Proclaim

Sounds like … southern rock mixed with blue-eyed soul and a hint of country that often rests in acoustic rhythms or piano-plated melodiesAt a glance … the singer/songwriter for David and the Giants puts forth his second solo release following the band's streak of seventeen albumsTrack ListingI Come To WorshipJust Like JesusNear YouHoly RainWhen Mercy Found MeMy Song of PraiseGlory HallelujahShout It OutRun to His MercyWith a PrayerBlue Eyes Like Janey'sBlue Eyes Like Janey's (Country Mix)

As figurehead for the '80s/90s act David and the Giants, David W. Huff's career spans nearly three decades. Though the band was better known in the mainstream market, the message was always faith-centered. Add that to a sound that featured southern influenced stadium rock (Bob Seger, Creedence Clearwater Revival), and the band fulfilled a unique niche.

Much of that southern rock sound has carried over into Huff's solo career, though elements of modern country—in a more laid-back acoustic tone—dominate his second solo release Proclaim. Subtle strings and a ballad base encompass "Near You," a slight vocal echo effect is scrunched under the twangy guitars of "Just Like Jesus," while the choir-filled "Shout It Out" has a rejoicing flavor. Beyond this melding of styles is music with a message, like the beautiful and gut-wrenching "Blue Eyes Like Janey's," which addresses the ills of abortion through the eyes of a couple who made that choice. The song appears twice—as a ballad and as an all-out country version.

Despite the generally enjoyable mood, Huff's not likely to reel in many listeners outside of his already established fan base. The production is sparse and unimaginative, and much of the record sounds like it was lifted straight out of the Giants' heyday, sounding somewhat dated (especially "With a Prayer" and "Holy Rain").