| Musical Style: Acoustic Rock | Produced By: Jamey Perrenot |
| Record Label: Kivel | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 8 | Rating: 70% |
| Running Time: |
Vocalist Jamie Rowe has been on quite the journey as of late. Beginning in the summer of 2014 the veteran front man considered himself ‘Almost Home’ with the release of the seventh Guardian album of the same name, a 70% Angelic Warlord reviewed work that ‘represents a joining of modern rock and acoustic rock I might describe as a musical extension of the groups Swing, Swang, Swung to Bottle Rocket period’. Rowe, however, did not reach his destination until the summer of 2019 upon acknowledging that ‘This Is Home’ with the release of his fourth (also selfsame entitled) solo album, which while departing from the heavier inclining to Almost Home is also not that far removed with an acoustic rock bent interwoven with a decided Country Western twang.
Album opens to its best track (in my opinion) in “Let’s Get This Party Started”, a Guardian style arena rocker with an ample guitar mix, hooks to spare and faith based message: ‘The Father, Son & the Holy Ghost, give you strength when you need it most’. Country rock leanings manifest in terms of the cool fiddle and lead guitar trace off instrumentally.
Unfortunately, remaining material does not quite capture my imagination in the same manner. “Better Off Than Yesterday”, a lushly layered acoustic rocker seeping of vocal melodies, and “Born Again”, in similar vein but more upbeat and continuing the faith aligned lyrics themes (‘All the blessings I’ve been given, my favorite one is being forgiven’), are merely good. Likewise, albums mid-point title track with its slowly moving country acoustic slant is not my cup of tea, although I recognize the strong melody.
Rhythm guitar makes appearance (even if lightly so) on “Life Is Better”, tempered with its country western themed fiddle but also raised up in terms of the rousing refrain, and “Kissin’ On You”, elevated in demeanor with more of a pop driven AOR disposition in comparison. “Jesus Is The Way” stands out more with its earnest lyrical themes - ‘I think that Jesus understands that life gets dirty / I think that Jesus understands when we get it wrong / And Jesus understands when we are hurting’ – as opposed to musical direction, which takes an acoustic rock ballad form. “This Side Of Eternity” closes the album as a medium good acoustic number that moodily drifts to atmospheric keyboards.
It is doubtful I will be inclined to listen to This Is Home in the coming future. Fact is I find the strong acoustic rock and country western musical leanings a challenge in which to identify. No, not for everyone, but I can also see others embracing said musical styles. In terms of my own personal preference, I wish the album had taken on an arena rock basis similar to “Let’s Get This Party Started” while mixing in light country facets. That, in my opinion, would have struck a better balance and led to the more easily identifiable work (at least to these ears).
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Let’s Get This Party Started” (3:25), “Better Of Than Yesterday” (3:57), “Born Again” (3:45), “This Is Home” (4:16), “Life Is Better” (3:26), “Kissin’ On You” (2:28), “Jesus Is The Way” (4:05), “This Side Of Eternity” (4:23)
