Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Jesus music buffs will be familiar with the story of Love Song. Five young men - all previously involved in the drug scene - individually finding their way to Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California around the year 1970. Here, under the teaching of Chuck Smith, they all give their lives to the Lord. All being musicians, the five come together and form one of America's first CCM groups; their debut album in 1972 becoming America's best-selling gospel disc of the year. The group continued for three and a half years, though Chuck Girard, who was the main songwriter, and Tommy Coomes have continued on the Christian music scene ever since. With a nostalgic longing, the group reunited in 1995 to record a legacy album (with help from Phil Keaggy, who once toured with the group). This has now been reissued under a new title. Without question the boys can still sing and play and the sound is amazingly good, if at times, of course, rather dated. But it's a great listen, with a variety of styles, including blues, funk, inspirational and good ole rock'n'roll. Melodies are strong and the backing vocals occasionally give a bit of a Beach Boys feel. Every song carries an overt gospel message, and the band were apparently used by God to lead thousands to the Lord. An unusual but fascinating bit of Christian music history.

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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