Running Back

Description

Running Back is the sophomore album by the American folk group The Forerunners (a Campus Crusade for Christ outfit originally formed in Southern California in 1967), released in the UK on Key Records in 1970. Also released by Creative Sound in the US. The album was recorded at City of London Studios in London, England as a MGO (Musical Gospel Outreach) Production.

It’s a collection of mostly cover songs, including tracks by mainstream artists like Simon & Garfunkle (“Feelin’ Groovy” by Paul Simon) and The Beatles (“Here, There And Everywhere” by Lennon/McCartney) as well as the Noel Paul Stookey classic “Hymn”, some original material, and a handful of traditional tunes (with two trad. tunes arranged Michael Omartian).

Today’s songs pose problems but you will have to look hard and long to find any that come across with answers. Perhaps that’s why any concert from the Forerunners is so compellingly different.

Their programme twists and turns between folk roaring spirituals, today’s pop sounds, questing contemporary songs and some original material that dares to look life square in the eyes and offer positive answers. Answers about life and death. Forgiveness. Meaning and purpose.

This album takes you through a typical Forerunners’ programme with all its sparkle and perfection. The songs range from gentle to effervescent and include two well-established favourites of the group, re-recorded with show-stopping new arrangements.

As you listen you will join a host of others who have gone before, to whom the group have played, sung, and conquered. Demonstrating students at the Free University of Berlin; international crowds in Victor Hugo Square; freedom marches in St. Paul’s Cathedral; and thousands of students throughout Europe.

This second album from the Forerunners, who are sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, must place them at the pinnacle of the realm in which they are working.

Some march to make their protest. Others sit. A few claim violence as the only way. But the Forerunners come running. [A note printed on the back of the album sleeve]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Hymn”
A2. “Road To Freedom”
A3. “Here, There And Everywhere”
A4. “Jordan’s River”
A5. “Tramp On The Street”
A6. “Pride Of Man”

Side Two
B1. “I Know Where I’m Going”
B2. “Feelin’ Groovy”
B3. “Windmills Of Your Love”
B4. “Where I’m Bound”
B5. “Come With Me”
B6. “You Can Tell The World”