World’.

Sweet has put his skills to the test and more than rose to the occasion.

In what has been called a “love letter” to his wife Kyle, whom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in February of last year, Sweet had this to say. “In an instant I learned that nothing is more important than love, faith and commitment. This led to my desire to record and dedicate an entire project to Kyle and it’s an honor to be able to share this music with all of you.”

In a riveting, core piercing, remake of the Stryper 1985 ballad ‘First Love’, you are literally held captive, until the breath taking climactic ending, that’s very different from the original.

Comparatively moving, is a new version of his ‘Together As One‘, which includes a few orchestral elements, particularly the violin, blended with big bold keyboards and brilliant harmonies. My ovation undoubtedly goes to this track not only for top notch vocals but for the musical mastery it represents. From the first note to the last, it is nothing short of perfection.

He continues to heat things up while belting out an explosive ‘Without You’ that even Harry Nilsson would appreciate.

In a hauntingly romantic version of Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face‘ Sweet’s passion can be felt with such gripping vocals that one becomes motionless and filled with his intensity.

One of the more surprising elements was his interpretation of Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’….Admittedly, I was curious as to how he was going to pull this one off. But, in true Michael Sweet fashion he more than delivered. He pulls his own harmonies and background vocals throughout the disk and this track particularly showcases just how diverse and talented he truly is.

The final track on the disk is ‘Color My World’. It seems to literally wrap itself around you, while catapulting you, into a realm of galactic emotional stupor. It is, in my opinion, the most romantically intrusive of all tracks.

This CD will definitely draw an across the board listener base. It should be enjoyed by all ages and listeners of all genres. Not only by Sweet or Stryper fans.

To say his compilation of love songs is “moving” would be a travesty. I asked myself, if I could possibly be influenced, due to the fact that I grew up hearing most of these songs, and being a fan of not only Michael, but, Stryper as well, were it possible that I would personally just find it gratifying for him to produce these recordings. I’ll make no excuses or give out any non warranted accolades. It is what it is. A little slice of Heaven.

In what is a brilliant display of Michael‘s range (well over 3 octaves), this project has been drenched with amazing melodies and sprinkled with passion. This effort will leave one undoubtedly….“Touched”.

Available at www.michaelsweet.com and www.familychristian.com

Sherrie McEnaney
Copyright 2008 SmittyMack/Celebrity Productions

Track Listing:
1. You Are So Beautiful
2. Together As One
3. She’s Got A Way
4. All Of Me
5. Without you
6. First Love
7. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
8. Honestly
9. The Rose
10. My Love, My Life, My Flame
11. Color My World

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