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John Schlitt is one of the most recognizable voices in rock music. Any fan of seventies rock will identify him as the lead singer of Head East prior to 1980 (their most successful years) and any fan of Christian rock will instantly know him as the voice of Petra during their most successful era (from 1986’s Back to the Street until the band’s retirement in 2005). Schlitt also managed to release two solo albums, Shake and Unfit for Swine, in the mid-nineties. With Petra officially put to bed, John Schlitt offers his third solo album, The Grafting, a certain new beginning for rock’s premier voice.
I’ve always liked John Schlitt solo albums. He’s one of the few artists that really manages to sound all his own apart from the band that he fronts. Even though you hear “that voice” you never confuse his solo work with Petra or Head East. On The Grafting though Schlitt does what has eluded him with his other solo albums. He sounds completely comfortable, as if he’s okay with musically just being John these days. I’m sure this is due in no small part to the involvement of Schlitt’s son in law and excellent producer/songwriter Dan Needham. The Grafting is a family affair.
Most of this album is mid-tempo rockers, as anyone that has heard any of his music in the new millennium would likely expect. “Stand” and “Keep Your Light On” open the album with that instantly identifiable Christian rock sound. It’s hard to describe if you haven’t heard it, but Contemporary Christian Music is certainly its own genre of music, lyrics aside. “Stand” is the faster of the two and the slick production, golden voice, and up front lyrics call out in an inspirational way. “Only Men” is a highlight as well echoing the sentiment that God is, was, and will be. Sometimes our egos make us feel like we are more than men but when we are dead and gone, God will still be.
The key to this album though is the title track. The Grafting, written by Dan Needham, is as powerful as anything Schlitt ever recorded with Petra. It’s laid back feel and striking lyrics are topped off brilliantly by a short lead guitar lick that takes this song from good to great musically. Echoing “This life is a golden opportunity/To give and to love through all uncertainty” this song is a rare gem that could only be brought to life by this powerful of a voice.
This is easily Schlitt’s finest work as a solo artist. This album doesn’t obsess over being a rock album like the previous two did and with over a decade between the sophomore record and this one, I’m sure many lesson have been learned and many new ideas have been born. If you are a fan of CCM or Adult Contemporary music then there’s a lot to love about The Grafting. I have been listening to John’s voice my entire life and I can honestly say that he has rarely sounded finer.
Bottom Line: An easy sound, plenty of interesting lyrics to chew on, and great production. Even if you don't agree with the lyrics, this is worth checking out.
Key Tracks: "The Grafting", "Only Men", "Stand"
Reviewed by: Mark Fisher
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