Michael Himes (http://www.michaelhimes.com) is a Christian artist in the spirit of secular singer/songwriters from the mellow '70s. In other words, while his lyrics may sing praises of the Gospel, musically Himes follows the softly-plucked acoustic style of Me Decade folk. However, that doesn't Himes is stuck in the past; on the contrary, songs such as the radiant "Everlasting Light" and "How You Love Me" follow the blueprint laid down by Chris Tomlin and other Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) acts with its delicately attractive and smoothly melodic blend of acoustic and electric guitars and radio-friendly choruses. Nevertheless, Himes' voice is definitely in the vein of John Denver and James Taylor, even inching towards country on a few tunes.
The tricky part about Christian music is making it appealing to non-believers. Thankfully, there's nothing preachy about Himes' lyrics to turn anybody off. Himes' songs can be downright poetic at times, as on "World Revolving." Himes sings, "I'd wander aimless through these streets/Clamoring for gold," imagining a desolate place without his faith, unable to find meaning and substance. Himes isn't telling you that you need to seek God to achieve that fulfillment; he's just relating his own personal experience.
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Much of "Forgetful Masterpiece" is easy on the ears. "For You My King" has a gradual, gentle groove that is quite dreamy and features some of Himes' loveliest singing. "Forever" is an engaging midtempo number that offers probably the most traditional CCM pop on the record. The biggest surprise has to be "Little Things," a rollicking, infectious track about Himes' baby.
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