Pray for Rain

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American pop/rock band Pray For Rain (later best known simply as PFR) was released on Vireo Records in 1992. The album was recorded at The Dugout in Nashville and at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee; with Jimmie Lee Sloas and Bobby Blazier producing for RBI Productions. Mixed at Ardent Studios.

This new, engaging Minneapolis trio creates pop/rock that moves beyond mere mimicking of popular trends to deliver a compelling collection of songs on its debut outing. Reminiscent of elim Hall‘s appearance a few years back, Pray for Rain reflects a mature self-aware sound that has common bonds with some successful pop and alternative artists, yet maintain accessibility through persistently tasteful melodic invention.

This immediacy and approachability touches every aspect of ‘Pray for Rain’, from the strong vocals and tasty guitars of Joel Hanson, to the often engaging rhythms of Patrick Andrew and Mark Nash. There’s a strong production presence that serves the songs, provided by former Imp, Jimmie Lee Sloas and Bobby Blazier. A big bed of keys and synths provide a safety net that may mask the actual talents of the band. What guitar breaks we do hear are superb, but the keyboards and Fairlight strings tend to give a production sheen that’s bound to be beyond the trio’s capabilities in the live setting.

Lyrically, ‘Pray for Rain’ moves from direct spiritual invitations («Do You Want To Know Love Tonight» and «Let Go») and encouragement («Didn’t He») to more metaphorical and poetically pleasing tracks like «Stay» and «Forest». Throughout, Pray for Rain expresses a longing to move beyond “This religious charade/ A holy facade” to a relationship with God that provides meaning and purpose in every arena of life. «Let Go» moves beyond cliche to the common sense of spiritual growth, something that we need more of.

This is an engaging debut, with enough inviting pop material to insure the band some level of success. Pray for Rain serves up great contemporary pop sounds, and may even sell some records. Go figure. [Brian Q. Newcomb, CCM, August 1992]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/pray-for-rain/716051089)

CD tracklist:

01. You Lord – 3:58
02. Do You Want To Know Love – 3:16
03. Let Go – 3:48
04. Didn’t He – 4:14
05. My Time – 4:07
06. Pray For Rain – 4:18
07. Home Again – 3:34
08. Stay – 3:38
09. Forest – 3:23
10. On And On – 2:50

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Vireo Records.