Rich Mullins - Never Picture Perfect

Sunday 1st July 1990
Rich Mullins - Never Picture Perfect
Rich Mullins - Never Picture Perfect

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 8166-7918
LABEL: Reunion 0814
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Chris Birch

What a dude! Very interesting cover and inset photo.  Unusual screen print of the man himself 'avec' strategically-placed-hole-in-the-knee jeans.  'Never Picture Perfect' is yet another AOR album from Stateside but with a difference.  Lyrically, Ol' Richi has scripture verses included in every song, seeking inspiration from Genesis, Psalms and the gospels. The song 'Allrightokuhhuhamen' (whatever that mean - it sounds good when it's sung!), taken from the creation story has God 'knocking off work cos it was Friday night, come Saturday morning everything was just alright'. However Richi is obviously a man of learning and profound knowledge as quotation from Dystart and Kierkegaard can be found within his musical menu of authentic and upbeat collabora­tions. On the song "Somewhere" (inspiration from Philippians 3:7-6) there are distinct overtones of the Neil Diamonds, lots of background horny 'baps'! and strong riding rhythms. The highlight has to be "Into The Higher Education" (Romans 1:18-32, James 3:3-18) which commences with a mass liturgy trivializing the teaching of the American education system, finishing with a suppressed vocal along the lines of Thomas Dolby. Consumers of Christian music will love this album to bits and would be foolish not to add it to their collection.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 00:02 on May 27 2012

Another welcomed project by a great ccm singer songerwriter and so multi talented in playing so many instruments. So many memorable songs on this cd by one of ccm's musical legends and his loss from us has not been fully known.
"I Will Sing" is the perfect song to start the songset.
followed by the powerful "Hope to Carry on".
I just love "While the Nations Rage":
Rich might not have had the best vocals, but he always sang with great passion to make you feel the lyrics he conveyed. nothing less than Heaven sent!
The title for this fall release in 1989 comes from the song "First Family". "Alrightokuhhuhamen" is another top fave on this cd; great lyrics! How true the words, "you can argue with your Maker, but you know that you just can't win";BTW First Call provides great bgv's for this song & "My One Thing". Top ccm artist Margaret Becker lends bgv's for "Higher Education & the Book of Love". Rich's top notch piano playing reaches the listener on "Bound to Come Some Trouble", this song is so full of truth: Job 14:1 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble".
Another piano flavored follows, "The Love of GOD"; Rich definitely knew the struggles of the heart, soul and mind with the ways of GOD our Maker.
If you want a top ccm cd of 80's, this one is it!
This one will reach down into you.
GOD Bless! - Don



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