Fall 1999
by Juha Harjula
CHALLENGE "Acoustic Universe" 1996 USA (Splash International
Records) P: Challenge Behind Challenge we have Allison Lindsay (vocals)
and Arno Verstappen (guitar). They have done a pretty nice album with some
help from other musicians. One of them is Wayne Cook that has helped Stan
Bush. Like the titel says I think you know that this is a acoustic Rock/AOR
album that Challenge has done. Challenge has some resemblance to Lenita
Ericson and Jamie Kyle only that this is more acoustic than the stuff Jamie
has done. Allison has a voice that reminds very much of Ann Wilson of Heart.
They have a good mix of rockers and slower songs. Best ones are. When love
finds a fool and IŽll fight for you is two great songs with a choruses that
hits you right away. Great sing-a-long and captivating songs. DonŽt look back
starts slow but turns to a up-tempo song til the chorus. Nice tune. The voice
of freedom is a good mid-tempo song. If you like female AOR like Jamie Kyle,
Lenita Erickson and Heart but with more acoustic approach then check up
Challenge. Juha Harjula