【Melodic Rock/AOR/CCM】VU - Love Of Jesus 1996~Emily's collection

【Pls look at the top comment first】This is an underrated and simply amazing band of CCM. If anyone first listens to their song(s) or first knows the band today, cherish their extremely great albums. The band is called "VU". Maybe VU is not known widely by the majority, the band can be considered as one of the Christian melodic rock icons in the 1990s. If you have listened to their songs, you won't forget such a wonderful band.

Several bands named the same VU on the music scene and this Christian rock band VU should also be distinguished from another 1980s aor band The VU on the melodic rock scene. VU comes from Oregon, USA, formed by singer & composer Bart Hafeman, the lead vocalist of VU. Hafeman is an all-around musician, who is an influential figure on the pop music scene, but few people know he had a band VU on CCM in the 1990s.

The 1990s saw Christian hard/melodic rock springing up. There are a certain number of epic albums coming out, which left deep impressions on fans. For non-Christians, these albums can also become music gifts for all as blessings for ears.

In 1996, VU put out their debut entitled "All I Need Is U". Bart Hafeman (vocals) and David Karn (lead guitars) were the creators for the songs. Musically, this album is impeccable, including all the tuneful gems. It is a less-known independent release, but it can leave deep impression on whoever has already listened to it. They focus on melodious tunes for each track and make Christian spirits filled with rock passion. People can hear the clear theme of VU's works for the faith.

They sang for love, for Jesus and they never forgot singing for rock. The perfect combination of rock with faith makes VU's album stand out. It is never too exaggerated to say that "All I Need Is U" by VU is a diamond of Christian rock and one of the greatest on the melodic rock scene.

Generally, "All I Need Is U" is a melodic rock release, but the debut is not soft as there are several rock gems which hit ears with passion. The greatest charms of VU's music are their incredible layered harmonies. All the members on backing vocals combine together as one, making the sounds enriched and colourful.

The excellent harmonies on the catchy choruses remind me of the works of Def Leppard. Of course I am not the only one with the sensation when enjoying VU's songs. Their songs can be really comparable with Def Leppard's epic works in many details. Besides, their works also feature excellent guitars, especially the solos which light up the songs.

Melodious and magnificent as VU's works are, this album is a marvel in the mid 1990s. Besides, VU's music also reminds me of another Christian melodic rock band Nouveaux in the mid 1990s. Nouveaux's songs also feature perfect harmonies as the blessings for every delicate ear. By comparison, VU sounds harder than Nouveaux with more hard rock gems.

This song "Love Of Jesus" is a magnificent ballad, co-written by Bart Hafeman and David Karn. On this track, we can hear the perfect harmonies on the choruses. This song features the tastes from both Def Leppard and Nouveaux. Bart Hafeman's singing more or less sounds in the vein of Joe Elliott, that is incredible. One highlight after another in each passage carries VU's deep emotion for Jesus. It is a top-class worship song from a group of pious Christians.

Let these songs "Rock For The Right Reason", "Thief In The Night", "What Will It Take?", "All I Need Is U", "Child Of The King" and "Light Of The World" rock your souls as these melodic hard rock gems feature the Def Leppard-oriented taste with awesome guitars, compacted drum beats and passionate backing vocals. Some of the songs also make the bassline stand out by their ingenious arrangements.

"Guitar Student", "Shielded", "Newlyweds", "Balcuirezsreers" and "Dave's Snoring" are the recordings from the band's daily chatting, carrying the scenes from daily life. "Jesus" is the word commonly appearing in VU's songs. The inspiration of this epic album is from rock and Jesus, which are the indispensable parts of Christian rock musicians.

In 1999, VU put out their second album, which is also the last album "Just As I Am". They kept focusing on good melodies with skilled playing and brilliant vocals. Some acoustic gems and pure instrumental works were included in the second album. On the music scene, VU's albums are rarely known, but they can become an icon for whoever wants to search for high quality melodic rock sounds as well as terrific CCM treasures.

If you have kept numerous Christian rock acts in your mind and cherish their works in your playlist, don't miss VU and their great albums. Simple and underrated as they used to be, VU is a great and memorable band standing among the best of the best Christian melodic rock outfits. For every melodic rock fan, VU's songs are immortal which deserve being remembered forever.
#MelodicRock #aor #CCM #VU #BartHafeman