Lesson of Love

Description

Lesson of Love is the third studio album by the American singer and songwriter Ashley Cleveland, released on Reunion Records in August 1995.

“Critic’s darling” is the two-edged sword that Ashley has had to live with for several years; while gaining artistic respect, it’s often a roadblock to commercial success. Cleveland’s 1991 album, ‘Big Town‘, was hailed by Billboard magazine as one of the most overlooked of the year (and went straight to the bargain bin); however, ‘Bus Named Desire‘. her 1994 Reunion debut garnered acclaim and respectable sales in both manistream and gospel music, while a Dove nomination for Best New Artist of 1994 and a shared Dove for the ‘Songs from the Loft‘ project definitely upped her recognition and ste the stage for ‘Lesson’. The album combines Cleveland’s expertise at rock, pop and bluesy soul with affection for beloved hymns («Revive Us Again», «Power in the Blood» and «Holy, Holy, Holy»). As was the case with her previous albums, ‘Lesson’ features Cleveland’s introspective, sometimes harshly self-critical lyrics; but she allows her deeply felt faith and knowledge of God’s grace to imbue those words more than ever before. The bridge of the title track, for instance, finds Ashley amazed that “Though every promise I’ve made has been broken/ Jesus remains reconciled.” Cleveland continues to assert herself as a great interpreter of other’s words as well; Buddy Greene’s «He Is» and Phil Madeira‘s «Mighty Lord» are just two examples. The musical backing by folks like Madeira, Michael Rhodes, Chad Cromwell and Cleveland’s husband Kenny Greenberg is, as always, superb. And of course, there’s “The Voice.” With a passion and purpose that won’t be denied, Cleveland has presented her most well-rounded and satisfying album to date. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, August 1995]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/lesson-of-love/304833402)

CD tracklist:

01. Lesson of Love – 4:42
02. He Is – 4:48
03. Revive Us Again – 3:30
04. There’s a Light – 4:13
05. Power In the Blood – 5:05
06. Mighty Lord – 4:06
07. You Are There – 5:35
08. Enter His Courts – 4:13
09. Holy, Holy, Holy – 3:17
10. I Know Who I Am – 5:44

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Reunion Records.