InsideOut : Experience   

Those familiar with Inside Out's previous CD, "Innocence," will notice that the group has evolved considerably since then. Though still paying sonic homage to their influences, the Blenders and Rockapella, this male sextet from Utah has a considerably more substantial sound than on the previous recording, and is writing original songs as well. Concise and punchy vocal percussion adds crunch, the performances are tighter, and the group is finding their own identity. When they launch into the groove of "What's On Your Mind/Pure Energy" they quash all objections. The verdict is in: "Experience" pays off!

Songlist: Oh L'amour, Dreamer, Love, Me, What's On Your Mind, Cruel Kindness, Jackie Chan, Silence, Come Thou Fount, Stalking Song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Cruel Kindness (Italian Reprise)

InsideOut's full sound realizes a variety of musical styles and a broad repertoire ranging from golden oldies to hits of the 80s and 90s. The album also includes original songs by InsideOut's exceptional songwriter Kimball Brown. Kimball has done some amazing work on both his original compositions and new arrangements, you won't be disappointed. Songs on the album include "Forever Young," "Just Can't Get Enough," "You've Got a Friend," and "Only You," plus originals "Taken Up," "Like Water," "Innocence II," and "I'll Fly." In addition to the audio, the CD has an interactive portion for computers with sound clips, photos, and even an InsideOut video game.

Songlist: Innocence 2, Forever Young, Only You (And You Alone), Love Right Through, I'll Fly, Just Can't Get Enough, When I Fall In Love, You've Got A Friend, Taken Up, Renewal

InsideOut : Primary Colors   

The fifth excellent CD by multiple CARA-winners, 6-man Salt Lake City-based Mormon a cappella group Insideout is for kids, and is the second kids' CD by a Contemporary Christian group we've reviewed recently, the other is Go Fish's "Splash," which we also found delightful. 15 songs, "'Give' Said The Little Stream" features wonderful vocal percussion and fake synthesizer, and "Eensie Weensie Spider" is beautifully updated. "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus," "I Feel My Savior's Love," "Never Tell a Lie," "When You Tell One Lie," and "Lullaby," an original by group member Kimball Brown, are especially good. "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" and the short but sweet "Books in the Book of Mormon" are of special interest to Mormon kids. The CD concludes with the big fun "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" and "Once There Were Some Snowmen," a brilliant and unexpected parody tour-de-force.

Songlist: 'Give' Said the Little Stream, Eenie Weensie Spider, I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus, Short Trip Home, We'll Bring the World His Truth, I Hope The Call Me on a Mission, Never Tell a Lie, Lullaby, I Feel My Savior's Love, Smiles, Books in the Book of Mormon, Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree, Once There Were Some Snowmen

It's a musical Mission! Is there such a field of music as Mormon Gospel? There is now! Jason Smith, Ryan Hinton, Paul Hatch, Kimball Brown, Ben Haacke, and Lynn Haacke present a beautiful selection of Mormon religious music. While much of the music has the sound of four-square gospel or a traditional hymn feeling, occasionally the sweet perfection of the voices are enhanced by mixing a full choir behind their voices which creates the audible image of a huge organ filling a glorious cathedral. From the opening tune, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," to the finale "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission," you will be introduced to an entrancing spiritual music which is subtly different from more familiar gospel or spiritual traditions. It is both beautiful and fascinating.

Songlist: Joseph Smith's First Prayer, Silence (Heaven's Gift), Brightly Beans Our Father's Mercy, Daybreak, O Savior, Thou Who Wearest the Crown, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Silent Night, Dona Nobis Pacem, Turning, Prayer of the Children, The Greatest of These, I Feel My Savior's Love, I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

InsideOut : So It Seems   

An all-male sextet from Utah, "Inside Out A Cappella" has a similar sound to the Blenders and Rockapella, a likeness for which they make no apology, even covering the Blenders "McDonald's Girl" and Rockapella's "Ellie My Love." The group's "Coal Mine Medley" is a four-song patchwork that seamlessly integrates classic Americana such as "Sixteen Tons" and "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" with a surprisingly modern and engaging result. "Squirrels" and "Rubber Ducky," reveal the group's silly side; "Somebody," "Prayer For The Children" and "Old Park Bench" are tender ballads. Several of the compositions are originals and display quite a flair for melody.

Songlist: Coal Mine Medley, Innocence, Ellie My Love, Crazy, Rubber Ducky, The Promise, McDonald's Girl, Somebody, Prayer of the Children, Old Park Bench, Inside, Squirrels