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Album Review

Buoyed by the success of lead single "I Believe," which benefited from early support from radio in the quartet's hometown, Cincinnati's Blessid Union of Souls managed to score a gold record with its debut release. "I Believe," a gentle, keyboard-based pop ballad featuring a soaring chorus, became a Top Ten single and best exemplifies the band's melodic strengths. It also revealed the band to have more of a social conscience than similar acts such as Hootie & the Blowfish through the spiritually tinged lyrics, a constant thread through all 11 songs. And even if the lyrics are a bit insubstantial at times, guitarist Eliot Sloan possesses a warm, endearing voice and is backed by a band that deftly adds hints of blues ("Oh Virginia"), dance ("Would You Be There"), and adult pop ("All Along") to its brand of jangly rock. "I Believe" and the lovely, introspective "Nora" are the most truly successful, particularly lyrically, but even when failing to reach the heights to which the band obviously aspires, Blessid Union of Souls has crafted an enjoyable collection of songs on Home, distinctive for its gentle, good nature.