Review
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Title: Hold On: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean
Artist: Eric Robertson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Christian Pop and Contemporary Music
Year Published: 2015
1 Compact Disc Audio CD
Price: $14.98
Reviewed by Kristie Wilkins for the Association for Mormon Letters
Michael McLean’s music has been the soundtrack of countless LDS lives over the last few decades. Employing a unique blend of simple, catchy melodies and powerful lyrics Mr. McLean has been able to evoke a profound emotional response in his listeners. There is a special spirit about his music that changes hearts and lives. Michael McLean has been a driving influence in LDS music and film since releasing his debut album in 1983. Over the years many musicians have recorded his songs in various formats for more generations to enjoy. However, this latest album stands apart from the rest.
“Hold On: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean” is composed of renditions of Mr. McLean’s most popular songs, with new, modern arrangements. Produced and engineered by Eric Robertson, the CD features performances by Brooke White of “American Idol”, Ryan Innes of “The Voice,” and Elaine Bradley of “Neon Trees.” The album has a completely new style with an emphasis on the techno beat and rhythm that appeals to today’s youth. My teenage children felt like this album would be perfect material for a youth dance with a style which reflects the modern music world, combined with clean, inspirational lyrics that are very rare in today’s popular music.
I enjoyed the updated version of “You’ve Always Been There For Me.” Elaine Bradley makes this song really stand out and shine. Songs like “Share the Joy” and “Give a Little Bit of Yourself” lend themselves to the faster, lighter, techno style, and are fun to listen to. Brooke White and Ryan Innes give great performances, as did all the musicians featured on the album.
Those who have been familiar with Michael McLean’s music for many years may have mixed reactions to this new CD. The techno style works well for many songs, but I felt like it worked against the ballads. In many cases the instrumentation was overwhelming and distracted from the meaning and purpose of the song. Tracks like “Hold On the Light Will Come” and “You’re Not Alone” have endured through the years because of the combination of simple accompaniment and sincere vocals that convey profound spiritual truths, witnessed by the spirit. While still well executed, the new versions of these songs left me feeling hollow and flat. They lacked the same feeling and spirit that they had in their original style, serving more as entertainment than as a source of edification. One notable exception is the “Gentle” track. By toning down the techno style and pace that pervades the rest of the CD, Drew Danbury was able to beautifully deliver the message of the lyrics.
“Hold On: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean” will definitely appeal to young audiences. It is a light, fun album you can dance to, with messages listeners will remember. And while it may not have the same appeal for all ages of listeners, it will serve as a vehicle to introduce the wonderful music of Michael McLean to new generations and ensure that McLean’s legacy endures.