Description
Higher Power is the solo debut album by the American singer, songwriter, and blues man Darrell Mansfield, former lead singer of Gentle Faith, released on A&S Records in 1979, a sub-label of Maranatha! Music, distributed by Word. The album was recorded during February and March 1979 by Willie Harlan assisted by Scott Spain at International Automated Media (I.A.M.) Studios in Irvine, California; with Skip Konte producing.
Featuring Darrell Mansfield on lead vocals and harmonica, producer Skip Konte on keyboards, Don Gerber and Anthony Dean on acoustic and electric guitar respectively, and a rhythm section consisting of Marc Levine on bass and John Mehler of Love Song fame on drums. Backing vocals provided by brothers Tim and Denny Correll (the latter wrote four of the songs on the album as well).
One of the more rock-edged albums on this label, though it tends to sound relatively tame nowadays. Best viewed as a stepping stone between the country-ish acoustic rock of Darrell Mansfield’s previous band Gentle Faith (also on Maranatha) and the loud blaring blues rock of his next LP, the classic Get Ready. One almost senses the presence of a rock album that’s been slightly tempered by the desire for Christian radio play, particularly when it comes to the ballads. Still a fine record though. Best cuts in my estimation are amplified blues rockers showcasing Darrell’s harmonica: «That’s All Right» and «No More Blues» are both strong tracks, even if they aren’t as heavy as the style he would perfect on Get Ready. «Children Don’t Run», «Love Conquers», «Every Night Every Day» and the title track also all muster some soulful rock energy (aided by Anthony Dean’s electric guitar work), as does the slower gospel-edged «He Has Overcome». Denny Correll authored four of the album’s nine songs. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/higher-power/716731133)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Children Don’t Run” – 4:10
A2. “The Prize” – 4:57
A3. “That’s All Right” – 3:51
A4. “He Has Overcome” – 5:18
Side Two
B1. “No More Blues” – 3:38
B2. “Love Conquers All” – 2:50
B3. “Giver Of Life” – 4:22
B4. “Every Night Every Day” – 4:09
B5. “Higher Power” – 3:47
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.