Description
Diamond Days is the third album by the American pop duo Out of the Grey (husband-and-wife Scott and Christine Denté), released on Sparrow Records in March 1994. The album was produced by Charlie Peacock.
Revolving around the skillful guitar of Scott and the luscious vocals of Christine, the Dentés new ‘Diamond Days’ can only be described as thoroughly enjoyable. Though ‘Diamond Days’ certainly differs in many ways from previous recordings (‘Out of the Grey‘ and ‘The Shape of Grace‘), the same thread of consistency remains – great music!
In terms of growth, Out of the Grey seems to be leaning away from the alternative labeling that has followed their music in the past towards an even more pop-accessible sound with gentler rhythms and more fluid melodies. Remaining steadfastly centered in a guitar-driven mode, there just seems to be more mellow touch on the controls, yet it’s a touch that still communicates the Dentés passion for their faith and their music. In addition to Scott’s talents on acoustic and electric guitar, adept players like Steve Brewster, Tommy Sims, Eric Darken, Jimmy Lee Sloas, Jerry McPherson, Mark Hammond and, of course, producer Charlie Peacock can all be heard adding their own special flair.
Somehow this couple’s writing captures so much of what the heart longs to say but can’t find the words to express. Take for example, «Love Like Breathing» which describes the longings of learning to love as Christ loves – “Funny how I don’t forget to breathe/ The air comes and goes/ With or without my control/ …I want to love like breathing/ Spontaneous like breathing/ Imagine just how lovely it would be.”
But perhaps my favorite moment in the whole record is Scott’s 60 second guitar solo (which leaves you just wanting to sit back and watch him play for hours) that leads ever-so-smoothly into the eighth track on the album, the sure-fire radio hit «The One I’ve Been Waiting For». “Once upon a time/ It was a dream of mine/ To find love, true love/ Just another wish/ Waiting for the kiss/ Of life to come/ Waking me from sleep/ You whispered to me/ Your story of happy ever after/ Now I’m sure, You’re the One I’ve been waiting for.”
Whether rejoicing in the oasis of «Diamond Days» or pleading to keep their «Eyes Wide Open» or simply recognizing the Father as «The One I’ve Been Waiting For», Out of the Grey focuses all its attention on appealing to and challenging Christians in their faith without using so-called “religious language” that can be confusing to a broader audience. Who knows? Perhaps this could translate into some mainstream radio exposure in the future. Though many fans will miss the rougher, driving acoustics of songs like «He is Not Silent» and «Steady Me», ‘Diamond Days’ still holds a lot to love and will be sure to attract a bigger market, whether it makes any inroads at mainstream radio or not. And if ever there were a talented couple who deserved to be heard by many, it would be the Dentés. [April Hefner, CCM, April 1994]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/diamond-days/715530976)
CD tracklist:
01. If I Know You – 3:22
02. All We Need – 4:55
03. Unfolding – 3:24
04. Cry For Help – 3:17
05. Diamond Days – 4:34
06. Eyes Wide Open – 4:25
07. Love Like Breathing – 4:47
08. The One I’ve Been Waiting For – 4:07
09. What Love Is – 4:22
10. Lifelines – 3:46
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.
“All We Need” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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