Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This is a CD re-issue of Karen's debut album released in 1973 by Maranatha! Music. The sleevenotes give an almost apologetic request to "Listen with your heart to God's truth. The music was from a different era, but God's truth never changes". Yes, these classic Jesus music tracks often sound dated, but they also manage to wear the 'retro' badge effectively. The sound here has a folk tinge with tastefully arranged strings and horns put together by Children Of The Day's Peter Jacobs. The title track is one of Lafferty's best with a soaring melody worthy of Joni Mitchell. Another standout is "Grandma Stout", a tribute to Lafferty's pious grandmother while "The Girl" is a compassionate story song about an adolescent who chases after love but finds partners only interested in sex. As a debut album that is now 38 years old, 'Bird In A Golden Sky' has certainly stood the test of time.

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