I love music, and I have wanted to do some music reviews for sometime. I am kicking this off today with New Zealand born band, Detour 180. Detour 180 are now living in the US.

In full disclosure, I am friends with some of the members of this band, I have heard them live on countless occasions. I can assure you though this will not lead to a glowing review just because I know the guys. Adrian (lead vocals) is passionate about reaching young people with the Gospel. In live shows, he will can bring a room full of uninterested teenagers to tears and draw them into the most intimate of worship times.

Unfortunately, their latest CD, Fighting For You, just doesn't hit a home run.

By The Time starts off a little slow for an opening track. This really sounds like a filler track, and at only 3 minutes long it's far too short. Unfortunately many of the tracks are this short.

You Know My Name is a touching song with good lyrics that will speak to those who don't feel loved by God. This a catchy song and really should have been the opening track. Probably the best studio recording on the CD.

There's way too many dove-award-sounding tracks on this CD, and they really do all do sound the same. Songs like Back to the Cross, See My Savior, Headlong, hmm, actually most, sound like they've been made under the watchful eye of the marketing team at their record company designed to cater to young teens and keep the parents happy.

Where are the hits like She Walked In, Overrated, Beautiful and When You Call? The Detour 180 I know doesn't seem to be on this CD. Perhaps a live recording is what they need to do. In fact the last track, Hallelujah is a live recording, and it works well, though I'm suspicious the vocals have been overdubbed in the studio. They're a little too clean. This track does begin to show Detour 180 in their true colors though.

In conclusion, Fighting For You is a bit of a let down and a step down from their debut album. Maybe they've spent too much time listening to American CMA music. Ouch! I know you guys can do so much better. Looking forward to your next CD.

If you can get to a Detour 180 concert, go, you'll absolutely love it.

3 out of 5.

Buy Fighting For You from Amazon.
Buy Fighting For You from iTunes.