Description
Cry for the Desert is an album by the American singer and songwriter Twila Paris, released on StarSong Records in 1991, distributed by Sparrow/Star Song Distribution. The album was recorded by Jeff Balding assisted by Steve Bishir and Carry Summers at OmniSound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee; with Brown Bannister producing for RBI Productions. Mixed by Balding at Image Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Background vocals provided by Chris Eaton among others.
Let’s just start off and say it. This is Twila Paris’s best album to date. No question, no hesitations here. On ‘Cry for the Desert’, Paris and producer Brown Bannister present a mature, well produced, modern inspirational album. More importantly, Paris’ talent has matured, and evolved out of the niche she was becoming a bit too comfortable with, toward something fresh and new.
There has never been any question that Paris is a talented writer. The woman who gave us «Same Girl», «Bonded Together», «Center of Your Will», «The Warrior is a Child» – to name a few – has always seemed so willing to share her spiritual triumphs and shortcomings to listeners. However, Paris’ last album, ‘For Every Heart‘, lacked overall focus and the musical intensity that she is more than capable of. Elements seemed to be missing, the result being a “nice album” instead of the powerhouse that ‘Cry for the Desert’ is.
Writing and composing is still Paris’ forte. Whether to edify or clarify, she does what few women in Christian music do – teach and encourage through song. ‘Cry for the Desert’ celebrates these things: loneliness, intercessory prayer, a prodigal son, worship, spiritual depth, patience, spiritual purity – with an abandonment that is wonderful to behold.
The album unfolds with the instrumental «Tributary» – an airy, ethereal number with guitar and orchestra that sets the spacious feel of the project.
If «Tributary» says “spacious”, then «Nothing But Love» introduces the new, fuller sound. Paris’ voice soars into the chorus, as a surprisingly upbeat arrangement accompanies her. The title cut, «Cry for the Desert» features an arrangement fiiled with rhythm and soul, again marking new territory for the artist to tread.
There are truly touching moments on this album. Paris’ best songs still seems to be the intimate soul searching numbers. «How Beautiful» is a simple song of thanks and praise and pure delight. «This Thorn» is a special song of acceptance in the Lord’s plan for our lives straight from Paul’s own acknowledgement of weakness (2 Cor 12): “I never thought I’d say it without reservation/ But I am truly grateful for this piercing revelation/ Of a proud heart so quick to judge/ Laying down crosses and carrying grudges/ The veil has been torn/ And I thank you for this thorn.”
Though her voice has limitations both in size and strength, both Bannister and Paris have worked it like a fine instrument, with beautiful results. This, combined with the programming expertise of Charlie Peacock and orchestrations of Ronn Huff, make “Cry for the Desert’ a unified package, filled with surprises.
Twila Paris, like her contemporary Michael Card, always challenges the listener to dig deeper, risk more, seek the Father’s face – such a special gift from a special artist. ‘Cry for the Desert’ is one of the finest albums of the year. [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, August 1990]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/cry-for-the-desert/716448581)
CD tracklist:
01. Tributary – 2:48
02. Nothing But Love – 5:36
03. Cry For The Desert – 5:09
04. He Is A Song – 4:07
05. Undivided Heart – 5:03
06. How Beautiful – 4:29
07. I Will Wait – 4:14
08. I See You Standing – 3:57
09. This Thorn – 4:47
10. Celebration/Kingdom Of God – 5:19
11. Fix Your Eyes – 5:02
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records.
A full-page advertisement for Twila Paris’s Cry for the Desert was featured in the August 1990 issue of CCM Magazine.
“Cry for the Desert” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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