After 25 years in Christian music and 23 number one hit singles it would be easy for
Wayne Watson to rest on his laurels. Refreshingly though,
Watson's
Living Room is much less complacency and much more re-invention.
Watson uses the production skills of his son Neal to push his songwriting and production to new heights, taking his skills into a new millennium and a new audience. While the classic
Watson sound still permeates on cuts like "Grace" and "Glorify Your Name," he stretches his boundaries on many songs throughout the album. "Somebody Sing" is a tune that saunters into
Steven Curtis Chapman or
FFH territory. With stronger percussion and a more forceful rhythm section, the upbeat cut serves
Watson well. While "Long Way From the Manger" remains true to past styles, the looping drums aid in bringing the song more style. "Climb on Up" offers a more forceful performer as well. The song features distorted electric guitars, a moving bassline, and well-placed effect-laden vocal nuances that are a delight.
Living Room is a disc that brings
Wayne Watson to the forefront of Christian music instead of languishing him in the past. The release should satisfy his steadfast fans while bringing another generation into the fold. ~ Steven Douglas Losey