Oxygen (CD - 2001)

Additional personnel includes: Aaron Neville, Chris Rodriquez, Phil Madeira.

OXYGEN was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.

Audio Mixers: Hank Nirider; Steve Bishir.

Recording information: Abbey Road Studio; Sound Kitchen; The Best Thing; Wonder Why.

Photographer: Matthew Barnes.

Though OXYGEN's packaging suggests a breezy, airbrushed product (visual comparisons to Donny & Marie would not be entirely out of place), Avalon's music is not the 21st century equivalent of Andy Williams that their image might suggest. Sure, they're a Christian group, and the lyrical content of their songs deals explicitly with God and faith, but Avalon is well versed in eminently danceable, very contemporary pop. Aretha doesn't need to watch her back, but Avalon is at least as soulful as, say, Rick Astley, or even the Spice Girls. Percolating synthesizers, gently looped beats, and a pure pop sense of melody are the elements at the heart of the Avalon sound. The way that sound meshes with the group's Christian message is what gives the group its own identity. Sure, you'd like to think those lovely lasses could be singing to you, but their heart belongs to You Know Who. minimize