Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

These days Paul Field is revered as one of British Christendom's finest and most talented songwriters. Back in 1980 he was fronting the pop group Nutshell and 'Believe It Or Not' was the trio's fourth album. I saw the group on tour promoting this opening up for Cliff Richard and in the early '80s. Shortly after they changed their name to Network 3 and attempted a mainstream crossover career which didn't take off. The tracks on 'Believe It Or Not' are very much of their era. The production is top notch for its day, the arrangements both vocal and musical are imaginative and lyrically Field tackles some interesting issues. There are two absolute classics here! "Thief In The Night" is a song looking at the end times and went on to become a live favourite for Cliff, but this original version features some magnificent guitar playing from Gordon Giltrap. And the prayerful ballad "Empty Page" is another gem. Elsewhere "First Stone" is a quirky look at judgment and grace, "Night Flight" is an observation of the challenges of travelling musicians who leave spouses behind. "Hard To Say Goodnight" was always an inspiration when I was single and needed to not stay late at a girlfriend's house. These days it's rare for Christian artists to write songs that help listeners to live out their faith in this practical way and I was always grateful for Field's songwriting. Okay, so it's nearly 30 years since its release and time hasn't always been kind to the production side of these recordings but 'Believe It Or Not' is still an album worthy of a CD reissue.

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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