Description
Seasons of the Soul is the third album the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer Michael Omartian and his wife, lyricist and vocalist Stormie Omartian, released on Myrrh Records in 1978, a division of Word. Also released in the UK the following year. The album was recorded by Buck Herring and Wally Duguid at Buckskin Studios in Northridge, California; with Michael Omartian producing. Mixed by Jay Graydon at Garden Rake Studio in Sherman Oaks, California. Music written by Michael Omartian with lyrics by his wife Stormie Omartian (except track A3 featuring music co-written by both).
Seasons of the Soul was included among CCM Magazine’s Top 10 Contemporary/Rock Albums of 1979 – Michael’s fine arrangements and Stormie’s thoughtful lyrics pair up for a winning team as once again The Omartian’s prove that commercial music can be good.
Seasons of the Soul was also named one of Campus Life‘s Top Records of 1979, included on a list featuring six albums released during the last year (published in the November 1979 issue of the magazine). – Michael Omartian has an ear for the current sound of music. His albums are collections of “right now” pop, employing all the latest trends. On ‘Seasons,’ Michael’s wife Stormie, always in the background as lyricist, steps into the limelight briefly. The album is well-produced – the slower songs are mellow but not schmaltzy, while the fast numbers are tight and tidy. The overall feeling is relaxed and playful – the best that pop has to offer.”
SEASON OF THE SOUL, Michael & Stormie Omartian – Myrrh MSB 6606 (Word)
Excellent production is the key to this LP. Produced by Omartian – well-known for his work in the pop music field, the album provides a clean satisfying sound bordering between rock and contemporary. The title cute, «Ms. Past» and «Where I Been» are standouts. [Record World magazine (Gospel Album Picks section), March 3, 1979]
Wife Stormie was certainly not inactive on Michael’s first two albums in fact she was the composer of the lyrics for all her husband’s tunes. On Seasons Of The Soul she continues in that role but also finds a welcome spot in sharing lead vocals. By this time the transition to pop rock was complete. Proggies thirsting for more ‘White Horse’ meanderings will probably balk on this one, but Michael happens to be a top-notch producer and the tunes are catchy, plus Phil Keaggy’s on lead guitar, resulting in one of the better CCM albums to my recollection. Bouncy, seasoned here and there with brass and saxophone, sometimes lightly jazzed up in a Steely Dan way. «Ms. Past», «Travel On With Me» and the rocking «Where I Been» are all memorable songs. Stormie goes it solo on the ballads «Gonna Write Me A Song» and «It All Comes Down To You», both of which sound aimed at that holy zone known as radio play. It ain’t rock n roll but it ain’t bad either, and it sure beats 90% of the gook coming out of those softie stations. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
In Christian circles these days, Stormie is now famed as a writer of best selling devotional books rather than for the musical collaborations she made back in the ’70s with her record producer husband. Before this release Michael had produced a couple of acclaimed and musically advanced albums ‘White Horse‘ and ‘Adam Again‘ which could easily be cited as some of the best produced Christian material of the era. For 1979’s ‘Seasons Of The Soul’ he was signed to a Christian label as a duo with his wife who had contributed vocals to the previous albums but now got front sleeve equal billing. Unfortunately, the demands of the Christian marketplace meant that this record had a little bit too much sugar added into the mix and some of the musical edge of the previous releases was missing here. There’s no questioning Michael’s production skills or musical talent and the strength of Stormie’s voice but the results were just a step too far into MOR. «Where I Been» does rock it up a little and I’ve always loved and been encouraged by the prayerful «More Like You». From «Ms Past» which opens the set in a bouncy pop but unsubstantial fashion to the epic seven minute title track closer (probably the best track here) this still draws unsatisfying comparisons to ‘White Horse’ or ‘Adam Again’. There’s no doubting the quality of the playing but there’s something a little patchy and disappointing overall. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2010]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Ms. Past” – 4:09
A2. “Travel On With Me” – 5:27
A3. “Gonna Write Me A Song” – 2:39
A4. “More Like You” – 3:19
Side Two
B1. “Where I Been” – 4:08
B2. “It All Comes Down To You” – 3:46
B3. “Heaven Will Wait For Me” – 4:15
B4. “Seasons Of The Soul” – 6:47
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.
CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by Michael Omartian. Recorded at Buckskin Studio, Northridge, CA. Engineered by Buck Herring and Wally Duguid. Mixed by Jay Graydon at Garden Rake Studio, Sherman Oaks, CA. Front Cover Photography by Bob Anderson. Back Cover and Sleeve Photography by Harry Langdon.
Musicians: Stormie Omartian (Vocals, Backing Vocals), Michael Omartian (Vocals, Keyboards, Tuned Percussion), Larry Wilson (Saxophone, Flute), Kim Hutchcroft (Saxophone, Flute, Horn Solos), Jerry Hey (Trumpet), Bud Nuanez (Rhythm Guitar), Phil Keaggy (Lead Guitar), Abraham Laboriel (Bass), Paul Leim (Drums, Congas). Backing Vocals: Matthew Ward (track A2), Myrna Matthews (tracks A4, B1, B3).
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