Description
Big Mouth is the sophomore album by the American pop/rock combo Bash’N the Code, released on Myrrh Records in 1987, a division of Word. The album was recorded by David Schober at Wayne Cook Studios in Glendale, California; with Schober and Rick Altizer producing. Mixed by David Schober at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California. Lead vocals by Greg and Rebecca Ed Sparks.
Bash-N-the Code is to be admired. Bash is among a handful of contemporary Christian artists (the Imperials and Amy Grant are others) who have frequently “re-invented” themselves in an effort to keep their sound and presentation relevant to a young audience. In doing so, they’ve retained their personal vision without seeming to conform to the latest musical fads and fashions – not an easy task.
‘Big Mouth’ is the second LP Bash has released since forsaking its original identity. Found Free. Once agin, the core musical talents come from vocalists Rebecca Ed and Greg Sparks and guitarist Mark Townsend. ‘Big Mouth’ opens with what seems to be a yawn (pun intended), then explodes into the monster beat of «B-I-B-L-E», putting a Minneapolis funk twist on a verse that anyone who’s been to more than one day of Sunday school will recognize. Greg’s gruff vocals are effectively showcased on «You Are the One», a simple pledge of loyalty to the Lord. «Righteous Dance» implores the pure heart to cut loose and dance like the “angels dance – in time to the big celestial beat-box.” That phrase, once a working title for the album, is also an apt description of much of the music.
The title track is an amusing twist on the negative connotation we often give to those words – this person can’t stop talking about Jesus. The Sparkses also tackle Andrae Crouch’s classic «Soon and Very Soon», approaching the song from the angle of someone such as Prince.
Rebecca puts in her best Cyndi Lauper squeak on «He Says», which somewhat mars her most heartfelt vocal on the album. The tune is a subdued study of one of the basic ironies of Christianity – giving up everything to gain everything. «Fall Down» and «We Magnify» segue together to provide a fitting close to this fine LP. The former features Greg in blue-eyed soul style, encouraging us to “fall down to [worship] the Holy One.” This up-tempo track gives way to a beautiful vocal from Rebecca, based on the familiar praise chorus, «I Will Magnify the Lord».
Tying the whole record together with superb guitar playing is Mark Townsend. He will no doubt begin to play a greater role in the band, as the Sparkses have left Bash to pursue a separate career. Still, ‘Big Mouth’ gives us reason to hope that the future for Bash is bright, and we have the added bonus of expecting more terrific music from Rebecca and Greg Sparks. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, December 1987]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/big-mouth/1688191249)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The B-i-b-l-e” – 3:53
A2. “You Are The One” – 3:42
A3. “Righteous Dance” – 4:20
A4. “Use This Child” – 4:21
A5. “Big Mouth” – 3:57
Side Two
B1. “Soon And Very Soon” (feat. Randy Stonehill) – 3:48
B2. “He Says” – 3:46
B3. “Fall Down” – 3:50
B4. “We Magnify You Lord (I Will Call Upon The Lord)” – 3:34
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Myrrh Records. The CD edition features a bonus track; “You Are The One (Extended Mix)” (6:23).
“The B-i-b-l-e” (MUSIC VIDEO)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.