It could be said that Big Daddy Weave has been a band that has suffered from somewhat of an identity crisis throughout its five albums.  In listening to the sixth and latest offering “What Life Would Be Like” that crisis may be closer to a resolution.  Big Daddy Weave has given us ten tracks that supply lyrics that at times fall into the abyss of cliché. More often, as in the title track however, they provide some honest thoughts into what we all so often find ourselves doing: attempting to repair our own issues and shortcomings while forgetting that the “double edged” power of God provides all the answers we seek and also demands that we pass that hope on to the world. The lyric “The world waits, while His heart aches” from the title track well summarizes the focus of this above average effort by the five man band, fronted by lead singer Mike Weaver.

That track is actually second on the disc.  Opting instead to start out on a surprising note bringing myself, and I’m sure most to say, Is THAT Big Daddy Weave?” “The Day You Found Me” is a romp thru Rascal Flats vocals and Keith Urban inspired melodies.  Fans of today’s country will be instantly trapped in this unforgettable lyric and melody. A very strong start to what quickly becomes an obvious attempt by the band to point the listener on the path of both hope and the need to share that hope with the world.

Tracks like “We Want the World to Hear” further that message, and don’t mistake all this “evangelistic fervor” as an excuse for sloppy or meaningless lyrics and second rate music and production.  I can’t say that this disc will get the band any major awards, something that has always eluded the “Masked Band” of Christian Music.  It is however a grand effort to both deliver a message and provide the listener with music that is energetic and impressive.   “Revive Us Again” takes a cue from the David Crowder* Band talent of taking older songs and making then new.    I remember this song from my earliest days, (on eight track as I recall) and performed as a Southern Gospel foot stomper!!  It was old then but the new delivery works well in its slower, more praise-ballad-driven format.   The remake of Phil Collins Pop radio anthem “Another Day in Paradise” follows the theme of the record but makes one wonder if it was more of the unfortunate attempts of late to offer radio stations a familiar song they can play to make things “Safe for the Whole family” without really adding anything.

Relationships prevail throughout the record, both those with the world and those closer to home.  “Blue Skies”, “Right with You”, and “Falling into You” deal with personal, spousal and heavenly relationships in a hopeful light.  The project wraps with “Just Like Somebody Else” bringing the effort full circle from new found faith to complete surrender to Christ.

Big Daddy Weave probably won’t be headlining shows at your closest Coliseum as the result of this record, and that’s not the point anyway.  This is a record that delivers on all points.  The message is clear and in focus.  The music is quality and well written with a few unexpected but welcome twists and turns.  The production is also impressive and completes what is not only a quality piece of art for art’s sake, but an honest and relatable story that most all listeners within the body can easily relate to. The identity crisis can be put to rest.  Big Daddy Weave, followers of Christ!  Works for me!