Description
A Colony of Heaven is the sophomore album by the American singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Will McFarlane, released on Refuge Records in 1984, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Jerry Masters with J.L. Wallace and Will McFarlane producing.
When it comes to the message, Will McFarlane doesn’t mess around. In ‘A Colony of Heaven’, his second album on Refuge Records, he presents the gospel like it is – a message of good news for those who not only hear, but obey. Switching from light rock to inspirational to rhythm and blues and back again, the singer paints a varied musical portrait of is convictions and artistry.
McFarlane is no master lyricist, however. Many of his rhymes are forced, and many lines lack luster. Yet the truth of what he’s saying lends power to the words. Through the title cut, he enjoins us to let the world know that we’re a loving colony of heaven here on earth. He exhorts us to “let His Spirit surround you, let Him melt your heart away” to “break down your facade… and walk humbly with your God.” In «Good Samaritan» he mourns the lack of true mercy in many of today’s churches.
Although his message has weight, it doesn’t feel heavy. There’s an upbeat sound, a firm but friendly attitude, and occasional playfulness – for example, «One Body» ends with the words, “Lord – of course I love my brother… but do I have to hang out with him?”
As in his first album, McFarlane plays guitar. Others joining in again include Jerry Wallace (background vocals, string arrangements, Rhodes), Lenny LeBlanc (background vocals), and Ronnie Eades (sax). New is the Muscle Shoals horn section, as well as the r&b feel on «One Body» and «Walking in the Light» and the insertion of a worship song, the majestically paced «Unto the King».
McFarlane’s straight-shooting voice seems most comfortable with r&b or belting out a rock tune, but he handles the more tender songs with competence. Although the song sequence doesn’t produce a consistent sound progression, ‘A Colony of Heaven’ is a good listenin’ album for those who like their message straight. [Dawn Dicker, CCM, October 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-colony-of-heaven/316448921)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “A Psalm To The Father” – 3:19
A2. “A Colony Of Heaven” – 4:56
A3. “That’s How I Know You’ve Called Me” – 3:18
A4. “Walking In The Light” – 2:40
A5. “Let Me Live (That I May Praise You)” – 3:03
Side Two
B1. “(Can I Offer You) Life Tonight” – 2:38
B2. “One Body” – 2:56
B3. “Samaritan” – 3:38
B4. “Heart Of Stone” – 3:55
The Calling:
B5. “Today” – 4:29
B5. “Segue” – 0:56
B7. “Unto The King” – 3:53
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Refuge Records. Later remastered and re-issued on CD by McFarlane.
A full-page advertisement for Will McFarlane’s A Colony of Heaven was featured in the July and August 1984 issues of CCM Magazine.
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