More Than Enough

Description

More Than Enough is the third album by the American pop-rock combo Bash’N the Code, released on StarSong Records in 1989, distributed by Sparrow/Star Song Distribution. The album was recorded by Tom Singer at Digital Recorders in Nashville, Tennessee; with John Andrew Schreiner producing.

When I first got this tape, I piped it over the studio speakers while setting up for a recording session. My broadcast partner cocked an interested ear, and inquired over the intercom, “Is that Madonna?” Perhaps many Christian groups would not wish to be associated with pop music’s most notorious “Boy Toy,” but the Bashers should consider it an honor that their music would be considered in the same league.

The greatest strengths of ‘More Than Enough’ are the craftmanlike production of John Schreiner and the solid musicianship of the Bash band (plus guests). The tape is a sonic delight, with synthesizer and precussive embelishments swooping from speaker to speaker, and layers of intricate vocals adorning many of the tracks. The lyrics, as you might expect, are straight-forward and direct, and seemingly aimed at 12-to-24-year-old church kids.

What’s disappointing about ‘More Than Enough’ is the lack of consistent musical direction. The first three tracks – «Now», «Hide and Seek» and «Cynic Clinic» – are a non-stop dance delight! Things bog down a bit on «Silence», but it’s got a wonderful arrangement, and hey! – you gotta rest sometime. But the title ballad, with its requisite choir and bombastic chorus just comes out of left field. Fortunately, there’s three more big-beat numbers that redeem the second side, including the hilarious «Godology» and the rockin’ closer, «Live It Up».

My caveat – when you hear the title song on the radio, don’t be fooled! There are six great dance tunes on the album. A 600 average might be good in baseball, but it’s not enough to give this album an unqualified thumbs-up. Still, one has to applaud the tenacity (and success ratio) of a group that has labored for 18 years and seen thousands come to Christ as the result of its ministry. As Found Free and now Bash (and Sparks), these bands have kept abreast of pop music trends, and managed to stay relevant to their target audience. Suggestion – get the CD and program the dance tunes in one set, and the ballads in another. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, August 1989]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Now” – 3:59
A2. “Hide And Seek” – 4:18
A3. “Cynic Clinic” – 3:41
A4. “Silence” – 4:31
A5. “More Than Enough” – 4:28

Side Two
B1. “Surprised By God” – 4:30
B2. “Godology” – 3:47
B3. “Time After Time” – 3:27
B4. “Will He Find Faith?” – 4:24
B5. “Live It Up” – 4:24

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by StarSong Records.