Michael Sweet - One Sided War

I've had the album for the week it's been out and I've gotten to know it a bit. Overall impression is that I really enjoy it. There are no tracks that have me hitting the skip button.

My favorite track, somewhat surprisingly, is "I Am". I say surprisingly because it's more of a groove based song and I like song with more kick in the tempo. But the lyrics, the hook, the main riff... It's got it all, including a part in the middle where the song breaks into a fast tempo with a heavy rhythm guitar and a scorching solo. Micheal's power on the choruses, especially near the end, is amazing.

Another favorite for me would be "Golden Age". The hook in this song gets etched in my head for hours after I listen to the album.

The title track is another favorite. Again, a more groove oriented song with an awesome guitar riff and a huge hook.

The ballad, if you can call it that, is "Who Am I". This may be my favorite ballad MS has ever written. It features some great vocal work in the melodies in the chorus. For example, in the first chorus, the choir comes out first with Mike's lead line behind them, and on the second chorus it's reversed. I also love that in the last minute of the song, there's loads of guitar soloing going on under the vocal melodies. The whole thing has a vibe that is different. Really great song.

Lastly, I will mention "Only You" because the main riff may be my favorite on the whole record. It sounds very much like a Ratt riff from 1984. That's a compliment.

I like the whole album, even the songs I didn't mention. I would heartily recommend this to anyone who likes Stryper's recent albums. This is gonna be in heavy rotation for me for awhile.

I got this in the mail yesterday and it smokes and rivals his Stryper recordings. I heard the first 6 or 7 songs. The only song so far I don't care for is Radio and the ballad/slow rocker but I haven't heard all of it yet. I also got a winning ticket. I ordered one of the bundles.

Best album I've ever done and or been a part of. The musicianship is the best as well. These guys are as good as it gets. If you've heard it, I'd love to hear your thoughts?


Gipper

What I've heard on Youtube sounds great and also shared those songs with my wife and children and my coworker.

Don't have the album yet, hopefully this year though.

My album just came yesterday and I have only had a chance to listen to it once.  Easily the best MS solo album he has ever recorded.  I look forward to spinning it many more times.  I can already tell it will be a heavy contender for my favorite album of the year.

While I have loved the last two Stryper discs, this is even above them in total quality.  I love this new album!

Follower of Jesus wrote:I've had the album for the week it's been out and I've gotten to know it a bit. Overall impression is that I really enjoy it. There are no tracks that have me hitting the skip button.

My favorite track, somewhat surprisingly, is "I Am". I say surprisingly because it's more of a groove based song and I like song with more kick in the tempo. But the lyrics, the hook, the main riff... It's got it all, including a part in the middle where the song breaks into a fast tempo with a heavy rhythm guitar and a scorching solo. Micheal's power on the choruses, especially near the end, is amazing.

Another favorite for me would be "Golden Age". The hook in this song gets etched in my head for hours after I listen to the album.

The title track is another favorite. Again, a more groove oriented song with an awesome guitar riff and a huge hook.

The ballad, if you can call it that, is "Who Am I". This may be my favorite ballad MS has ever written. It features some great vocal work in the melodies in the chorus. For example, in the first chorus, the choir comes out first with Mike's lead line behind them, and on the second chorus it's reversed. I also love that in the last minute of the song, there's loads of guitar soloing going on under the vocal melodies. The whole thing has a vibe that is different. Really great song.

Lastly, I will mention "Only You" because the main riff may be my favorite on the whole record. It sounds very much like a Ratt riff from 1984. That's a compliment.

I like the whole album, even the songs I didn't mention. I would heartily recommend this to anyone who likes Stryper's recent albums. This is gonna be in heavy rotation for me for awhile.

 
Totally agree with you, what a GREAT album!!!  The quality of the guitar riffs is just the best, ALL the songs are fab and the ballad "Who Am I"is definitely my favorite by Michael Sweet.  Exceeded my expectations for sure!!!

Awesome job Gipper

I went through the rest of this album and it is a melt your face off smoking album. The only track I can't get into is Radio. It is a good song and not a filler - but I am just not feeling it. I have been like that with other songs - you know it's a good song but you can't get into it. Also, that girl Moriah that sings on the last track - what a set of pipes - move over Amy Lee and Lee Aaron. What a job she does!

I hear hints of Stryper, Whitesnake, Van Halen, ZZ Top and AC/DC on this album. When I have a careful listen of this I may post a detailed review. Over all, I can see this album being a favorite for years and will be up there with the classics like Impellitteri - Answer to the Master and Screaming Symphony, Daniel Band Run From the Darkness, Stryper - Soldiers and THWTD, X-Sinner Get It, Dream Theater - Metropolis Part 2 Scenes From a Memory, Joshua - Intense Defense, etc.

Are the lyrics available online?

8 years later and this album still holds up. Listening through it today for the first time in a while and it is still awesome.