So—Let’s get the obvious out of the way—how in the world can this album already be twenty-five years old?! It seems like just yesterday I would have been enjoying the sweet sounds of “Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus” on the radio, rocking out to the delicious riffs of “I’m Not the King,” or nodding along to the relatability of “Man of God” for the first time.
Indeed, the years have flown by—but unlike my faded memory of when I first heard Bloom from beginning to end, or finally owned my own copy, the album has certainly stuck with me. In fact, I think my appreciation for it has only grown as the years have passed. That of course is usually the sign of a great album, and I believe that this Audio Adrenaline classic fits that description. While their debut was certainly an uneven and perhaps ill-conceived attempt at a Beastie Boys sound-alike, and Don’t Censor Me had more electronic elements with a few career defining hits, Bloom was the the band finding its firm footing in a guitar riff-centric sound.
Original guitarist Barry Blair is to thank for the tremendously catchy and raw guitar licks, really taking the band to the next level with his musicianship. Sadly, this was his swan song with the band as he left to pursue other musical interests, but it was a great way to go out. The musical direction may have been a risk at the time, but it certainly paid off with what I believe is their best overall album, and one I would also call among my personal all-time favorites of the genre.
Ultimately, it falls just short of a perfect 5 star score, but with its incredibly strong front half, it more than deserves a 4.5 rating. Arguably the first eight songs stack up against nearly any album of the 90s, perhaps even in the genre all-time. For my money, “I’m Not the King” is the top track, but I wouldn’t fight too hard against a case being made for the insanely hooky “Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus” for that distinction. Other highlights of the album would be “Walk on Water,” their great cover of “Free Ride,” and the strong opener “Secret.”
All in all, Bloom is a classic, and if you ask me, it belongs in the conversation for Top 100 albums of Christian Music history. Do yourself a favor and give it another listen, I’m willing to bet you won’t be sorry, and will likely be singing along in no time with a big smile on your face.
— Josh Balogh
great album, great reminder for another re-listen!
For sure!
Bloom, by Audio Adrenaline is my all-time favorite AudioA album! Barry Blair was amazing and this album stands strong as their first guitar-driven masterpiece (and probably their best album ever). Every song has a unique guitar riff in it that defines the songs, which makes them easy to remember. Even after 25 years! Wow! Barry did play guitar on the title track for their next album, “Some King Of Zombie”! Also something to note… Greg Herrington played drums on this album before Ben Cissell joined the band. Greg does an amazing job! I regularly play through the AudioA 1.0 albums, starting from Don’t Censor Me to Until My Heart Caves In. Then I do give Kevin Max props for AudioA 2.0 on Kings & Queens! I just can’t really get into AudioA 3.0… Adam Agee on Sound Of The Saints… sadly.
Bloom is definitely my favorite go-to AudioA album of the whole bunch. I just love the musicianship of the times… 1996! Music has changed so much over the years and I keep going back to the rawness (and songwriting) of early CCM. Very wholesome and meaningful songwriting. As well as great music composition… even if it was considered “weak” or “cheesy” when compared to the secular music of the day. Whatever. 😀
Absolutely their best album! I still listen to BLOOM regularly. “Man Of God” “Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus” “I’m Not The King” — this album is pure Gold from start to finish.
Wow! For some reason I was thinking I didn’t like this album. I was thinking zombie was their first album I liked. I also liked underdog. But, after reading this i went back and listened to bloom. I did love this album! How did I forget? I must have lost the album. Or maybe this is when I switched to cds. Haha. I stayed with tapes for a long time cause I new when I switched to CDs I wouldn’t go back to tapes. Listening for the first time in 24 years and it’s like it’s only been 5 minutes : )