Challenge - Acoustic Universe (ALV Music, 1996)

Challenge is a relatively new band, out of LA, featuring vocalist Allison Lindsay, and guitarist Arno Verstappen. On this release, from 1996, Allison and Arno go entirely acoustic. While I'm not usually a big fan of all acoustic albums, this disc quickly won me over. The highlight, and major strength of this release, is Allison's simply incredible pipes! This girl can flat out sing! She has one of the most powerful voices I've ever heard from a female singer. Yes, she could even give Ann Wilson a run for her money! The album itself is a very classy effort. While it is a quiet, acoustic album, it's not so mellow that it puts you to sleep. Arno manages to get his acoustic guitar to rock quite nicely on songs such as "It's My Life", "When Love Finds A Fool", and the absolute gem "Words". Allison and Arno did all of the songwriting themselves, and have come up with some very well structured and arranged songs, which contain, for the most part, poignant, emotive, well thought out lyrics. The aforementioned "Words" is a mid to up-tempo track with some very deep, expressive lyrics. This, to me, is easily the best track on the album, as Allison just lets loose that amazing voice. The acoustic guitar works quite nicely here, and the lyrics are extremely well-written, with a simply killer chorus, that sucks you right in. Sprinkled throughout the track is some excellent Hammond organ, that really gives the song that extra touch and puts it over the top. The CD is worth it for this song alone, but it isn't the only gem, The ballad, "Finding My Way", is another highlight. It's a lyrically inspirational track, with tasty guitar throughout, and more spectacular vocals from Allison. Another solid more up-tempo track, "Wake Into Daylight", takes on crime and the sorry state of the world, quite intelligently, with an underlying, subtle positive message injected in. Allison's vocals, and solid songwriting shine again, on the "tables-turned" themed ballad, "How Does It Feel." Some nice hooky guitar highlights the mid-tempo, "The Voice Of Freedom", and have I mentioned what a fantastic voice Allison has, yet? :) The CD rounds out with two more solid tracks, the mid- tempo sing-a-long worthy, "I'll Fight For You", and the brooding, introspective ballad "Don't Look Back", which sports yet another killer chorus. Overall, this a very worthy effort, especially for an acoustic album. My only complaint being that I found myself just dying to hear them rock out! Arno's quality guitar playing would be showcased beautifully, on an electric, and I'm very anxious to hear Allison's amazing vocals over a fuller, electric background. Check this one out, you'll be pleasantly surprised! Visit the Challenge Website, or E- mail for more info about the band, or to order the CD! RATING: 85%