Reviewed by Dougie Adam

This album was actually recorded way back in 1973 in AIR studios with the same production team and many of the session players behind Larry Norman's acclaimed 'Only Visiting This Planet' and 'So Long Ago The Garden' albums. This collection was never released for public consumption in the US.until now. These 11 songs showcase Randy's vocal talents and delightful acoustic guitar playing in a set put together with the intention of securing a secular breakthrough for Stonehill. A Christian worldview is largely absent from the proceedings which are peppered instead with lovers' tales, wandering minstrels down on their luck and wistful memories of lost youth and innocence. Enjoyable performances from the main man are wonderfully augmented with tasteful strings and sassy horns courtesy of the Average White Band's Roger Ball. Two songs ("Puppet Strings" and "Jamey's Blues") re-emerged on Randy's subsequent Solid Rock albums, and these gems are joined by a number of other fine compositions such as the instantly likeable "Back To California", a heartfelt "One Man's Blues" and the light hearted novelty number "Vegetables". An extensive 24 page booklet penned by Larry Norman accompanies this CD which will, no doubt, be enjoyed by Stonehill's loyal legion of fans. Oh, and Solid Rock are apparently getting ready to issue both 'Welcome To Paradise' and 'The Sky Is Falling' on CD in the near future.

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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