Description
Heaven is Calling is the sophomore album by the American alternative rock band Common Bond, released on Broken Records in January 1986. (Re-released by Frontline Records later the same year, distributed by The Benson Company.) The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Doug Doyle at his 3-D Studios in Costa Mesa, California. All songs written by lead vocalist Ken Samuels. Featuring guest appearances by Jerry Chamberlain, Terry Taylor, and Rob Watson, all of Daniel Amos fame.
The initial chords of Common Bond’s 1984 single «Matter of Time» which draw anachronistically on ’60s guitar effects give one the wrong impression of the group and its music. Before you can write this one off, however, you are swept into the smooth, danceable bass line, the crunchy rhythm guitars, Ken Samuels’ affecting vocals on the song’s memorable hook, and Steve Durham’s “when I grow up I want to be like The Edge” guitar solo. Wisely, «Matter of Time» opens ‘Heaven Is Calling’ and sets a high standard for the band’s first full-length effort.
Throughout the remaining nine tracks, Common Bond proves to be a proficient, tasteful, and utterly likable ’80s music combo even though they never quite match the “hit” potential of the opener. ‘Heaven’ displays a musical dexterity and variety that points to the band’s potential for growth and developement. Pop sensibilities meshed with artistic integrity, personally expressive lyrics, and a solid rock music foundation give Common Bond a satisfying sound listen after listen.
Samuels’ lyrics speak directly of the meaning of faith and new life made available in Christ’s love. His versatile and powerful vocals soar over the driving rhythms and stinging solos of Durham’s guitars. Gratefully, the drums – both acoustic and synthetic – have the adrenalin rush of human perspiration and the accuracy of a machine, much to the credit of Chuck Cummings and producer Doug Doyle.
‘Heaven Is Calling’ is a fine introduction to Common Bond as well as a musically satisfying statement of faith. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, April 1986]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/heaven-is-calling/385178206)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Matter Of Time” – 4:37
A2. “I’m In Control” – 2:45
A3. “Heaven Is Calling” – 2:51
A4. “Bittersweet” – 3:48
A5. “YSHUA” – 3:05
Side Two
B1. “My Direction” – 3:50
B2. “Savor My Saviour” – 2:40
B3. “The Dickens” – 3:50
B4. “For You” – 2:30
B5. “Imagining” – 3:20
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Broken Records (and later by Frontline Records as well).
CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Doug Doyle. Recorded and mixed at 3-D Studios. Design and Layout by Ed McTaggart. Cover by Terl Bryant. Photography by Craig Incardone. Distributed by The Benson Company, Inc. All songs written by Ken Samuels.
Musicians: Steve Durham (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), Jerry Chamberlain (Solo Guitar – tracks: A4, B5), Bobby Salsedo (Guitar), Doug Doyle (Guitar), Ken Samuels (Lead Vocals, Bass), Chuck Cummings (Drums, Percussion), Terl Bryant (Drums on track A1, Percussion on – tracks: A1, A5). Backing Vocals: Bruce Swift, Jerry Chamberlain, Ken Samuels, Rob Watson, Terry Taylor.
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