Description
Love Over Gold is the sixth album by the American singer and songwriter Morgan Cryar, released on UCA Records in 1995, a division of Salt Incorporated Music. (UCA Records – United Christian Alliance – is a label formed by Rick Cua in the mid-1990s.)
Morgan’s fourth album – and first in more than two years – ranks as quite possibly his best work to-date. Armed with a diverse yet cohesive batch of musical wrappers, the lyrical content of the project clearly an unashamedly communicates what is important to this less than well-known music veteran: faith and family.
The journey through ‘Love Over Gold’ gets off to a blazing start with the hookey «If I Never See a Miracle». Cryar’s effortless tenor glides along in a driving yet comfortable groove supported by layers of soulful background vocals and a searing sax bridge. From there, the pace slows just a bit for the laid-back «I Do Depend on You», and ideal transition into the gem of the album. «What Sin?», a tender ballad based on 1 John 8:10 that brings home the amazing reality of God’s forgiveness in a fresh new way.
Morgan’s strong commitment to family is effectively showcased in songs like «Standing on Your Shoulders» and the title cut in which the song-writer reflects on the values instilled in him by his father and grandfather. Other notable cuts include an attitude-rich cover of Tom Petty’s «Won’t Back Down», which takes a new meaning in the context of Matthew 16:8, the precussive «Cast Our Crowns» and the power ballad «Love Divine», which teams Cryar with an impressive array of background vocalists including Angelo & Veronica and Mark Pouge.
‘Love Over Gold’ is quite likely the best colletion of songs Cryar has ever assembled. And his performace, both as artist and producer, does the songs proud. [Todd Chatman, CCM August 1995]
It’s been two years and more since America’s Morgan last blessed us with an album and it’s heartening to report that Morgan has lost none of his songwriting craft and way with a pop hook. Take for instance the toe tapping intro track «If I Never See A Miracle» which examines the truth that we need to believe even if we don’t see signs and wonders or «What Sin» which tellingly reveals our error in letting our minds return to sins of the past (“What sin, what sin?/ Well that’s as far away as the east is from the west/ What sin, what sin?/ It was gone the very minute you confessed/ Buried in the sea of forgetfulness”). Some fine playing throughout – Jerry McPherson’s guitars and Dennis Patton’s keys are particular standouts – and as classy a set of pop with profound biblical messages you’re likely to encounter for many a month. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, December 1995]
CD tracklist:
01. If I Never See A Miracle – 3:43
02. I Do Depend On You – 3:05
03. What Sin? – 4:27
04. There You Go Again – 3:40
05. Precious Moments – 3:07
06. Love Over Gold – 4:15
07. Won’t Back Down – 3:02
08. Cast Our Crowns – 3:33
09. Love Divine – 3:36
10. Koombayah – 3:15
11. Standing On Your Shoulders – 3:08
