GO represents Schlitt’s first full-length solo album of original material in seven years, and the project has proven to be well worth the wait for fans of the man GospelMusicChannel.com (now uptv.com) has called "the best rock singer in Christian music history.”
The ten-song collection of sanctified rock ‘n’ roll released digitally on December 23, 2019, with the physical CD following on February 28, 2020, just prior to the pandemic lockdown in the U.S.
GO confirmed industry opinions that Schlitt’s vocals have never been in better form.
The project met with immediate critical acclaim and was tapped as one of the Top 10 Albums of 2019 by Classic Christian Rock Magazine, which extols the project's sweet melodies, direct lyrics, and Schlitt’s seemingly ageless vocal prowess.
GO joined chart-toppers and fan favorites on CCR's 2019 "Best Of" list, including projects by Newsboys, Michael Sweet, David & the Giants, and Guardian's Jamie Rowe.
Schlitt also released a special edition limited vinyl version of GO from Girder Music on August 7, 2020, under the Limited Run Vinyl series.
With production and engineering by Dan Needham, John Lawry, and Mark Lee Townsend, combined with savvy songwriting collaborations with the likes of Needham, Lawry, Townsend, Jerry McPherson, Scott Bernard, Jeff King, Scott Faircloff, Ryan Horn, and Chuck Anderson, and A-list musicianship from some of Nashville's finest, GO is a tour de force of straight-up, spiritually astute rock 'n' roll.
It's the kind of album that sounds great the first time through, then gets better each time you listen to it.
The title track eases you into the groove, with a deceptive acoustic guitar and bongo line that builds in intensity, with the not-so-subtle message to get up and do something. "As Christians, we have been sitting around for too long," Schlitt declares. "We are blessed, but with blessings come responsibility. What is God calling you to do? Do it!"
If there was any question about the rock 'n' roll nature of the project, Schlitt answers emphatically on "Feel It," the first single. Thundering toms, driving guitars, and Schlitt's signature grit and gravel vocals undergird the song's clarion call to "have a little faith."
Schlitt struts confidently into classic arena rock territory on "Takin' It Higher," then pulls back on the piano-driven rock ballad, "Fighting the Fight." "Life is a fight," Schlitt muses. "Without Christ, you're wasting your time. With Christ, the battle is already won. You just have to go forward and do what God's put on your heart to do."
Fuzzy distortion and a techno vibe enhance "Just Let Go," a thumping, Beach Boys-esque rocker with a message of trusting God when you can't see the next step. The tune segues effortlessly into the loopy, cautionary prog-rocker, "Time Keeps Rollin.'" Then, Schlitt proves he can groove with best of them on the Motown-inspired "Where Would I Be," that will have you wondering if the California Raisins are singing background vocals. "'Where Would I Be' is just one of those songs I've always wanted to do," Schlitt grins. "The music style is fun and the title says it all."
"Find a Way," which finds Schlitt exploring the softer side of acoustic rock 'n' roll, is a song that would not feel out of place on a Crosby, Stills & Nash album. Ripped-from-the-headlines lyrics, thudding drums, tasty electric guitar licks, and passionate vocals underscore the in-your-face message of "Fake News."
If Stallone ever decides to do another Rocky movie, "Let's Go" could easily be the theme song. "Are you fighting for truth or illusion?" Schlitt wails. "I am a fighter on my way / There is no time to hesitate. / Let's go!"
Schlitt closes the project with a playful bonus track, "Not Dead Yet." The singer, whose career has spanned more than half a century, proves he can not only run with the big dogs, he can still compete with the young pups in an industry that is increasingly youth-centric.
Ultimately, GO is a declaration of movement. Sometimes that movement is a forward motion, and sometimes the movement takes a momentary pause as we wait for direction. Either way, GO is not an invitation to sit in our comfort zone and do nothing.
"We're either going forward or idling in expectation of God's direction," Schlitt says. "And when the time comes to go--then we GO!"
About John Schlitt:
For more than four decades, John Schlitt has enjoyed a stellar musical career as a solo artist, as the lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Christian band Petra, one of the most successful Christian rock bands of all time, and as the former lead singer for popular '70s mainstream rock band Head East. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Schlitt is currently a member of The Union of Sinners and Saints, a band he formed with former Whiteheart band member Billy Smiley in 2016, and he brings his lead vocalist talent to The Jay Sekulow Band, a seven-piece ensemble featuring Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice and host of his own radio and TV talk shows. In addition to Schlitt, other band members include John Elefante, John Lawry, Scott Kirkman, Marco Pangallo, Mark Lee Townsend, and Chris Cooke.
Schlitt has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as the lead singer of Petra during the years when the band won 10 Dove Awards and four Grammy Awards.
He was named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com (now uptv.com), and according to the website, Schlitt "remains one of the most distinctive and impactful men to ever stand behind a microphone." Schlitt was also named Male Vocalist of the Year in About.com's 2011 Readers' Poll in a category that included Chris Tomlin and Jeremy Camp.
The legendary vocalist's busy schedule in recent years has included appearances in media outlets including CCM Magazine; Cornerstone TV's flagship shows, Hope Today and Real Life; Inspiration.org; 700 Club Interactive; CBN.com; Faith Radio's The Meeting House, World Christian Broadcasting. Huckabee; 100 Huntley Street; Jay Sekulow Live; TBN's Praise the Lord and Music, Moments, and Memories TV programs; nationally syndicated radio show Bill Martinez Live!; Jesus Freak Hideout; Jubileecast; The Bottom Line; and many more, as well as extensive international touring and media coverage.
For more information on Schlitt, his music, and touring, visit
johnwschlitt.com.
About The Chrisagis Brothers:
The Chrisagis Brothers, Brian & Shawn, are identical twins who are known for their wholesome family entertainment and fun. Born three months premature, they spent the first two years of their lives in incubators after tests revealed they had life-threatening allergies to nearly everything. For the next five years, they never left their home due to their extreme allergies. When they were seven years old, their mother learned about the power of prayer. She was healed of a debilitating heart condition and then prayed for her sons, who were instantly healed and set free. As a result, Brian and Shawn are both ordained ministers who have devoted their lives to sharing their powerful testimony and God's love through their music and creativity. In 2021, the Brothers created a new type of Christian concert with Hollywood legends, joining them to bring a variety-type show with inspiration and love that this world truly needs. For more information about The Chrisagis Brothers, visit
chrisagisbrothersministries.org.
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