Shelter

by

Lone Justice

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I first owned this album on tape in the mid-80's. After hearing Lone Justice's debut album, with all its eccentric brilliance, I purchased "Shelter" only to discover a more polished and pop sound that still remained rugged and edgy--based primarily on Maria McKee's voice. Then, somehow, somewhere, I lost the tape.

Two days ago, I ran across the CD at a reduced price. I couldn't resist. Popping the disc into my car, I was taken back fifteen years ago to the excitement and emotion of my college years. This ranks as one of my all-time favorite albums. Even songs that initially held no hold over me ("Dixie Storms" and "Reflected"), now draw something unexpected from my heart. The lyrics find a balance between preachy and obtuse; the instruments range from throaty to ethereal; and the vocals...well, let's face it, this little diva's voice takes this music to a whole new level.

It's been so long since I laid ears to this stuff that I almost forgot how deep it could burrow. Yet, after a decade and a half, it's still there, simmering beneath the surface. For me, to listen to it again is an opportunity to let many feelings bubble over. This is music in which to find "Shelter." And I can't resist.

Two years after their amazing debut, Lone Justice returned for their final studio album. While about have of the songs here are excellent, the rest are a bit uneven and the overall result is one that can't live up the standards of the remarkable debut.

"I Found Love" opens the album with lead singer Maria McKee and her incredible voice. The song rocks with an intensity to match the spiritual awakening suggested in the lyrics. "Shelter" is a great midtempo ballad, while both "Wheels" and the gorgeous "Dixie Storms" are musts.

The rest of the songs are something of a mixed bag that suffer in comparison to the four mentioned songs and all of the ones on the debut. A good album, but not one that should be in your collection without "Lone Justice."