Freedom is
Michael English's first purely secular effort. With its slick production and layers of synthesizers and lush guitars, the album is clearly intended to cross over to adult contemporary and easy hits radio stations. And, on the surface of things, it would appear that
English's stab at pop acceptance is indeed successful. After all, he has a pleasant voice and a winning personality, not to mention good looks. What he doesn't have on
Freedom is a set of songs that match up to the standards of pop radio. Every now and then, there are strong hooks -- such as "Your Love Amazes Me" and "Love Has a Mind of Its Own" -- but, more often, it is bland and undistinguished, simply coasting along on its own stylish production.
Freedom works well as pleasant background music, but there is nothing to remember once the songs are over. ~ Rodney Batdorf