Description
Lifeline is the sole gospel album by the American singer and songwriter B. W. Stevenson (a.k.a. Louis Charles Stevenson), released on MCA Songbird Records in 1980, a CCM imprint of MCA Records, distributed in the Christian music market through Word Records. The album was produced by Chris Christian and Brown Bannister for Home Sweet Home Productions. Most songs written by B. W. Stevenson or co-written by Stevenson and Chris Christian.
LIFELINE – B. W. Stevenson – MCA Songbird MCA-3215 – Producer: Chris Christian and Brown Bannister – List: 7.98
The soulful voice that brought us «My Maria» and the original «Shambala» is here with a gospel release, and the music never sounded better than when B.W. sings it. This album has a lot of soul in more ways than one. Best cuts include «Headin’ Home», «Fiddle and Bow», «Paradise», and «One True Way». An excellent album all the way. [Cash Box Album Reviews / Gospel, CashBox, Vol. XLI – No. 42 / March 1, 1980]
B.W. Stevenson, known in the 70’s for songs like «My Maria» and «Shambala», has released his first Christian album on MCA’s new Songbird label. Like his earlier material, Lifeline features gentle rock tunes and ballads built around catchy musical hooks and phrases. This should not be construed as a negative factor, however, for it is of such riffs and hooks as these hits are made.
Chris Christian (along with Brown Bannister) produced Lifeline in addition to co-authoring eight of the album’s 11 songs. Here again Chris displays his uncanny ability to zero in on an artist’s writing style and develop a series of new songs written especially for them consistent with a previously established sound (i.e., B.J. Thomas, Dan Peek, The Boones).
Side one opens with «Headin’ Home», a song that may just be headed for the pop charts. Also keep as eye on «Show Me the Way to the City», «You Were There» and the title song.
Although at times Stevenson’s voice doesn’t seem strong enough to fully carry the fine melodies he’s written, Lifeline is an extremely listenable album that communicates warmth, love and hope in a very musical way. [What’s New, CCM, February 1980]
Rich-voiced country pop-rock singer whose primary claims to fame are having the 1973 #9 hit «My Maria» and being the songwriter for Three Dog Night’s «Shambala». His Christian release is somewhat influenced by the Chris Christian/Brown Bannister CCM sound (both are involved in the songwriting and production), but still retains the appeal and professionalism of a mainstream project. Lifeline’s blend of pop, rock, country and ballads may not have quite the hit-worthy status of his former achievements, but it is a pleasant listen nonetheless, much better than standard CCM. Stevenson wrote/co-wrote ten of the eleven songs, including «Headin’ Home», «Holding A Special Place For You», «Show Me The Way To The City» and «One True Way». [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/lifeline/585558447)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Headin’ Home” – 3:26
A2. “Take Me To Your Heart” – 2:58
A3. “Holding A Special Place For You” – 2:49
A4. “Fiddle And The Bow” – 2:47
A5. “Save A Little Time” – 2:48
Side Two
B1. “Lifeline” – 3:18
B2. “Show Me The Way To The City” – 3:10
B3. “You Were There” – 3:16
B4. “Paradise” – 2:46
B5. “There Is Someone Who Loves You” – 3:26
B6. “One True Way” – 2:26
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Songbird Records.
A full-page advertisement for various new releases on MCA Songbird Records, including B. W. Stevenson’s album Lifeline, was featured in the July 1980 issue of CCM Magazine.
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