Chris Rupp parted ways with Home Free. They hired a new singer. Chris is making his own videos.
Here is a recent video by Chris
Here is a recent video by Home Free
Here is one of the videos from before the breakup
This is my reaction. I'm sure other fans will differ with me, and probably criticize me for expressing myself, but that's how it is.
What I'm seeing is that Chris has a particular creative genius when it comes to giving an edge to musical and video arrangements. The new Home Free videos are just a bit lower energy -- just a bit less creative -- a bit more conventional to watch, more formulaic, less exciting.
On the other hand, I don't think Chris has quite the stage presence and vocal distinction of some of the group members. There's an awkwardness to him personally, and his voice is just not a solo voice. So, even though his solo videos have that edge in terms of musical & video arrangements, ultimately their focus is unsatisfying.
They're all still really talented people, but I don't think that this breakup works for me as a fan, sadly.
****
Addendum 4/20/17
Just watched a bunch of Chris Rupp videos. My opinion here hasn't changed. The musical compositions are great. The video compositions are great, but he doesn't have the x=factr.
By contrast, even though some of the Home Free performers do have the xfactor, their videos lack the musical and video sophistication of the Rupp videos.
Sigh.
