Description
Something Supernatural is an album by the American singer Pat Boone, released on Lamb & Lion Records in 1975. The album was recorded and produced by Buck Herring at Sunwest Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. Arranged by Michael Omartian.
Featuring Michael Omartian on keyboards and synthesizer, Dean Parks and Larry Carlton on guitars, and a rhythm section consisting of Joe Osborn on bass and Scott Musick on drums (the latter one to become the drummer of The Call). Backing vocals provided by 2nd Chapter of Acts.
Something Supernatural was the sophomore solo effort by Pat Boone on his own label Lamb & Lion Records featuring covers of selected songs written by various artists of the Jesus Music scene. His first effort, entitled Pat Boone sings the new songs of The Jesus People, was released on Lamb & Lion in 1971.
An all-star cast helps Pat out on his deepest excursion into Jesus Music. This should be one of the most important Jesus albums yet.
The Second Chapter of Acts lent their unique vocal sound to the background. Michael Omartian gave fresh arrangements to these songs, many of which are well known. All of this was produced by Buck Herring. All of these people are considered giants in the Jesus Music ministry.
The title track is a Chuck Girard song. The story line tells the tale of a non-Christian looking at one of his old friends who now belongs to Jesus. He doesn’t believe that something supernatural could happen to him. The introduction features some very nice B.B. King style guitar.
Malcolm and Alwyn’s «Fool’s Wisdom» is next. It begins with some chamber music – harpsichord and cello. It combines with a searching guitar as the lyric describes the turn around in the thinking of the one who ends his search in the discovery of Jesus. The Chapter come in on the chorus and with Pat, they each sing a part different from the regular melody. With the cellos in the background it creates a strange, enjoyable effect.
«What a Song» is a Dean McClure tune. It is more straight gospel.
«You’ll Start Falling in Love» was written by Second Chapter’s Anne Herring. It has one of the best arrangements of any of these songs. The smooth strings along with Pat’s silky voice, give a joyous but restful feeling.
The first side ends with Randy Matthew’s «Didn’t He». It begins with a synthesizer monotone and later strings and woodwinds are added. As in the original, there is the sound of the hammer, pounding the nail into Jesus’ flesh. Randy’s version is better than this one because his voice is more akin to the crude happening on the hill.
Side two begins with «You Were On His Mind», written by Mylon LeFevre (who-was one of the first Jesus rock and rollers). Here it’s just a blunt, straight forward song with an arrangement to match.
«Don’t Give Up on Jesus» is a bossa nova written by Ron Harris and Stormie Omartian (Michael’s wife). It’s easy, full of encouragement.
«Way Out Jesus» is from Sammy John’s (of Chevy Van game). It’s a straight rock song. “My only way is by your side.”
Next is a version of «UFO», one of Larry Norman’s nicest songs. It sounds suitably spacy, with satellite noises coming from Omartian’s aarpvark. Interesting use of tabla (drums of India) gives the song an Eastern feel until the jazzy piano comes in at the finish.
«Wing of Fire» is one of the best cover versions of an Anne Herring song. There’s plenty of synthesizer on the bottom, as Pat dances through the song. The wings of the fire take us higher.
The final cut is Omartian’s «Lord». It is a whispered question, ‘‘Lord will you take my hand and lead me to your side?”
“Something Supernatural” will help make Jesus Music respectable to those who have scorned it. And those who’ve never gotten into Pat Boone should hear this. [Harmony, Vol 1. No. 4 (1975)]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/something-supernatural/219698953)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Something Supernatural” (Written by Chuck Girard of Love Song) – 3:13
A2. “Fool’s Wisdom” (Written by Malcolm Wild and Alwyn Wall of Malcolm & Alwyn) – 3:21
A3. “What A Song” (Written by Dean McClure) – 3:19
A4. “You’ll Start Falling In Love” (Written by Annie Herring of 2nd Chapter of Acts) – 4:06
A5. “Didn’t He” (Written by Randy Matthews) – 4:46
Side Two
B1. “You Were On His Mind” (Written by Mylon LeFevre) – 3:17
B2. “Don’t Give Up On Jesus” (Written by Ron Harris and Stormie Omartian) – 3:17
B3. “Way Out Jesus” (Written by Sammy Johns) – 2:52
B4. “U.F.O.” (Written by Larry Norman) – 3:20
B5. “Wings Of Fire” (Written by Annie Herring of 2nd Chapter of Acts) – 2:12
B6. “Lord” (Written by Michael Omartian) – 3:50
CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Buck Herring. Arranged by Michael Omartian. Recorded at Sunwest Recording Studios, Hollywood, California.
Musicians: Pat Boone (Vocals), Michael Omartian (Keyboards, Synthesizer [Aarpvark]), Dean Parks (Guitars), Larry Carlton (Guitars), Joe Osborn (Bass), Scott Musick (Drums). Backing Vocals by 2nd Chapter of Acts.
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