Melodies

Description

Melodies is the sophomore solo album by the American singer and songwriter Terry Clark of The Children of Faith fame, released on Good News Records in 1980, distributed by Myrrh Records, a division of Word. Also released in the UK by Myrrh Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Joe Bellamy at Salty Dog Recording in Van Nuys, California; with additional recording at Redwing Sound in Tarzana, California. Arranged by Terry Clark and Bellamy. All song written by Terry Clark.

Featuring Terry Clark on lead vocals and keyboards backed by a session band consisting of Geoffrey B. Leib on keyboards, Larry Lingle on guitar with Lingle and Jon Linn providing lead guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of Kenny Lee Lewis on bass and John Ferraro on drums with Burleigh Drummond of Ambrosia fame providing percussion.

Terry “Ugadanothawanumaija” Clark is back with his second album, Melodies, an extraordinary followup to his debut LP, Welcome. Producer Joe Bellamy has helped create a musical package that is more interesting than the first album while Clark continues to advocate “go for it” Christianity lyrically (“Clap your hands and stomp your feet; let the people hear out on the street…”)

The many melodic highlights on the LP include «Jesus Is at the Wheel», a forties-styles ditty reminding us who’s in control of things; «Pickin’», a repetitive little tune with some pointed comments about judgemental types and the title track, «Melodies». Although most of the songs carry a pretty big musical stick, the album wraps up with two ballads, the Gaitheresque «Following», and «Father of Light».

Clark’s vocals are sometimes plaintive, sometimes lacking in emotion. His delivery seems to improve in direct proportion to the intensity of the song, making his rockers especially enjoyable. He really shines as a songwriter, however, as this album of all original material proves. With the current rush of new releases be sure not to overlook this one. [CCM (Records – What’s New), July 1980]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “There’s the Light” – 3:24
A2. “Clap Your Hands” – 2:50
A3. “Jesus Is at the Wheel” – 2:42
A4. “Just a Matter of Time” – 3:10
A5. “River” – 5:11

Side Two
B1. “Melodies” – 3:09
B2. “A Little Rock ‘n’ Roll” – 3:02
B3. “Pickin'” – 3:13
B4. “Following” – 4:28
B5. “Father of Light” – 3:34

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