{"id":40042,"date":"2014-04-25T06:55:12","date_gmt":"2014-04-25T11:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=40042"},"modified":"2014-08-15T06:56:19","modified_gmt":"2014-08-15T11:56:19","slug":"michael-sweet-im-not-your-suicide-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2014\/michael-sweet-im-not-your-suicide-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Sweet | I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by John Kindred<\/span>
\n– Publisher —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"michaelMichael Sweet, front-man for the Christian rock band Stryper, is set to release his latest solo album; I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em>, May 6 on Big3 Records. Sweet also will release his autobiography Honestly: My Life and Stryper Revealed<\/em> the same day. Sweet\u2019s 30-year career encompasses his role as vocalist and guitarist in Stryper, as well as a critically acclaimed solo artist. <\/p>\n

Taking the reigns as producer, Sweet delivers his long-overdue solo album. I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em> features 11 new songs and two cover versions of Neal Young\u2019s \u201cHeart of Gold,\u201d the latter a vocal duet of Electra Mustaine and Sweet. There are slew of special guests, including Tony Harnell of TNT; Chris Jericho of Fozzy; Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake and Burning Rain; Kevin Max of DC Talk; and Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper.<\/p>\n

The first single “I’m Not Your Suicide” is the album\u2019s namesake. Sweet has partnered with Childhelp (the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect) to bring awareness to the suffering of abused children who have contemplated suicide. The lyrics of “I’m Not Your Suicide” delivers a message of hope. <\/p>\n

The brilliance of Michael Sweet as a solo artist versus the front-man for Stryper lies in the music that reflects more of his influences. Obviously, Stryper follows a specific blueprint. With Sweet\u2019s solo efforts, he is allowed to create more diverse compositions. What is amazing is that his voice always is suited to whatever style of music over which he sings. <\/p>\n

I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em> takes listeners through several genres within the confines of rock. Sweet\u2019s heavier side is represented by songs such as \u201cTaking On The World Tonight.\u201d The opening song on the CD starts with the wail of sirens and heavy-handed muted rhythm guitar, where Sweet\u2019s metallic and melodic influences take hold. TNT front-man Tony Harnell provides vocal support, thickening the verses and filling out the choruses. Both, Sweet and Harnell\u2019s vocals blend together nicely, and this is a real treat for fans of both musicians. \u201cAll That’s Left (For Me To Prove),\u201d \u201cThe Cause,\u201d \u201cAnybody Else\u201d (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich) and \u201cUnsuspecting\u201d also represent heavier songs that appear on the album, and each track highlights Sweet\u2019s songwriting prose and skill as a guitarist.<\/p>\n

Some songs seem experimental in nature, such as \u201cThis Time\u201d (featuring Kevin Max), which has a slower pace. Sweet almost appears to be tipping his hat to Queen, as the verse is reminiscent to \u201cThe Show Must Go On.\u201d The bridge is quite trippy and features Kevin Max. Sweet\u2019s voice is quite emotional during the chorus; you always believe in the conviction in which he vocally delivers each note and word. The emotional urgency of the chorus of “I’m Not Your Suicide\u201d will strike you at your core. The lyrical content will have an effect on the children Sweet is trying to reach, as well as their families. <\/p>\n

\u201cComing Home\u201d is another emotional number. It has a country vibe with the addition of the slide guitar, which lends itself to the sadness during the verse; the chorus is big and powerful. \u201cHow To Live\u201d (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper) is the true ballad on the album. Led by the piano, the song allows the vocals to float over the instrumentation. The song builds in complexity as it progresses, bringing more and more instruments into the mix. It\u2019s a powerful vocal performance by Sweet. Two really cool versions of Neil Young\u2019s \u201cHeart of Gold\u201d appear on the album, the only real difference between the two is the addition of Electra Mustaine\u2019s vocals in a duet with Sweet on the final track of the CD. Her voice is not what you\u2019d expect from the daughter of Dave Mustaine; it\u2019s not the thrash metal gravely, snarl that Dave is known for. Electra sounds amazing.<\/p>\n

There is a lot to be said about escapism through lyrics in songs, and there is a lot to be said about lyrics that trigger specific memories.The words within the confines of a musical arrangement can bind us to an event of significant relevance in each and every one of our lives. These qualities are the foundation that Sweet lyrically crafts into each song on I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em>. <\/p>\n

I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em> is a timely release. For those who have lost faith that any new music could touch your heart and soul and inspire you, Sweet gives us hope by penning new songs to complement our daily lives. This is a complete album; there are no filler tracks. Each song complements one another. Even with explorations between \u201crock\u201d styles, I’m Not Your Suicide<\/em> maintains its cohesiveness. <\/p>\n

Deep down, Sweet wants to be known for his guitar playing. He is a brilliant guitarist who can stand toe to toe with those grafted to the title of guitar hero, and it is sad that he typically is not recognized as one because he truly shines as a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and producer. Basically, Sweet is the complete package, where others are only the master of one.<\/p>\n

Genre: Christian Rock, Christian Hard Rock, Christian Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nMicahel Sweet \u2013 Vocals, Guitar
\nKenny Aronoff \u2013 Drums
\nJohn O\u2019Boyle \u2013 Bass
\nPaul McNamara \u2013 Piano, B3, Moog, Korg
\nPete Adams \u2013 Steel Guitar<\/p>\n

Guests:
\nRobert Sweet & Timothy Gaines \u2013 on \u201cHow to Live:
\nTony Harnell \u2013 guest vocal on \u201cTaking On the World\u201d
\nKevin Max \u2013 guest vocal on \u201cThis Time\u201d
\nElectra Mustaine \u2013 guest vocal on \u201cHeart of Gold\u201d
\nChris Jericho \u2013 guest vocal on \u201cAnybody Else\u201d
\nDoug Aldrich \u2013 lead guitar on \u201cAnybody Else\u201d<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n01.\tTaking On The World Tonight (featuring Tony Harnell)
\n02.\tAll That’s Left (For Me To Prove)
\n03.\tThe Cause
\n04.\tThis Time (featuring Kevin Max)
\n05.\tI’m Not Your Suicide (co-written with Blair Daly)
\n06.\tComing Home
\n07.\tMiles Away
\n08.\tStrong
\n09.\tHow To Live (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper)
\n10.\tHeart Of Gold
\n11.\tAnybody Else (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
\n12.\tUnsuspecting
\n13.\tHeart Of Gold (featuring Electra Mustaine) (bonus Track) <\/p>\n

Label: Big3 Records<\/p>\n

Web: http:\/\/www.michaelsweet.com\/<\/a> – http:\/\/www.childhelp.org\/<\/a> <\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven rating: 10\/10<\/p>\n

Pick up your copy on Michael Sweet’s website, here<\/a> or iTunes<\/a> or Amazon<\/a> …<\/p>\n