Description
Out of the Shadow is the tenth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Paul Clark, released on Myrrh Records in 1984, a division of Word. The album was recorded December 1983 to February 1984 by Wally Grant at Weddington Studios in North Hollywood, California; with Paul Clark producing. Mixed by Bill Schnee.
After a ten years stint with the major record company Word Records this album turned out to be Clark’s final release for their progressive label, Myrrh Records. Here Paul Clark ratched it up another notch through the powerful teamwork of Smitty Price on additional keyboards, session guitarists like Carlos Rios, Phil Keaggy, and Hadley Hockensmith of Koinonia fame, as well as a rhythm section consisting of Leon Gaer and Mike Baird on bass and drums respectively. Adding punch to the tracks is the dynamic background vocal blend of Clark with Mr. Mister buddies, Richard Page and Steve George, as well as additional background vocals by Phyliss St. James, Alfie Silas, and Tommy Funderburk (who released an album with The Front the same year). Adding to the lengthening list of Clark’s wedding covenant compositions, «Love Of My Life», is another duet with Kelly Willard centered around the cup and the bread of communion with Jesus Christ. With the album mixed by legendary engineer, Bill Schnee, Out of the Shadow reached the apex of Clark’s desires in this music genre. Change was soon to come.
After 14 years in the contemporary Christian music ministry, Paul Clark still pleads for the unsaved to come “out of the shadow” and into the light of Christ. ‘Out of the Shadow’, a mature, scriptural, aesthetic work, demonstrates his excellence as a songwriter, singer, and musician.
Clark uses more than lyrics to communicate the message he wants to convey. With unique arrangements he draws the listener into each piece to experience his point of view.
«Give Me Your Heart» opens the album as if Jesus were singing, “I’ve been patiently waiting for you to come home.” It’s not preachy or pushy, but just announces that Christ is knocking at the door to the listener’s heart.
The title cut utilizes an instrumental introduction ushering the listener into a dark, dungeon-like setting. The lyrics then describe the fall of man and our hopelessness without God. The song continues to a point of hope by showing that we can be justified through Jesus the lamb.
On the single «Mr. Me», Clark takes the listener another step from the world and closer to Jesus by showing the futility of living to please oneself.
In a fast-paced piece called «It’s You» Clark turns the focus of his attention away from believers and sings directly to Jesus. He tells the Lord that he does not regret his decision to put his life into Jesus’ hands. Clark continues that thought in «Minstrel’s Voyage» by testifying how Jesus has always been faithful, even through hardship and testings. Then he praises the Lord in a guitar solo that is contemporary, yet relaxed – not frenzied and exhausting.
After a song of hope for the future «I Will Fly (In the Wind)» and then a sad song, «I Need Your Love Again», Clark resumes his praise to the Lord in «Love of My Life», a communion song in which he contemplates the value of Christ’s body and blood.
With the last cut, «Father God», the theme of Clark’s album completes a circle as perfect as the plastic disc it’s pressed on. Paul opened the album by offering Jesus’ salvation and closes with a song of dedication to serve Christ as an ambassador in a world that is not our home. [Glenn W. Worthington, CCM, September 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/out-of-the-shadow/306871776)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Give Me Your Heart” – 4:06
A2. “Mr. Me” – 3:59
A3. “Out Of The Shadow” – 4:48
A4. “1984” – 3:10
A5. “It’s You” – 2:58
Side Two
B1. “The Minstrel’s Voyage” – 2:55
B2. “I Will Fly (In The Wind)” – 6:00
B3. “I Need Your Love Again” – 3:49
B4. “Love Of My Life” – 4:01
B5. “Father God” – 3:30
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Re-issued on CD by Seed Records in 1990, as a part of the 2CD compilation Minstrel’s Voyage, Vol. III: 1980-1985 – Digital Reissue Collector’s Edition.
A full-page advertisement for Paul Clark’s Out of the Shadow was featured in the July 1984 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by Paul Clark. Engineered by Wally Grant with second engineering by Bobby Cotton and Mike Ross. Mixed by Bill Schnee. Mastered by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab.
Musicians: Paul Clark (Piano, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals), Smitty Price (Piano, Electric Piano – Fender Rhodes, Synthesizer – DX7, Prophet 5), Brandon Field (Saxophone), Carlos Rios (Guitar, tracks: A3, A4), Hadley Hockensmith (Guitar, tracks: B1, B3, B4), Phil Keaggy (Guitar, tracks: B2), Leon Gaer (Bass), Mike Baird (Drums), Michael Fisher (Percussion). Vocals – Kelly Willard (Vocals, tracks: B4), Backing Vocals – Alfie Silas (tracks: A2 to A5, B5), Phyllis St. James (tracks: A2 to A5, B5), Richard Page (tracks: A1, B3), Steve George (tracks: A1, B3), Tommy Funderburk (tracks: A2 to A5, B2, B5).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.