Finally

Description

Finally is the fourth solo album by the American contemporary gospel singer and songwriter Andraé Crouch, released on Light Records in 1982. The basic tracks were recorded by Bob Cotton at Weddington Studios in North Hollywood, California; with Bill Maxwell and Andraé Crouch producing for Crouch Productions.

ANDRAE CROUCH – Finally, Light 5784. Produced by Bill Maxwell, Andrae Crouch.

Crouch moves back into the gospel mainstream, at a time when many felt he was on the verge of mass-appeal “secular” stardom. A lush flow of back-up singers decorates all tracks, even leading the vocals on three numbers, although the weight of their singing sometimes burdens the arrangements. Crouch hits his stride with the intense whisper-singing on «Finally», the melodic «We Need To Hear From You» and «Sweet Communion», with its drum intro and synthesizer refrains. [Billboard Magazine, September 11, 1982, Top Album Picks column – Gospel section (Survey for week ending 9/11/82)]

I think it’s safe to say that the Andrae we all know and love is back! Not that he ever left, you understand, it’s just that last year’s ‘Don’t Give Up‘ was, in my opinion, a bit dry. Perhaps he was trying to be more clever than spiritual to please Warner Bros., but the album lacked the appeal I believe this one has.

On ‘Finally’ (Light LS-5784), Andrae Crouch releases his heart to express himself to the Lord without reservation. Some of these songs were reportedly written several years ago and not recorded until now. One, «My Tribute», is actually a classic Andrae tune which has been recorded for this album using 1982 technology. Speaking of that, the album sounds like a million bucks!

Like the Andrae discs of old, ‘Finally’ features long stretches where the background vocalists fill in the lead parts. on «Everybody’s Got to Know», in fact, Andrae’s voice never comes to the forefront. Most of the cuts are mid to slow tempo. Standouts among these include «Sweet Communion», «That’s Why I Need You», and of course, «My Tribute». All three of the uptempo tunes are highlights, especially «Let’s Worship Him» and the title song.

Andrae, it’s great to hear from you again… Finally. [John W. Styll, CCM, September 1982]

After the attempted crossover of the ‘Don’t Give Up‘ album and the accusations and scandal that accompanied accusations of a drug bust, ‘Finally’ saw Crouch creating an uncompromising gospel album with high end west coast production and the usual top sessioners. And like any Andrae Crouch record, there are plenty of amazing grooves and classic performances. Here you get the prayerful pleadings of «We Need To Hear From You», written by his twin sister Sandra. There’s the definitive version of «My Tribute», complete with great choir vocals and a fantastic string arrangement and then there’s the funk of «All The Way», driven by some stupendous bass playing from Abraham Laboriel. On «That’s Why I Needed You», Andrae takes care of the lead vocals but there’s a beautiful moment in the coda of the song when he invites stalwart vocal supporters Danniebelle, Edna Wright, Howard Smith and Linda McCrary to vamp. It’s classic Crouch! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/finally/692632791)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “We Need To Hear From You” – 4:58
A2. “Finally” – 2:43
A3. “Everybody’s Got To Know” – 5:26
A4. “We Are Not Ashamed” – 4:16
A5. “Sweet Communion” – 6:18

Side Two
B1. “All The Way” – 5:10
B2. “He’s Waiting” – 4:35
B3. “Let’s Worship Him (Vamos A Alabar)” – 4:17
B4. “That’s Why I Needed You” – 5:58
B5. “My Tribute” – 6:00

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records. Later re-issued on CD.

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A full-page advertisement for Andrae Crouch’s album Finally was featured in the September 1982 issue of CCM Magazine.

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