While some artists write songs for fame and glory, and others do it to make a living, some do it for the sheer love of just doing it. That’s what Davey T Hamilton does, and in 2020, it’s led him to his newest project, God Fearing Rockstar, an album full of what he affectionately calls “pop-grass” and “posi-rock.” More technically speaking, Hamilton's sound is a rather common mix of southern rock and country. On top of that, Hamilton’s voice sounds very influenced by ‘80s hair metal vocalists. This combination results in tracks like “Strong Winds” and “Better Life,” which really remind me of mid- to late-career Bon Jovi. There also seems to be some Leona Lewis influence as well, unexpectedly enough, as the verses of “Gonna Praise You” borrow the melody of the verses of the hit “Bleeding Love.” Lewis’ song is decidedly non-country, but Hamilton does well in transitioning the melody into a new genre. He also does a great job of building up the listener and bringing praise to God's name, which is where the “posi-rock” label comes in. In “Man I Am,” Hamilton gives the credit to God, singing “So I am the man I am because You were the man You were.” Similarly, “Gonna Praise You” is his simple offering of praise for changing his life: “I looked around everywhere but I couldn’t find / simple satisfaction and peace of mind / I was going crazy, running ‘round in circles / then You came along like a thief in the night / and You stole my heart with Your love and Your light / now there’s only one thing left to do / I’m gonna praise You.” The album isn’t afraid to question things, like in “Hey God” and “We Wanna Believe,” but the majority of the album is spent on thankfulness and joy. God Fearing Rockstar is not an album that breaks ground or that attempts to redefine any genres; it’s just an album of gratitude from a man who has been changed by the love of Jesus.

- Review date: 8/1/20, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com