Known by the Scars

Description

Known by the Scars is the third studio album by the American singer and songwriter Michael Card, released on Sparrow Records in ‎1984. The album was recorded by Don Cobb at The Bennett House in Franklin, Tennessee; with Norbert Putnam producing. Mixed by Bill Schnee.

Trivia: Michael Card really wanted to do this project on the Life of Christ, but Milk & Honey Records (his label back in the day) said it would never sell. Thus initially, Card actually self-released the album, while he was talking to Sparrow president Billy Ray Hearn but they had to work out an agreement to let Card out of his contract. An agreement was reached, and the album was re-issued by Sparrow Records later the same year.

Gifted singer/songwriter Michael Card doesn’t have an «El Shaddai» or «I Have Decided» this time around, but ‘Known by the Scars’ is his most consistent, most fully-realized work to date. Side two sounds uncannily like Dan Fogelberg in places, a phenomenon due, no doubt, to the frequent doubling of his wispy lead vocals and the presence of Fogelberg’s collaborator/bassist, Norbert Putnam, as producer.

My favorite cut is «Why», an exquisite ballad with early English madrigal overtones, authentic right down to Jim Horn’s evocative recorders. Both «Crown Him» and the title track feature slow vocals over grand, rock-based music. The rest of the LP is soft pop/MOR, but with pristine production and Card’s always challenging, Bible-based lyrics. There’s not a weak cut on the album, and that’s a genuine rarity these days. [Bob Darden, CCM, April 1985]

In the November issue of MusicLine (The Christian version of Billboard), Lloyd Boldman (a member of the Christian rock group, Prodigal) commented, “It would seem that the greatest influence on Christian music today is Michael McDonald or Kenny Loggins – not Jesus Christ.” I’m not sure what Boldman meant. I would guess he was implying that some artists are finding it very difficult to make quality contemporary music and still maintain their spiritual integrity. I would agree, but there are some artists who are accomplishing both. Michael Card and Jeff Johnson are two examples.

Michael Card has a masters degree in biblical studies at Western Kentucky University. He originally wanted to be a Bible professor. However, in 1981 Michael released his first album. The album was called First Light and was produced by Randy Scruggs (son of banjo great, Earl Scruggs). Michael received the Dove Award for Best Songwriter, and some of his songs have been recorded by people like Amy Grant («El Shaddai» and «I Have Decided»).

Legacy, Card’s second album, focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. His new album, Known By The Scars, centers around the Passion Week. Technically, Scars is first rate. The orchestration is not overdone and Card’s piano playing is superb.

The theme of Known By The Scars is the key to this album. Card has taken the Passion of Jesus and drawn the listener in as a participant. You feel the exhaltation of the Triumphal Entry. You identify with the solemness of the Last Supper and the anguish of Gethsemane. And, when we are brought face to face with Judas to ask him about his betrayal, we are suddenly faced with “the traitor’s look upon your face/ a look too much like me/ just like you, I’ve sold the Lord and often for much less.” The album finishes with a potent reminder that even with the reality of the resurrection, Christ is still known by the scars. [Mike Atkinson, Wittenburg Door magazine, October-November 1984]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/known-by-the-scars/724482258)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “He Was Heard” – 3:52
A2. “Ride On To Die” – 4:16
A3. “Come To The Table” – 3:46
A4. “In The Garden” – 3:54
A5. “Traitor’s Look” – 3:30

Side Two
B1. “Why” – 2:55
B2. “Cross Of Glory” – 3:48
B3. “Crown Him” – 3:58
B4. “Known By The Scars” – 3:52
B5. “Crown Him (Reprise)” – 1:18

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Sparrow Records. Later re-issued on CD. Also released as a part of the Collector’s Edition album The Life featuring Card’s trilogy of albums on the life of Christ. The Life was released by Sparrow Records in 1988 on two cassettes or CDs, and as well including a comprehensive Bible study book written by Card and William L. Lane.

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