Artist Info:Discography Album length: 10 tracks: 43 minutes, 5 seconds Street Date: 1997
For those who remember All Star United before Ian Eskelin became the only remaining original
member, their 1997 debut, simply titled All Star United, is a pop/rock masterpiece. Though the original
title was to be "Three Ring Circus," the album brings out some of the band's finest material from they very
beginning of their career. For starters, "La La Land," the opening track, shoots forth a fine mixture of melodic
guitars and keyboards while providing a fun and thought-provoking message. Next up is "Bright Red Carpet,"
possibly ASU's best song to date, exposes the truth behind all the glamour of Hollywood fame and fortune.
The following tracks which include "Angels," "Drive," and "Torn" are well-rounded tracks but are minor tunes
compared to what is presented next.
"Smash Hit" is also an outstanding ASU track that puts into perspective all the media hype and overexposure
that is given to all types of merchandise associated with Christian faith and doctrine, a factor that has at
one point gone a little too commercial in general. Fortunately, All Star United bounces back lyrically
in the next song "Savior of My Universe," which is sort of a response to the song preceding it with the lyrics
like 'And when it all is said and done, until the end, yes You're the only One. And when the world is in reverse, You're the Savior of my universe.'
The next track, entitled "Beautiful Thing," could easily be categorized as a fun, rock n' roll party song with
lyrics such as 'It's a beautiful thing, to be loved by You; oh, that will be enough to put me through, it's a
beautiful thing.' The album closes with two lighter songs entitled "Tenderness" and "Lullaby" which
make a fitting end to the album. However, the album is not yet over as there ends up being a hidden track a
little later on track 10 after the ending of "Lullaby" which is somewhat funny but for some reason or other,
really didn't hold my interest. It nevertheless offers an additional touch of humor to end the disc on a
positive note.
I can honestly say that it is my belief that All Star United's self-titled
album has yet to be outdone by any other albums the band has since released over the past 5 years.
Regardless, if you are into checking out a variety of diverse sounds from any one particular band, I would
recommend giving the other ASU albums a listen, even though their first album was what boosted their success
in Christian music.
- JfH Reader REVIEW:
Review date: 12/28/03, written by Paul Portell for Jesusfreakhideout.com
It was an inspired move for Ian Eskelin to adopt his live backup band to form the pop/rock
outfit All Star United. A fun and insanely catchy album, All Star United balances
the more silly wedge-in-your-brain tracks like "La La Land" and "Smash Hit" with more serious
highlights like "Drive" and "Savior Of My Universe." This is one of the best pop records of the late
nineties.
- 7/24/06, John DiBiase
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