Tait was the first of the dc Talk guys out of the gate with his solo album, Empty, two years ago. So it's fitting that once again he's first in line with his follow-up, Lose This Life. Departing from his work with longtime friend Pete Stewart, this go 'round he pairs with dc Talk producer Mark Heimermann, and the results are much more varied and ultimately, more interesting.

Heimermann and Tait allow the songs to be king, letting each song organically grow on its own and take on the sound that's in its own best interests. Every song takes on its own unique qualities, and it really allows Tait to stretch its musical wings and try on a variety of sounds.  For example, "Numb" rocks the group to heavier heights than they've ever before attempted. Then, on the next track, a cover of Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue," the band mixes in elements of electronica on a high energy pop track. Michael Tait honors his sister's memory on the painful "Fallen," and cries out against mediocrity on the terrific rock anthem "Reconnecting." "Heartache" finds him offering a shoulder to lean on for a hurting friend, and rocks out on fun tracks like "Free Will" and "Wait." He even throws in a bonus holiday track, the lusciously orchestrated "Christmas Song."  Highly Recommended!