Live - Songs from Black Mountain - CD

Pennsylvania outfit Live is one of those bands that works hard to please their fan base and at the same time continue to grow musically. With their spiritually leaning lyrics and intricate chord progressions, the four-piece has attracted a loyal following over the years, helping them sell more than 20 million albums. Songs From Black Mountain is the group's first release for Epic Records.

From the opening track, the flowery "The River," Songs From Black Mountain has a familiar ring to it. Frontman Ed Kowalczyk is one of the most distinguishable vocalists in all of rock and roll. The radio friendly cut is classic Live, with a sing-along chorus and an addictive melody that keeps the listener hooked until the final note fades. Kowalczyk rattles off a poetic set of lyrics on the contemplative "Where Do We Go From Here?" Fans of the band's earlier material will be all over this track. The players lock in tight and ride out the storm that is Kowalczyk's voice.

The acoustic shuttered "Get Ready" is an earnest number with a positive message. Kowalczyk encourages a lover, a friend, maybe even his fans, to embrace the here and now and let go of the past. The light instrumentation provides just the right amount of shading for Kowalczyk's gentle vocals. "Love Shines (A Song For My Daughters About God)" is a jangly cut with religious overtones. The tune won't win any awards for originality, but Kowalczyk gets points for trying to spread peace and love through his music. The fast flowing "You Are Not Alone" reminds us all that there's more to life than the mind is able to comprehend.

Almost half of the album's 12-tracks have one word titles, including the somewhat dull "Show" and the memorable "Wings." On the latter, Kowalczyk and co. kick up the tempo for a though-provoking cut that owes a serious debt to Jimmy Page. The chugging guitars and string section on "Mystery" punctuate Kowalczyk's buttery smooth falsetto. The singer finds himself swallowed up by the enigma that is the Almighty God. "Home" is an arena-sized track that looks at the hopelessness living in the hearts of soldiers longing to return home to their families. Given the current world situation, this song is very poignant.

Some critics feel Live's best days are behind them, but fans are the ones who will have the final say in the matter. Songs From Black Mountain may not be as earth shattering as the group's breakthrough Throwing Copper album, but it contains some good material nonetheless.

By Todd Sterling