JONATHAN CAIN – What God Wants To Hear (2016)

Journey keyboardist JONATHAN CAIN marks his latest solo venture with “What God Wants To Hear“, his just released eighth solo effort. Recorded at Cain’s Nashville studio Addiction Sound, “What God Wants To Hear” marks his first solo release since 2006’s Where I Live. It also serves as a reunion of sorts with former Journey drummer Deen Castronovo, who played drums on the new LP.

Cain says reconnecting with his Christian faith was central to the creative process. He’s a fervent religious man, but what matters here is the music.
Cain’s solo albums are more introspective, but hey, this is the guy who wrote Don’t Stop Believin’, Bad English songs, etc. So most the tracks here have an AOR heart and are pretty uptempo, or midtempo if you prefer.

‘Bold In Prayer’ sounds like Bon Jovi at the verses, but darn, that chorus is pure Bad English. Same with pretty Journey-esque (less bombast) ‘Rush Into Me’.
‘Sanctify’ bring to mind John Waite solo, ‘Deeper Than Deep’ the early John Taglieri, while ‘Fall Into You’ is an excellent ballad.

Of course, Cain’s musicianship and production is as pristine as ever, and while his voice is no match for Steve Perry or any of Journey’s subsequent substitutes, there’s an instant connection that comes from getting this intimate of a glimpse into the soul of a genuine superstar.

To be fair, Cain’s vocal performance on “What God Wants To Hear” is excellent and needless to say, he’s one of the finest songwriters in Rock history, and if some religious lyrics doesn’t bother you, this album is a mandatory listen for all Journey / Bad English fans.
Strongly Recommended

01 – Deeper Than Deep
02 – Bold In Prayer
03 – Rush Into Me
04 – Have Your Way With Us
05 – In Your Waters
06 – What God Wants To Hear
07 – Sanctify Segue
08 – Sanctify
09 – Fall Into You
10 – This House
11 – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You
12 – Why I Breathe
13 – Because The Blood

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/What-Wants-Hear-Jonathan-Cain/dp/B01LSPUH4Y
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