Description
Point of View is the fifth solo album by the American singer and songwriter Matthew Ward of 2nd Chapter of Acts fame, released on Benson Records in 1992. The album was recorded and mixed by Greg Hunt at Rosewood Studio in Tyler, Texas; with Matthew Ward producing. Backing vocals provided by Bob Carlisle of Allies fame, among others.
Throughout his solo recording career, Ward’s albums have often taken on the tone of his friend, mentor and frequent musical guest, Phil Keaggy. Both men are adept at playing melodic pop, surveying reverent worshipful material, and kicking out the cobwebs with some blistering rock and roll. And that’s usually resulted in uneven and less-than-satisfying albums. Of late, Keaggy has taken steps to seperate those elements of his personality onto different recordings, and on ‘Point of View’, Ward somewhat follows suit. The artist still embraces a variety of sounds, yet it’s Ward’s most cohesive set in quite some time.
The title track opens things in pop vein, setting the general lyrical tone for the album. As a songwriter, Matthew might very well say, “I knew Annie Herring, and I’m no Annie Herring” – but, in all fairness, who else it? Ward’s writing has improved vastly, even under that rather daunting comparison. Though not yet out of his 30s, Ward has experienced a great deal in his 20 plus year in the musical mission fields, and brings to bear a mix of compassion and challenge in his lyrics. “The years pass, and your vision grows dim/ then the doubts come and you lose sight of him” is as much inwardly as outwardly (no pun intended) directed. ‘Point of View’ is a clarion call to avoid falling into complacency and to be aware that the line between compromise and obedience is very thin. «Waterfall», which recalls 2nd Chapter with its delicate melody line and layered vocals (featuring sister Nelly Greisen), is a reminder to daily be immersed in God’s cleansing love. Nelly and Annie also join Matthew for a touching memoir of their parents’ untimely passing, «Faces Once More». Also a highlight on the softer side is «Forever Stay», a beautiful ballad which I can imagine becoming a contemporary wedding classic.
However, it’s the rockers on ‘Point of View’ that are the most impressive tracks. Early on, «Black and Blue» and «Too Late» make a case for this being one of Ward’s most aggressive outings, but that’s more due to Marty Walsh’s crunchy guitar and the live rhythm section of Leon Gaer’s bass and Dean Castronovo’s drums. Ward is almost eclipsed by the punch of the band on «Too Late», but picks up the gauntlet on the searing chorus. However, it’s not until near the album’s close, on the back-to-back scorchers, «Talk About» and «Sin for a Season», that Ward really unleashes his powerful voice. The former tune is an indictment of those who criticize everything that’s wrong with the world without applying their energy to initiating change; the latter song is built on a percolating percussion riff that’s the heart of the album’s best arrangement. The only drawback to the rock tracks on ‘Point of View’ is that they often have a dated sound, a bit like early 80’s Survivor or Night Ranger. Otherwise, the album offers proof that we can continue to expect fine music from Matthew Ward. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, December 1992]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/point-of-view/390543319)
CD tracklist:
01. Point Of View – 3:12
02. Black And Blue – 3:25
03. Waterfall – 3:48
04. Too Late – 4:03
05. Forever Stay – 4:14
06. Teach My Heart – 3:40
07. Faces Once More – 3:14
08. Talk About – 3:43
09. Sin For A Season – 4:17
10. I Will Bless The Lord – 2:18
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Benson Records.
CREDITS. Producer and Arranged by Matthew Ward. Recorded and mixed at Rosewood Studio, Tyler, TX. Engineered and Arranged by Greg Hunt. Mastered by Denny Purcell at Georgetown Masters. Art Direction by Connie Harrington. Design by The Riordon Design Group Inc. Photography by Russ Harrington.
Musicians: Matthew Ward (Lead Vocals), Gary Leach (Keyboards), Martin Walsh (Guitar), Phil Keaggy (Guitar on track 3), Leon Gaer (Bass), Dean Castronovo (Drums). Backing Vocals: Bob Carlisle (tracks: 1, 2, 4-6, 8, 9), Debi Lee (tracks: 1, 4-6, 8, 9), Matthew Ward (tracks: 1, 4-6, 8-10), Nelly Greisen (tracks: 3, 7).
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