The Builder

Description

The Builder is the fourth album the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer Michael Omartian and his wife, lyricist and vocalist Stormie Omartian, released on Myrrh Records in May 1980, a division of Word. The album was recorded by John Guess at Jennifudy Recorders and Hollywood Central Recorders in Hollywood, California; with Michael Omartian producing and arranging. Mixed by Guess at Hollywood Sound Recorders. All songs written by Stormie and Michael Omartian.

The Builder follows a similar pattern to Seasons Of The Soul, although string-drenched ballads like «Anything You Ask Of Me», «Half Past Three» and the title track are gettin’ a bit too adult contemporary for this rocker’s stomach. There’s a nice peppy horn section that adds zest to «Charlie’s Dream», «The Only Thing Missing Is You» and «Dr. Jesus». «Big Time» borders on new wave as it confronts the issue of Christian music superstars (marred slightly by hokey telephone dialogue at the beginning and end of the song). The closing six-minute «End Times» has a jammin’ mid-section with a brilliant Phil Keaggy lead that flashes back to the old White Horse days. Still a decent pop record overall, even if the songs and lyrics are not quite as memorable as those on Seasons. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

The words “producer,” “arranger,” “songwriter,” “singer,” and “keyboardist” all accurately describe a few of the many talents of Michael Omartian. Although he is well known in Christian music, he has also seen considerable success in secular music (the current hit single by Christopher Cross is his production).

Omartian’s previous three album, White Horse, Adam Again and Seasons of the Soul, have each been trendsetters in their own way. Part of their appeal might have been the fact that, er, they didn’t sound like Christian music (a compliment). The Builder does.

The songs on side one center on the Builder concept (You are The Builder/ I’m made of stone/ I find it hard to see/ What you could make of me). As usual, Stormie wrote lyrics, which Michael set to music. She even sang a couple of leads, which, unfortunately, her voice is not well suited for. The four songs on side two do not follow the Builder concept, and among them, «End Timess» is a standout.

Realizing the enormous talent that is shared by this couple, it’s sad to say that this album falls short – but it does. Michael and Stormie, we’ll be anxiously awaiting your next one. [CCM, May 1980]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-builder/1876538003)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Charlie’s Dream” – 3:52
A2. “The Only Thing Missing Is You” – 3:58
A3. “The Builder” – 3:53
A4. “Mr. Trash Man” – 3:48
A5. “Anything You Ask Of Me” – 3:50

Side Two
B1. “Dr. Jesus” – 4:20
B2. “Big Time” – 5:02
B3. “Half Past Three” – 3:20
B4. “End Times” – 5:53

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.

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The November 1980 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Michael and Stormie Omartian.

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CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by Michael Omartian for Rhema Productions. Recorded at Jennifudy Recorders, North Hollywood, California and Hollywood Central Recorders, Hollywood, California. Mixed at Hollywood Sound Recorders. Engineered by John Guess. Mastered by Bernie Grundman at A&M Mastering Studios. Concertmaster: Assa Drori. Album Concept by Stormie Omartian. Art Direction by Dennis Hill. Photography and Layout by Bob Anderson. Back Cover Photography by Harry Langdon. Written by Stormie and Michael Omartian. Dialogue on track B2 written by Stormie Omartian.

Musicians: Stormie Omartian (Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals), Michael Omartian (Keyboards, Synthesizer, Percussion, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals), Stephen Hague (Synthesizer Programming), Jackie Kelso (Saxophone), Kim Hutchcroft (Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Soloist), Lou McCreary (Trombone), Chuck Finley (Trumpet), Steve Madeao (Trumpet), Marty Walsh (Guitar), Jay Graydon (Lead Guitar, Soloist), Phil Keaggy (Lead Guitar, Soloist), Abraham Laboriel (Bass), Paul Leim (Drums), Alex Acuna (Congas). Vocals [Dialogue, Spoken Words] on track B2 by Jay Graydon and Michael Omartian.