Allies - Man With A Mission

Thursday 1st October 1992
Allies - Man With A Mission
Allies - Man With A Mission

STYLE: Rock
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11390-CAS1655
LABEL: DaySpring 7014226576
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1


Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Allies have always been a band which, for all their slick AOR capabilities, suffer from versatility. Versatil­ity in some areas is a blessing but for a rock band the ability to wear a variety of stylistic hats (raunchy heavy metalers, doowop revivalists, you name it Bob Carlisle, Randy Thomas and his cronies can do it all) leaves a band without a constant fan base.  Last year the Allies hit big on US Christian radio with the ancient Orioles/Elvis opus "Crying In The Chapel". Now, on this album, they kick off with a 60s sounding dittie all Monkees optimism, then shift into blues mould for the title track before launching into a full tilt, blast-the-speakers rocker "Feather In Your Cap". It's all capably played, but pretty confusing for the casual listener. Still, if they ever get dropped by America's increasingly crowded AOR CCM scene they can always play wed­dings and barmitzvahs

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Brian Hamm in Surrey, BC, Canada @ 20:11 on Mar 16 2011

I was a fan of Allies from their early stuff through to this last one. Such a shame their era came to an end. In fact, their versatility was one of the things that I most respected and enjoyed about them. They could rock it out with the best, but also had a real knack for all kinds of different styles. Fantastic songwriting, great band, and those amazing vocals of Bob's! These guys were musical giants. I would have to say that this CD was my probably my favourite of theirs (though Long Way from Paradise comes close). It comes straight from the heart and has some of the most authentic and deeply felt songs they ever did (the pinnacle of this is "I'm Crying", which makes me do just that - wow!). The style may sound a bit dated nearly 20 years on, but the music lives on with great fidelity. Highly recommended.



Posted by Rick Havinga in Abbotsford, BC @ 03:49 on Jun 4 2008

This cd is great. The songs contain a whole array of dynamics and emotion that you can't but help feeling their cause in these songs. I love this cd.




Posted by Madeira in Portugal/Netherlands/Angola @ 12:55 on Jun 3 2008

I agree with Rob from Canada. I do have an old tape copied years ago when tapes were still something...I could not get my hands on a CD and am still looking for the original of "Man with a Mission".
I do listen to any music style that pleases me without caring or looking at the "labels" people give it. Being Rock, jazz, classical...
I have travelled extensively around parts of the world and seen and heard great and beautifull sounds, and it always feel great to get back to sounds as from "Man with a Mission". It is a great work of art!



Posted by Mark Clark in Miamisburgm OHIO @ 05:17 on May 8 2007

One of the Finest Christian rock albums I've ever had a chance to listen and was very thankful that I saw their fairwell concert at River O)ak Grace Church in Oakdale, CA. in '91 or '92, I have searched the net over and over trying to find a copy/cd and NO LUCJ Can SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT THE LORD & THEIR RELATIONSHIP/FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM,,,,,, Please make my day !!!!!!!!!!!! Point me to a place to pick up/buy a copy of Man With A Mission.
P.S.
BOB - Nice job man !! Wayne - Sorry about the Jackson guitar comment, I should have known it could only come from a Charvel !!
MRC


Reply by Casey in Tribbey, OK @ 06:34 on Jun 23 2007

Mark, keep checking ebay, half.com, etc. They pop up there every so often. Love their stuff! I have every thing they put out as well as all Bob's. I keep looking for more.

[report abuse]


Posted by Ron Neilson in Windsor, Ontario, Canada @ 18:33 on Feb 22 2007

I am 55 years old and I think that (and always have thought) "The Allies" were an incredible band and recording artists! Without picking the songs apart as some do, I listen to the message, feel the delivery of a professionlly produced rock n roll album and always got excited about hearing there next album!

I am moved by Bob's vocal abilities, amazing range and control.The band came to me in the prime of my life, in need of good solid rock n roll that had a message of hope and also fun to listen to.

I was at their last concert and was sad to see them end as "The Allies". And yes, very versatile indeed. Right up my alley man! We need more of that these days, What happened to it? My whole family was buzzed on "The Allies"! They travelled everywhere with us. Cassettes got worn out!

So here is a family from Canada saying........get over the picky, pick pick of their recordings, enjoy what they have accomplished, be thankful for who and what they stood for. Trying putting on their recording shoes for a while. Opps, a little too big for you? Turn around, hit the ground, time to lay your burden down.



Posted by Thoynby in Flagada Republic @ 16:00 on May 25 2006

Well! I can understand why an album like "Man with a mission" can feel uneasy for some, or even many. You can like it a bit, or not at all.

Life is strange sometimes... I really dig this Allies album and some of the song I liked the most in the last 20 years are on it : Last chance café, Heaven, I'm crying, Man with a mission, Feather...

Why?

Let's say that this is a fine product, quality recording like a work of art. The lyrics are simple but very "evocative", with an imagery rooted in simple life experience. Good Stuff! Worth a try! Inspiring!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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