Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Although recorded in the late '70s, this only finally saw the light of day in 1981 in this country and then with an altered track listing and no gatefold sleeve. I was fortunate enough to get the original version with American track listing and sumptuous gatefold packaging (remember that!) including a Q&A interview with Mr Stonehill. I remember hearing him speak at a Greenbelt interview in 1981 where he explained away the delay in release on the vagaries of his producer and record company boss "The Great Blonde Normanski". Whilst not quite as exquisitely created as its predecessor 'Welcome To Paradise', this is pretty close and was worth the wait! It has the usual Larry Norman west coast style production with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in, especially when it comes to the backing vocals. Highlights? There are quite a few! There's the usual Stonehill comedy song and this time it's TV addiction which is featured in "The Great American Cure" which rides rampantly over some pretty strident guitar riffs. Guitar riffs is what you also get on the closing rock out "Trouble Coming" where everything is turned up to 11. Tame by today's standards but pretty much cutting edge rock for the era! I've always had a soft spot for "Venezuela" which the interview sleeve notes says was penned for his best friend Ray Ware who at that point wasn't a Christian. Whether you're examining the song writing, the musicianship, the production or the packaging, everything adds up to make this a classic Christian album.

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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