Welcome Home

The name Brian Littrell may not ring many bells with the average music listener, unless of course they're a fan of the Backstreet Boys. Littrell, one-fifth of the platinum-plated boy band, has stepped out on his own and into the world of contemporary Christian music. Welcome Home, Littrell's solo debut, is a glistening collection of pop-coated gospel. Littrell sings about his faith in Jesus, but his delivery is so subtle you don't feel like you're being preached to.

Welcome Home features six songs written or co-written by Littrell, including the earnest "Grace Of My Life," inspired by the singer's wife. The soft production matches Littrell's rich voice. "My Answer Is You," a high-powered number with jangly acoustic guitars, also has Littrell's DNA all over it. The Kentucky native pours out his heart to the Lord, and tells the great All Mighty why he isn't afraid to live life to the full. "Jesus Loves You" is an a cappella rewrite of the well-known children's hymn. Joined by co-writers, Mark Kibble and David Thomas, as well as Kevin Stancil, Littrell shines brightly.

Littrell addresses his young son on "Welcome Home (You)" with the same tenderness our heavenly father does when we knock at his door. The singer harmonizes with himself throughout the emotional track. "I'm Alive" is a bombastic cut which also features Littrell harmonizing with himself, to great effect. Littrell realizes he's only free to live a life of grace because of what Christ did on the cross. "We Lift You Up" is a slow moving worship track with a heavy jazz feel. Littrell, with a little help from a choir of singers, thanks Jesus for shedding his blood on the cross to save mankind.

Even though Welcome Home contains a few upbeat numbers, the disc is heavy on ballads, which is not a bad thing at all. Littrell is a ballad's best friend, as he proves on the poetic "Angels And Heroes" and the spine tingling "Wish." On the latter, Littrell expresses his desire to meet Jesus face to face. The standout track, though, has to be the heart piercing "Gone Without Goodbye." The tear-stained number, penned by songwriter Billy Mann, is an emotional song that deals with loss. The guitar/vocal performance is a jaw-dropping moment that will have listeners pressing the repeat button.

The name Brian Littrell may not ring a bell outside of the Backstreet Boys' fan base right now, but once word gets out about how good this album is, it certainly will. Welcome Home is one of the best releases so far this year, in any genre.

By Todd Sterling