STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 24453-18710 LABEL: Live Oak OAKR3004 FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
By 1986, when this album was released, Matthew Ward was still a member of Jesus music pioneers 2nd Chapter Of Acts who were heading towards the end of their career as an active band. Matthew had released his debut album eight years earlier and this second release sees him pursuing a rockier edgier sound. There is no doubting the power and strength of his voice and this contains his signature soaring vocal sound. Production-wise, this features a typical '80s production of huge drums, plenty of synths and edgy guitar thrown over the top. And it worked. Not his finest solo album but it has some standout tracks. "Red And Yellow, Black And White" is probably best known from the set although the doomy vibe of the title track is also a fan favourite. "Put On The Armour" continues the military lyrical theme of the title cut and again is guitar driven. The album closes with the touching prayerful ballad "Love" which again is testimony to the dynamic range of Ward's vocal prowess. Perhaps not an absolute classic but this is very much of its time.
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