Tennessee residing, Seattle native Scott Krippayne rises up out his past Wild Imagination into new territory for artistic exploration. With having been the 1996 Christian Artist of the Year, and nominated for the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Inspirational Song of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Krippayne decided to put some new twists on his latest album, Gentle Revolution. Being his sixth album, you'd think that he'd be more wellknown in the Christian music industry. But the reason this is not so may be that his unique songwriting skills have benefited artists such as Avalon, Point of Grace, Jaci Velasquez, FFH, True Vibe, John Tesh and Sandi Patty.

Gentle Revolution is an extremely pop-driven album with hints of rock. As a singer/songwriter/pianist, Krippayne uses a variety of different production techniques to make his album more inventive, but still manages to sound a bit parallel to other contemporary artists of today. There are a few unique elements to the album involving some intriguing piano work, guitar, and other orchestral parts. But as Krippayne aims to explore new ground for himself to match more of the modern music he's been into recently (i.e. Switchfoot, Maroon 5), the artistic stretch is a difficult one for him.

Lyrically, Krippayne gets credit for being a very distinct songwriter. His lyrics are very personable and reflective. He uses heartrending poetry to touch on aspects of the everyday Christian life - mostly the struggles. Vocally, Krippaynes' voice is most alike that of secular artist John Mayer, with Billy Joel and Elton John as additional influences. Krippaynes' music is edgy at times while piano-based and slow at others. The energizing songs could very well grab more attention for Krippayne.

Starting off Gentle Revolution is the title track, a piano-based, fast beat and enlivening song, well chosen to begin this album. Two songs later, you find a slower but still lively song entitled "Renee." As someone who appreciates the artistry of Steven Curtis Chapman, I've found that a couple of Krippaynes' songs, musically, draw similarities with Chapman's' style. Later in the album, you find a faster song that sounds a little out of place in the year 2005. "Lyin'" features interesting synthesizer and piano solos while "In The Name of God" is more of a hymn. The album finale, "Last Will and Testament," sounds particularly similar to a John Mayer song.

Fans of the Adult Contemporary genre may enjoy Scott Krippaynes' newest work. His attempt for a more alternative rock approach feels somewhat more like a misfire than a hit.

- Review date: 1/22/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop