Fade to White

Description

Fade to White is the third solo album by the American singer and songwriter Matthew Ward of 2nd Chapter of Acts fame, released on Live Oak Records in 1988, distributed by Word. The album was recorded at Rosewood Studio in Tyler, Texas; with John Andrew Schreiner producing.

I’ve always thought of Matthew Ward as one of the most talented singers in Christian music. But even though this is his third solo album, it’s still hard to think of him outside the context of The 2nd Chapter of Acts. (The trio was so much one voice that they even billed themselves as “Annie Mattinelli” when doing backing vocals for other artists.) It may be some time before Matthew again gets to sing lyrics such as those provided by his big sister. But as a vocalist and songwriter, he has matured nicely on ‘Fade to White’.

With 2nd Chapter, Matthew usually sang the high-powered, rock-oriented numbers. Nothing on ‘Fade to White’ approaches the fervor of, say, «Yahweh». But Ward comes near the mark on almost every tune. What he gives away in abandon, he makes up for in expressiveness and emotional control. There is no showboating – every vocal riff is in service of the lyrics.

‘Fade to White’ seems to be more pop-based than its predecessors – it’s a very clean recording , with a synthesized sheen provided by Schreiner. Underpinning the songs is a hot rhythmic base, courtesy of long-time 2nd Chapter associates Leon Gaer and Mike Baird.

«Then I Realized», which opens the LP, is explained by a short anecdote in the liner notes. Ward’s personal involvement with the subject of the song makes it one of the album’s best lyrics.

«Racing for the Goal» might well describe the 18-year ministry of 2nd Chapter. It also points to the future, with lines like “there’s no turning back.” «You Alone» and «Heart», while marking two of Matthew’s best vocal performances, are more intimate statements of faith and devotion to the Lord.

«Show Them» and «So Many Are Lookin» turn up the juice musically. Matthew displays his vocal chops on «So Many» while «Show Them» is noteworthy in that it’s probably one of the only songs you’ll hear this year that rhymes “hypocrisy” and “sophistry” (you can look it up).

The band unleashes a cool R&B groove on «Time Will Tell» which affords Matthew the opportunity to caution us to rely less on ourselves and more on “Your light to see us through.” «Far Behind» is another sprightly funk number which finds Matthew longing for heaven and reaching for some heavenly notes!

It is unfortunate that the song that will probably introduce most listeners to the album, «Perfect Union», is not representative of its hard edge. The track is a lovely wedding devotional, but is unlike any other song on the record. The titled song, which closes the album, turns the familiar television command “fade to black” inside out. Instead, we’re admonished to “face His light” and … “fade to white.”

The credits reveal that Matthew’s publishing company is called “Megin’s College Fund Music”. If Megin’s daddy continues to produce top-notch records like ‘Fade to White’, then her educational needs should be well met. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, February 1989]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/fade-to-white/390942329)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Then I Realized” – 4:32
A2. “Racing For The Goal” – 4:21
A3. “You Alone” – 3:42
A4. “Show Them” – 3:53
A5. “Heart” – 3:25

Side Two
B1. “So Many Are Lookin'” – 3:10
B2. “Time Will Tell” – 4:25
B3. “Far Behind” – 3:30
B4. “Perfect Union” – 4:38
B5. “Fade To White” – 4:26

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Live Oak Records.

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