At first, I did not recognize the name Critical Mass; however, when I popped in the CD and let lead singer David Wang's voice enter into my cranium, I was brought back to what might have been one of the two most influential moments of my life: my pilgrimage to Canada for World Youth Day 2002. It was there that I jammed with Critical Mass at the downtown stage prior to Pope John Paul the Great's arrival via helicopter. Once I made this connection, Critical Mass was faced with a dilemna--they had to provide me with a quality musical experience that would not bring me out of my nostalgic mood.

And they did not disappoint.

Grasping for Hope in the Darkness is what some people call a "concept CD." To those who don't know what this is, it's a CD that has a prevailing theme or storyline throughout. In this case, it's the latter...a storyline. In this CD, we hear of a man named Al Sunedge. Each song deals with a different aspect of this man's life. He is portrayed as a man shaped by the plights of the late-twentieth century: pornography ("Dorian Gray") , morally corrupt politicians ("Scandal), confusing teachers and parents dealing with their own issues. He also experiences the effects of abortion ("Jane," "Running with Eyes Closed," among others), the priest sex scandal ("Reverend Larebil"), cancer ("Breathe in Me"), and death ("Night the Morning Came").

Now, you might be thinking that this is a doom-and-gloom type CD. However, the contrary is true. Grasping for Hope in the Darkness is a rock-opera that is filled with more glory than one would imagine (and it's got a great cover of one of my favorite songs: "Carry On Wayward Son"). Songs like "Running with Eyes Closed" and "Make us One" have become anthems for different Catholic movements ("Make us One" was almost the theme song for WYD 2002). And, though it explores some of the darker moments in our recent history, it provides an honest view of what the average person views.

And the prevailing theme throughout this CD is grace (and hope, obviously). That, no matter how far down we sink, Jesus will come to us and love us throughout our sins, our faults and our failures. Al is by no means a perfect man...he goes off on a priest, for goodness sake! But, in the end, he comes to know God's abundant grace and realizes that, through all of the tough times in his life, Jesus was there with him. In that way, it could be said that Grasping for Hope in the Darkness is a rock-opera interpretation of the "Footprints Poem."

My only issue with the CD is that the music lacks a certain relisten vibe. I enjoy the CD as a whole, but it's rare that I get the opportunity to listen to an entire CD straight through. And this CD is definitely one that you would want to listen to straight through.

The bottom line is that Critical Mass has done what many musicians feel is impossible: they've struck gold 3 times (they've had 2 highly successful albums in the past). If you are into rock and story-line music, this CD is definitely for you.