The guy's name would make him a shoo-in for
gospel
success, but he's mainstream
pop
/
country
all the way, with rich, sultry vocal tones (with just a hint of twang when he sings of the lonesome
"Blue Moon"
), some of
's top backing musicians and
Wilbur C. Rimes
(
LeAnn
's dad) producing. Perhaps it was never announced, but he was probably the winner of the
Chris Isaak
sound-alike contest. His voice goes into a high vibrato at the start of the title track's chorus, much like
Isaak
does on
"Wicked Game."
On the mid-tempo, Spanish-flavored
"Cold Kisses,"
he goes into the low register during the verses, a perfect match for
's dreamy sensuality.
"Just a Kiss"
is like
doing
Roy Orbison
, mixing the highs and the lows. These comparisons are not negative criticisms, they're sideways compliments --
Holy
has a powerful voice, it's simply not the most distinctive. When he's finding middle range, he's up there with the best of
rockers.
"The Hunger"
is an emotional powerhouse, while
"Tear One"
is steel guitar
country folk
lamenting nonpareil. His two attempts at co-writing (
"Just a Kiss,"
"Someone's Out to Get Me"
) are among the better tunes, pointing perhaps to a deeper artistry than most
crooners who always need to look for outside material. By definition, "holy" means "set apart."
Steve Holy
only hints at finding an original voice on occasion, but what he does present is a likeable, colorful listening experience. ~ Jonathan Widran