I Put Away My Idols

Description

I Put Away My Idols is the third gospel album by the American singer and songwriter Dion DiMucci of Dion & the Belmonts fame, released on DaySpring Records in 1983, a division of Word. The album was recorded and mixed at Criteria Recording Studios in Miami, Florida; with Dion DiMucci, Eric Schilling, and Paul Harris producing for for Salt Productions. Arranged by Dion and the band.

Featuring Dion on acoustic guitar and lead vocals backed by The Bran Muffin Band featuring Paul Harris on acoustic and electric (Fender Rhodes) piano, as well as organ and harp, George Terry on acoustic, rhythm and lead guitars, Phil Chen on bass, and Joe Galdo on drums and percussion.

Dion DiMucci continues his talented development in contemporary Christian music with his third ccm release, ‘I Put Away My Idols’ (Dayspring DST-4109). Dion has been known to millions for such golden hits as «Runaround Sue» with the Belmonts, but since 1980 Dion’s been ministering through Christian music. «Here Is My Servant» has a nifty ’50s sound that feels very comfortable coming from this master of rock ‘n’ roll.

Perhaps the album’s greatest impact comes from the title track, where Dion lists the things that became idols in his life. Although his secular hits brought him enormous success, Dion only found true success when he found the Lord. That’s the message he shares gladly here.

A medium-rock LP, the album contains ballads, reggae, and a beautiful closing number, «My Prayer for You» (by song craftsman John Fowler, who wrote «The Best» for Bob Bennett’s debut album).

‘I Put Away My Idols’ goes from the ’50s on side one to an Association-like sound with «Very Soon» on the flip side – displaying Dion’s inventiveness, creativity, and depth throughout. [Jim Coye, CCM, May 1983]

I Put Away My Idols/Kingdom In The Street, Ace Records 2003, CD re-issue

Gradually the magic that made ‘Inside Job’ such a stunning album began to wane for Dion as the ‘80s wore on. Now don’t get me wrong. Dion’s amazing vocal chops are still clearly evident on ‘I Put Away My Idols’ (1983) and ‘Kingdom In The Street’ (1985), but the accompaniments are a bit softer and more formulaic than on his first two gospel albums. Also there are no songs of the classic quality of «The Truth Will Set You Free» and «Center Of My Life» on these albums. But they’re still worth hearing again even though by the time he’d cut ‘Kingdom In The Street’ there were only three Dion compositions on the set. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, January 1994]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-put-away-my-idols/1165947789)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Here Is My Servant” – 3:37
A2. “Trust In The Lord” – 2:59
A3. “Day Of The Lord” – 4:02
A4. “I Put Away My Idols” – 3:08
A5. “Daddy” – 5:00

Side Two
B1. “Very Soon” – 4:08
B2. “They Won’t Tell You” – 3:40
B3. “Healing” – 5:17
B4. “Give It Up And Surrender” – 3:08
B5. “My Prayer For You” – 2:57

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by DaySpring Records. Later re-issued on CD.

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