Little Johnny Hugo
Set You Free (2002)

Review by: Mike Spinney
Date: 11/1/03

A couple Wednesdays ago at church I caught a song by a guitar-toting kid with long hair, baggy pants and a goatee. He was introduced as Anthony Chapman, and I’m here to tell you – the guy can play.

The song he sang was "I Won’t Give Up." He played with energy and passion, and I was struck by the eloquence of the lyrics. So much so that, the next Sunday, I bought a copy of his group’s CD, Set You Free.

Chapman is founder and lead of the band Little Johnny Hugo, a Christian group out of Warwick, Rhode Island that categorizes its brand of music as modern acoustic rock. As with "I Won’t Give Up," the eleven songs that comprise Set You Free are impressive in their composition, complex and upbeat, and adorned with lyrics that talk about eternal hope without being smarmy or preachy. In fact, one of the things I like most about the songs is their earnestness, and the way they put faith in a context that speaks to situations to which most of us can relate.

Little Johnny Hugo is at its best on the CD’s title track that exudes the empathetic spirit of a savior calling out to the sinner. The tune backing "Set You Free" sets a perfect tone for a truly beautiful song that deserves airplay on Christian radio. It is as good an arrangement as you’ll find – anywhere – and showcases the talent and creativity of the band.

There’s a bonus track closing the CD that is decidedly funky. If I were to give the song a title, it would be "Make You Move." It’s an unexpected gem that is a perfect capstone to the album.

Whether or not you are down with the message, there can be no denying that Little Johnny Hugo are worthy of praise. But I’m certain they’d give it all back to God.

For more info, contact: littlejohnnyhugo@juno.com.