"J.G. is THE most underrated CCM veteran... can't fathom why. Country Christian is a fave rave in my woods (not mine though, uhn uhn)... "The Man Inside" would be a welcome change... I mean, gee whiz, c'mon, man. The whole 1st side (the first six songs) you can play straight thru without skipping. The second side (I'm saying side 'cause I have the cassette) is okay, bar "Gone With You" (not just because it puts it foot on the CCM/secular boundary, but because... I don't really like it, hehe). "Laying In The Street" is reminiscent of "In Too Deep" from the "Jesus Loves Ya" outing. The best track is hard to say, but when it comes down to the wire... it would have to be "Don't Ever" for its message and its rhythm/melody. The interlude before that just leads you into "Don't Ever," and you start gettin' and to it and start turning up the volume. A close 2nd is "There For You" (considering that Jon sounds remarkably sounds like Stevie Wonder, f.y.i.) for its melody and musical accompaniment. "Fly With The Wind" is good lyric-wise, but don't sleep on Jon's vocals, both mesh together nicely. Tracks like "The Man Inside" and "Get It Together" are simple R&B tracks... but they don't fail to move you and still incorporate the message of God into the mix. The only thing I think J.G. should've did differently was a remix of "God Will Find Ya" that actually had a tempo. Overall, a solid album with a lot of tracks that could be possible singles (if some radio stations even PLAYED J.G. once in a while), but more on the secular side (I think he meant to do that, hence "Gone With You" and "Your Love Is Like That"), but a shoe-in for J.G.'s best effort, which is saying a lot."
God is good, all of the time!
staple@chowan.edu | North Carolina | 04/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Praise God! Another Jon Gibson album! It's more than cool to see Mr. Gibson's lyrical and musical talent at work again. I've always been amazed at how he conveys complex feelings and concepts using such down to earth language in his songs. That's a rare talent, and one he's known for. I've been a fan ever since I was a little kid. Like 8 or 9. I was born in '78. Stay encouraged Jon! God is good. Keep your heart set on God's awards, even though the man made ones like the Doves haven't recognized you. That's OK, 'cause it's all for God's glory, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You're my favorite singer, man! God bless you."
Another Good One
artisticsoul | 12/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another fine CD by one of the most underrated artists around. JG has moved out of Stevie Wonder's shadow over the past several CDs, and this one (his first in 4 years) is one of his best."
JG is the BOMB!
Michael J. Hall | Chicago, Illinois | 01/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"JG is back again. This album is great, but I can't say it is my favorite because, I like them all. JG has shown his dedication to the LORD, his music and fans. We appreciate that. I wish the music industry would give JG the credit he so deserves. But remember, GOD knows."
Jon Gibson Crafts His Second Best Album
Lee | Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa | 10/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Four years after his last 5-star and Award-Winning record, "Love Education," John Gibson's "The Man Inside" barely reaches 5-star status. The title track sets the tone with a head-shaking bass line and drum rhythm.
Track 5, "Don't Ever" will have you singing along to his layered vocals on the chorus.
"Fly With The Wind" is his jazz-infused Stevie Wonder-influenced number (especially on the part where he sings "hold on to my dreams") that includes smooth scatting and an excellent exhibition of Jon's incredible head voice & falsetto.
If you like the Stevie influence, Track 7 "There For You" is so Stevie, you'll think it was a straight from his "I Just Called..." session days. This song is different from the rest of the tracks in that real insturmentation is used. It makes a significant difference & immensely improves the quality of the composition. Yes, it's one of my favorites.
Alas, Track 13 is the song you'd think a boy band would sing--perhaps because it sounds so secular.
"Who Are You Fooling" is the Reggae-inspired track, average but fun to listen to nonetheless.
The final cut, "Let It Be Done" is a very mellow and relaxing song with extremely well executed vocals and piano.
Unfortunately Jon you need to diss the drum machines and synthesizers whenever possible. They're good to compose with, but the grooves will become timeless, phatter & more EW&F-ish. Jon's songwriting style just screams out for more vintage insturmentation & richer production. If Babyface Edmonds could remaster this entire album, it's double platinum. Unfortunately for the world, the record business has put a snag on Jon's rising star. So for now, he's still Christ's musical "ace in the hole"."