Blessid Union of Souls has returned to the music scene with their new album Close to the Edge. BOUS (as they are known by fans) brings their Country-spiced Alternative Rock or as lead singer and songwriter Eliot Sloan calls it, “rural soul,” to a stagnant scene waiting for something to lift them from their doldrums. Close to the Edge and the return of Blessid Union of Souls may be just what that scene is looking for.
Close to the Edge Trumpets Blessid's Return
Close the Edge is effectively a remake of their previous independent album, Perception, with four new songs added. As such, it may disappoint fans who already own Perception. For everyone else, however, Close to the Edge is a radio friendly album that should produce several singles.
Musically, the album starts off with four very strong songs. “Should’ve Been With You” is a radio friendly number with overtones that evoke Fountains of Wayne. “I Still Believe in Love” is a touching power ballad with a chorus made for singing out the window of a high school Senior’s Toyota.
The album slows down some in the second half, with one notable exception. “Closer” stands out from the rest of the album. Its drum track is turned up high in the production mix, emphasizing the vocals, which act as a counter beat. The overall effect is a repeating wave of melody and rhythm.
Spirituality is a big part of BOUS lyrically, and this shows in Close to the Edge. In the song “I Still Believe in Love” (perhaps an allusion to their first hit “I Believe”) Sloan croons “I still believe that God is the one that made us/ And God is the one that can save us.” “Healing” and “I Have Just Begun to Live” also refer to Sloan’s spiritual evolution. But the spirituality on Close to the Edge does not overtake the songs or become preachy.
Altogether, Close to the Edge is an above average album that will reestablish Blessid Union of Souls as a musical force in the Pop-Rock world. While it is difficult to get overly excited about an album that is mostly re-released, the quality of the songs make up for any repeats. Close to the Edge brings Blessid Union of Souls back from the edge.
A Brief Biography on Blessid Union of Souls
Blessid Union of Souls had several hits during the mid and late 90’s, beginning with their debut album, Home. Their enduring first hit, “I Believe,” became one of the most played songs of 1995 and even today receives rotation on pop radio stations.
Through the 90’s BOUS continued to have minor hits until 1999, with “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me For Me),” off of Walking Off the Buzz, which shot them back into the Pop stratosphere.
This decade has not been as kind to Blessid Union of Souls as the 90’s were, going through a few lineup changes and record labels. BOUS was largely silent for the six years after scoring with “Hey Leonardo.” The only exceptions are a greatest hits compilation in 2001 titled Blessid Union of Souls: the Singles and a commemorative album for the Cincinnati Reds entitled Blessid Union of Souls: Play Ball.
In 2005, BOUS signed with Ultrax Records and released Perception, an album loaded with catchy hooks and strong vocals. Now with Torque Records, Blessid Union of Souls released Close to the Edge Sept, 16, 2008.
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