Steve Ladd “Come Up Clean” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Unshakable God, Grave Clothes, The Thing About a Valley
Overall Grade: 4/5
Steve Ladd packs in a punch in every syllable he articulates. There's such an embedded passionate in his vocals that you can't help but sit up and listen. Thus, if there's something you can't fault Steve Ladd, it's that he means every word he sings. "Come Up Clean" follows on the heels of 2017's "No Excuses, No Regrets." Both sets each contain only 6 songs. Perhaps, Ladd is buying into today's transient music world where consumers only cherry pick their songs rather than wade through a full 10-track album. To the chagrin of ardent fans who wish the project has more songs, Ladd makes this up by making sure each of these songs boom with passion and power.
Ladd is one of the few Southern Gospel artists who has the capacities of cross-pollinating genres in his music. You will find lots of African-American Gospel echoes on "I Never Lost Praise." The choir backed chorus and Ladd's soul-ish hollers make this track sound more Kirk Franklin than the Gaithers. Then he takes a head-on dive into classic pop terrain with the anthemic "Unshakable God." "Grave Clothes" has a pretty unique metallic bluegrass groove that is refreshing. Lyrically, the song is of note as it brings out a three dimensional personal realism from the story of the raising of Lazarus.
Lead single "The Thing About a Valley" finds its muse in 90s pop-country where the song's hook is so strong that it's a challenge not to want to sing along. Underneath its ear worm melody lies a message that needs to be heard: God never wastes the trials of our lives. "He Has Made a Way" continues to showcase Ladd's gorgeous powerhouse vocals as the sovereignty of God is celebrated. Jason Crabb shares the microphone with the title cut "Come Up Clean," which is a far too busy song to be enjoyed.
Though many genres and influences have been exhibited, there's a dearth of quieter moments on the record. One would , for instance, love to hear Ladd croon a worshipful piano ballad. The record, on the whole, is very upbeat and there is a huge outflow of adrenaline. This sends the album rocking. And if you like your Gospel music muscular, sturdy and animated, this disc won't disappoint.
Tags : steve ladd steve ladd come up clean album review steve ladd interview steve ladd news steve ladd new album
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Lady A Announces "On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2)" Featuring Special Duet with Chris Tomlin
-
Chart Rewind: Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” Iron Cast Grip at No. 1 in August 2020
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Sam McCabe Releases “Hold Me Jesus” Featuring Michael W. Smith
-
Hope Darst Teams Up with Josh Baldwin for Powerful New Version of “Mighty Name of Jesus”
-
Grace Kelley, Daughter of Wynonna Judd, Baptized at Church She Once Stole Van From
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
“Give Me You” by Me’Kayla Climbs to #3 on Billboard Gospel Airplay
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Lady A Announces "On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2)" Featuring Special Duet with Chris Tomlin
-
Chart Rewind: Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” Iron Cast Grip at No. 1 in August 2020
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Sam McCabe Releases “Hold Me Jesus” Featuring Michael W. Smith
-
Hope Darst Teams Up with Josh Baldwin for Powerful New Version of “Mighty Name of Jesus”
-
Grace Kelley, Daughter of Wynonna Judd, Baptized at Church She Once Stole Van From
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
“Give Me You” by Me’Kayla Climbs to #3 on Billboard Gospel Airplay
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"