What Side Are You On?

Description

Which Side Are You On? is an album by the American pop/rock band The Hope (formely known as Hope of Glory), released on StarSong Records in 1980, a division of Jubilee Communications. The album was produced and recorded by Brian Tankersley at Rivendell Sound Recorders in Pasadena, Texas; with assistant engineering by Paul Mills and Rick Thigpen.

Featuring covers of songs like Bruce Cockburn’s “Hills Of The Morning” from his 1979-album Dancing in the Dragons Jaws, Bryn Haworth’s “Standing On The Rock” from his 1979-album Keep the Ball Rolling, Arlo Guthrie’s “Which Side” from his 1979-album Outlasting the Blues, Paul Janz’s “Tender Love”, originally recorded by his band Deliverance on their 1978-album Lasting Impressions, as well as “Anticipation” written by producer Brian Tankersley.

Shortening their name to simply The Hope for their final release, the band cut back on some of the disco/r&b image of Be Ready to focus on a polished light-to-medium rock format. Smooth, clean and proficient, with particular emphasis on vocal harmony and synths. Any band that covers Bruce Cockburn’s «Hills Of The Morning» deserves some points. Only minimal appearances of strings («Anticipation») and saxophone («Walk In The Light»). Cuts like «Sunshine In My Life» and «You Got Love» show that the guys still had a bit of that disco and funk attitude tucked away in them. Other song selection include the Arlo Guthrie title number, Bryn Haworth’s «Standing On The Rock» and Pat Terry’s «You Got Love». Produced by Brian Tankersley. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

Mellow rock is the keynote for The Hope (see Hope of Glory) on this new album. Unlike their previous album on the now defunct Chrism label, Which Side Are You On? features the group playing their own instruments. Paul Mills and Rick Crawford have replaced Mike Barnes and Melvin Mar, and Mills’ arrangements and keyboard work make a positive contribution to the sound of the group.

In addition to the title tune written by Arlo Guthrie, The Hope has recorded Bruce Cockburn’s «Hills of Morning», Pat Terry’s «You Got Love» and Bryn Haworth’s «Standing On the Rock». Brian Tankersley’s production and engineering are especially good. The appropriateness of the “autographed snapshot” photo layout (ala Bobby Sherman) on the back cover is questionable, but overall the group has come up with a commendable album. [CCM, September 1980]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Tender Love” – 4:38
A2. “Standing On The Rock” – 3:27
A3. “Sunshine In My Life” – 2:45
A4. “Stand On What You Believe” – 3:09
A5. “Hills Of Morning” – 4:33

Side Two
B1. “Which Side?” – 4:28
B2. “What Have You Got To Lose” – 4:12
B3. “Anticipation” – 3:18
B4. “You Got Love” – 3:43
B5. “Walk In The Light” – 3:11

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by StarSong Records. Two tracks from the album, “Tender Love” and “Anticipation” (b/w), were released as a 7-inch vinyl single by StarSong Records in 1980.

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