If you haven't already heard about this group, where have you been?
Plus One is the first official Christian "boy band," meaning they use smooth male harmonies, they were put together by a producer (as opposed to coming together, as most groups do), and they sing ultra-hooky pop music. Hot on the heels of 'N Sync's recent mega-success, from a purely sales and marketing standpoint, this album couldn't come at a better time.
The big question is: will they be accepted by Christian Music fans? I think the answer is yes, to a certain extent, although I fully expect the hardline, "core" Christian Music fans to reject them completely. As for me, yeah I'll admit it: I like 'em.
I've always been a sucker for really great-sounding music, and the smooth harmonies and polished hooks of this music is hard to deny. Hardcore music enthusiasts loathe boy bands in general as illegitimate artists, at best. But there's no denying that the boy band is what's hot now with teens. And for the large constituency of Christian teens, their parents will appreciate having a quality Christian alternative to 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys.
It's a very well-put together album, but what else would you expect from executive producer David Foster? Despite the fact that the songs don't dig very deep, and despite the fact that the whole album comes across as a "product" rather than a piece of work, somehow the album still works. Call me crazy for being suckered in by the whole boy band media blitz, I don't care. I really enjoyed this album. These are talented, sincere guys with hearts for God, and the music is just plain fun to listen to.
Top Picks: "Written On My Heart," "God Is In This Place," "I Will Rescue You," and "When Your Spirit Gets Weak."
Pros: It ain't art, but it sure is fun.
Cons: I could fill this space with a disertation on why I'm against the whole idea of Christian bands being created for the sole purpose of being Christian alternatives to mainstream musicians (we should be leading the charge, not scrambling behind it), but I won't. And while Plus One is definitely the flavor of the month, and their songs are destined to tear up the radio charts, it remains to be seen how popular they will be after the novelty wears off.
The Verdict: Thanks to their sincere Christian hearts and positive Christian lyrics, Plus One is a really fun guilty pleasure that you don't have to feel guilty about.
