December 1999

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Challenge - Acoustic Universe

CHALLENGE

Acoustic Universe

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1.Words 2.Angelīs scared to fly 3.Finding my way 4.Itīs my life 5.When love finds a fool 6.Wake into daylight 7.How does it feel 8.The Voice of freedom 9.Iīll fight for you 10.Donīt look back (ALV Music/SPLASH International Records)
Challenge is an American/Dutch duo from Los Angeles with female Vocalist Allison Lindsay and Arno Verstappen (Acoustic guitar) Together they have made a lovely "unplugged" AOR album without Electric guitars, but full of catchy melodies and soul. I must say that I find it difficult to compare Challenge with any other band(s) out there! But I can hear some"Influences" from HEART in the late 70īs/early 80īs.

The first thing that you notice, when you listen to this CD! is the superb vocals of Allison! This lady has a voice that goes straight to your heart, so full of warmth and soul that it leaves you breathless. All songs are written by Arno or Arno/Allison and they have also produced and arranged this album. This is a perfect album to play on a rainy Sunday afternoon when youīre feeling a little bit down! Cuz this album will both cheer you up and help you to feel sad (Hey! sometimes itīs good to be sad :-) And remember that I said sad and NOT suicidal.. ha,ha :-)

I must say that I like all the songs on this CD! But some are a little bit weaker than the rest (Finding my way & Itīs my life) and the best songs are "When love finds a fool" a superb uptempo song with a really catchy chorus "Words"the opening track is a great ballad with a cool Hammond in the background "Wake into daylight" like I said before Allisonīs voice rules, a great chorus" How does it feel" another superb Piano ballad with a catchy chorus. Do yourself a favor check out this band at: http://home.earthlink.net/~challenge and Buy the CD!

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