FEB. 2006

Stapp accepts responsibility for his decisions and is open to God shaping him ("Reach Out," "Hard Way"). On the optimistic "Fight Song" he forsakes bitterness in an attempt to start fresh. Realizing his need for a faithful support network, Stapp pleads for a friend's loyalty ("Surround Me"). Other lyrics tenderly calm a child's fears ("Sublime"), encourage someone to "keep hoping and dreaming" ("You Will Soar") and seek forgiveness ("Let Me Go"). "The Great Divide" lovingly addresses the Creator in an attitude of gratitude, worship and surrender. On "Justify" the artist confesses failures of his former self and tells a tempter that things are going to change ("I looked at him, man to man, and said, 'This time it's gonna be a fight'"). The final track tells fans they can shed fear and doubt by turning to God ("Do you know how it feels to be broken and used? ... Look above to find Love and you'll find eternal life").

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The disc opens with a promise of transparency and hints of confession. It rocks on with a humble, evangelistic tone in an era when even some Christian artists don't mention God by name. All this from a guy who forsook his spiritual roots, lived large and learned lessons the hard way. The prodigal returns with a terrific effort.