What becomes clear from listening to Unite is that The Supertones did their best to try and adjust their sound slightly with every album. The trick was to do it in a way that demonstrated musical growth without alienating their fans. The band successfully dabbled with pop and reggae on 1999's Chase the Sun. 2000's Loud and Clear was a mixed bag with its hardcore and hip-hop inclinations—some called it their best, others their worst. 2002's Hi-Fi Revival generated a similarly mixed response, with some saying that The Supertones strayed too far from their ska roots by embracing a classic Blues Brothers rock 'n' soul style. It was simply too little, too familiar, too late by the time The Supertones returned to ska in 2004 with Revenge of the Supertones.
Yet what a fun compilation the band has created as a result of the slight stylistic shifts. And the one thing that remains constant in all of these songs is the band's personalized expression of faith—a unique blend of overtly evangelical lyrics that were often fun and occasionally interspersed with witty social commentary. The Supertones were the perfect band for youth groups, and they were at their best with the sing-along choruses found in "Little Man," "Away from You," "Resolution," and "Who Can Be Against Me." Unite also benefits from a simple-but-beautiful CD package with gold and platinum color scheme, photos of the band throughout their career, and a nostalgic recap from lead singer Matt "Mojo" Morginsky about The Supertones' start—they truly were at the right place and time with the ska revival and the reemergence of Christian rock in Southern California.
Unite is rather skimpy on new material for fans, only offering two new recordings of songs from the first Supertones disc. "O.C. Supertones" does sound much brighter and more modern than it did originally. The same is true for the popular single "Adonai," which also offers a lot of shout outs to other Christian bands that the Supertones grew up with, as well as a cute lyric change to acknowledge a small crush on Rebecca St. James. Unite also shortchanges the newer material, presenting four songs from each of the first four albums, but only two songs from both Hi-Fi Revival and Revenge. Maybe this isn't inappropriate since these discs marked the beginning of the end.
Regardless, Unite earns high marks as a best-of album that's done right. It's great Supertones for the casual fan and a fitting finale for longtime listeners. Too bad the band members didn't just simply take time off to pursue side projects and such, leaving the door open for a reunion someday when ska inevitably revives again. Or maybe that's what The Supertones are already planning.
Track listing:
01. Supertones Strike Back
02. Unite
03. Adonai (New Recording)
04. Away From You
05. Return Of The Revolution
06. Who Can Be Against Me
07. Little Man
08. Grounded
09. Old Friend
10. What It Comes To
11. Resolution
12. OC Supertones (New Recording)
13. Superfly
14. We Shall Overcome
15. Welcome Home
16. Jury Duty
17. Chase The Sun
18. Prince Of Peace
19. Unknown
20. Wilderness
ISBN: 724387450103
Catalogue code: BED74501
Publisher: EMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC - published 09/03/2005
Format: CD