Description
Never Felt So Free is the fourth album by the American folk-pop group Children of the Day, released on Light Records in 1977. The album was recorded at Buddy King Studios in Huntington Beach, California; with band members Peter Jacobs and Marsha Stevens producing. Orchestrated and arranged by Jacobs.
Children of the Day is Wendy Fremin (guitar and vocals), Peter Jacobs (keyboards, vibes, and vocals), Marsha Stevens (vocals and percussion), and Russ Stevens (bass and vocals). The album also features Bob Ayala and Jim Stipech on guitars, Craig Olson on soprano saxophone, John Mehler (Love Song) on drums, and Alex MacDougall (The Way) on percussion.
Never Felt So Free signaled a big change in direction for the group. Unfortunately the new sound lacks the creativity and charm of their earlier material, reflecting instead the orchestrated easy listening, pop/MOR and soft jazz stance typical of the Light label. The song-writing also seems to have taken a dip. As far as smooth mellow stuff goes, Children Of The Day still emerges better than most of their competition, and an occasional catchy melody can be gleaned from songs like «Born Again (Never Felt So Free)» and the jazzy «Givin’ To Jesus». Includes appearances by John Mehler (drums), Bob Ayala (guitar) and Al MacDougal (percussion). [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
Never Felt So Free (Legacy Edition), 2012
The Children Of The Day were pioneers of Jesus music who ended their time together with a scandal which you can read about in the CR article elsewhere on these pages. By the time of this 1977 album, they had gone pop and developed a melodic sound that still played to the strengths of their multi-vocal approach which pays dividends here. In some places it reminds me of British band Meet Jesus Music who blended their pop with jazz tinges. Highlights are the jazzy «Givin’ To Jesus» and the more lively «Born Again (Never Felt So Free)» complete with great harmonies and flutes. «Victory Song» finishes off the album in anthemic fashion with the band’s signature vocal style and a groovy backing. This is very much of its time and not exactly cutting edge music but it is well produced with strong songwriting and great musicianship. It slots nicely alongside some of the best Christian pop of the era from artists like Chuck Girard and Pat Terry. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, February 2014]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Let Me Take You” – 3:01
A2. “Sing Me A Song” – 3:52
A3. “Letting Go” – 2:56
A4. “Givin’ To Jesus” – 3:24
A5. “I’m In Love” – 4:40
Side Two
B1. “Born Again (Never Felt So Free)” – 2:42
B2. “God Has Become (Everything I Need)” – 3:53
B3. “I’ll Do Anything” – 4:05
B4. “Reflection” – 3:24
B5. “Victory Song” – 3:12
Note: Re-issued as a Limited Edition CD by Born Twice Records/Retroactive Records in 2012, entitled Never Felt So Free (Legacy Edition).
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