|
  This
is a companion album to the movie "The Best Two Years"
which was produced by those HaleStorm guys. Michael McLean gives
extensive liner notes that describe the inspiration behind each
song, but doesn't completely clarify which songs appeared in the
film and which ones were his additions to the "soundtrack"
album. Nevertheless, we are treated to a host of good music, some
of which was collaborated upon with others.
A little background on the film. It follows the missions of several
fellas in Holland. Some of the themes explored include being green,
learning a foreign language, and learning to make good choices in
life. And this album picks up those themes and runs with it.
"The Best Two Years" is performed by Scott McLean, who
co-wrote the song with his father Michael. A great peppy piece that
sets the tone for the whole album. It has the contagious energy
of a greenie ready for his "best two years."
"Promised Land" is sung by John Batdorf, who co-wrote
the song. This rock piece is a good example of the high energy rock
that John Batdorf is known for producing. The message is cool; speaking
of learning that the promised land is anywhere love is found.
"I Will Not Be Afraid" is another John Batdorf collaboration
and originally appeared on the book with soundtrack titled "Distant
Serenade." It gets a rock treatment more appropriate for a
film score, plus the lyrics are reworked to be more relevant to
the film's story.
"Falling" was co-written by Scott and makes the confession
that it's time to repent and turn a life around.
"Will I Ever Learn This Language" was co-written by Scott
and speaks of the struggle many missionaries face to learn the native
language of the land they are serving.
"Don't You Know" was co-written and performed by Batdorf.
More of a pop piece, it speaks of the transformation that love makes
in life for the one who receives it.
"Let It Go" is another collaboration between Batdorf and
McLean and it's a ballad about learning to let go and to hang on
to love in life.
"It's Not Heavy" is yet another collaboration between
Batdorf and McLean. By now one gets so they can spot the ones with
Batdorf's touch. There's a unique quality to the pieces they collaborate
upon. Also a bit slower, it has the feel of the heavy-limbed depression
that threatens to overtake one's life until they hear the whisperings
of the Spirit saying "it's not heavy."
"Take My Life" is written by Michael and is performed
by Scott. It speaks of giving one's life freely to Christ.
"Who Will Be the Real Hero" is a classic McLean piece
that's been covered countless times. It's performed by Batdorf here,
and it gets a full-blown arena rock treatment at its most expansive
point, then it quiets down into almost a whisper.
"Never Lose Touch" is a fun ditty written and performed
by Scott. It speaks of all the horrible things that might befall
the singer but will never prevent staying in touch. Some of the
scenarios are quite funny. I thought the song was written about
retiring missionaries but Michael says it was inspired by the optimism
of newly called missionaries who are positive they'll stay in touch
with their closest friends while serving their two year missions.
"In the Wink of an Eye" was co-written by Michael and
J.J. Peterson. It speaks positively of the two years ahead and promises
that "in the wink of an eye" those two years will be over
and the missionary will be home again.
McLean rarely comes right out and says the word Christ in his lyrics,
but every Mormon who listens to his music can recognize that he's
speaking of the Spirit and spiritual in his work. This body of work
is no exception. The overall mood is high energy, so it won't make
a good Sabbath day album but will be a good choice on other days
of the week. I rate it 4 and half stars.
------------------------
Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
|
