But there's much to be gained from those desert experiences and it seems Barfield made them pay off on his new pop rock project. "Reach" speaks to those hard won lessons right out of the gate with opener, "I'll Be Alright," a bluesy rocker with a strong gospel feel, shades of an old favorite of mine, the illustrious old school rocker, Leon Russell. "I'll Be Alright" carries the same southern grit as it proclaims praises for God's presence in the midst of every trial. The theme of persevering faith runs throughout "Reach," always delivered with those signature gritty vocals. It's followed by another joyous rocker, "Saved," strong in the energy department but tired lyrically. Barfield brings a fresh interpretation, a distinctive sound, but his writing chops fall short of his definite vocal talent. A streak of funk lies beneath the surface of his vocals always, and you get the feeling that he could tear things up with the right material. I'm just not sure "Reach," as good as it is in some places, gives him the opportunity he could use to really fly sonically.
After the car accident that injured his sister and killed their family friend, Carla Jackson, to whom this album is dedicated, Barfield knows better than most that there is more to this world than what we see. He covers this perspective nicely in "Beyond the Walls," a pop track that gives him room to soar vocally and in the process bring Steven Curtis Chapman to mind. He's a bit earthier than SCC, but the similarity is strong. Still, he makes standout track "Closer" all his own. The lilting melody line gives him room to show his range and significant dramatic powers.
The funky "Unleashed" lets some of that Barfield soul loose, and it only makes me want more. Barfield is strongest when he moves past the pop straightjacket and cuts loose with a blues, funk or rock groove. While the second half of the record's songs are certainly as good if not better than most of what the current CM market offers, I still can't get past the feeling that they're not quite good enough for his talent. They have their moments, the inspiring praises of "Come Alive," the spirited vocals of "Take My Life," and the funk pop hooks of "Shadow." But it's not until the closing title track that Barfield again comes anywhere near his niche. He quietly wails his way through this lovely song with a gentle earnestness that cannot fail to move you.
It's only because I see such rich talent in Warren Barfield that I desire more from "Reach." I want to be first in line when he puts out his next project, for he is clearly one to watch.
