Brian Littrell - Welcome Home (2006)

Some Christian mainstream acts spend entire careers aiming for crossover appeal. Call Brian Littrell a little different because he is going against the grain. This Backstreet Boy has traded--for a moment at least--international glitz for a trip back home to his roots, spiritual roots that is, with Welcome Home. It's a journey that clearly resonates strongly with Littrell because he has released an album full of depth, reflection, diversity, and celebration. At least partial credit goes to producer Dan Muckala who has taken a vocal talent, stretched his boundaries, and combined with the artist to usher out a beautifully rich-sounding release. Starting firmly with his proclamation of faith ("My Answer Is You"), Littrell pours his heart and soul into a wonderful collection of material that ranges from hard-edged pop ("I'm Alive") to R&B/light jazz ("We Lift You Up") to classic Southern gospel ("Jesus Loves Me"). Littrell also offers several nods to his Backstreet days with his silky smooth vocals on "You Keep Givin' Me" and "Grace of My Life." There's a lot to be excited about with this release but perhaps two of the highlights come with the gripping "Gone Without Goodbye" and "Angels and Heroes." The former is a heart-wrenching tale of sharing the burden of grief with those who have lost loved ones tragically, while the latter builds on the ministry motif by suggesting that all of us are wired to be angels, if we so choose, in this lifetime. Littrell's transparency of heart and passionate vocals will make believers even out of the most hardened cynic. Welcome home Brian, we're glad you're back. -- Michael Lyttle