Description
The Name Above All Names is the sixth solo album by the American singer and songwriter Chuck Girard of Love Song fame, independently released on Seven Thunders Records in 1983, distributed by Myrrh Records, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Bill Cobb at his Poiema Studios in Camarillo, California; and was produced and arranged by Bob Rose with Chuck Girard co-producing. Additional engineering by Jonathan David Brown and Derald Daugherty (later of The Choir fame). Mixed by Nick Van Maarth. Backing vocals provided by Bili Thedford, Denny Correll, Terry Clark, as well as Tommy Funderburk of The Front fame. The title track features a trumpet solo by Phil Driscoll.
What does a veteran rock artist do when he’s burned out with the music industry, but still desires involvement in the music ministry? He releases his music on his own record label, sends it free to people on his mailing list, and prays it ministers to someone. It’s not a new idea, but it seems to work.
‘The Name Above All Names’ is Chuck Girard’s first all-new studio album since 1980’s ‘The Stand‘. In a letter enclosed within the album’s jacket, Chuck describes the LP’s contents: “This album marks a change in my music and ministry. God has been dealing with me in powerful ways recently, and has ‘cleaned house’ in my life, as well as reshaping my thinking concerning music and ministry…”
He goes on to say that the main change is a shift from an evangelistic approach in his music to a ministry towards the body. While his concerns for the lost haven’t disappeared, he says they’ve just moved back until God reveals evangelism to him in a more mature light.
The music and songs on ‘The Name Above All Names’ reflect those changes. The music is mellower, but not bland. The lyrics are geared toward the worship of God and the edification of His children. And Girard doesn’t come across as a reformed rocker trying to grab a wider audience. The overall package is sincere and pleasant.
Individually, some songs are better than others. «Blessed Be the Name of My Rock», with its powerful and infectious chorus, is one of the most dynamic songs pertaining to spiritual warfare ever recorded. Closing side one, «Soldiers of the Lion» continues the warfare theme with brillant imagery. «The Power and the Glory» concludes the LP with a musical projection of the end of all physical and spiritual battles: earth’s Great Conclusion – the appearing of Jesus Christ.
«Don’t Shoot the Wounded» is an overly ambitious cut where Chuck has somewhat imitated the rapping, speak-sing tone of T-Bone Burnett. It’s quite unlike any other song on the LP – except, perhaps, «We Are the Righteousness of God», where the singer assumes an almost Dylanesque sound.
As mentioned earlier, Girard has toned-down his music, but not so much that the album lacks punch. Under the production of Bob Rose, an all-Star group of session men gathered for the tracks, including Keith Edwards on drums, John Patitucci on bass, Smitty Price on piano, Caleb Quaye and David Mansfield on guitars. Terry Clark and Denny Correll contributed background vocals.
‘The Name Above All Names’ is reminiscent of another artist who once bucked the system and started his own record company. Keith Green had a mighty ministry toward the body of Christ; his songs prompting believers to examine their spiritual life more closely. This album produces a similar effect. (Available from Seven Thunders Records, P.O. Box 3040, Granada Hills, CA 91344. (818) 885-0493. Price: $8.) [Caroline Amedea, CCM, May 1984]
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LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Name Above All Names” – 4:34
A2. “Kingdom Come” – 4:44
A3. “We Are The Righteousness Of God” – 3:36
A4. “Blessed Be The Name Of My Rock” – 3:30
A5. “Soldiers Of The Lion” – 4:51
Side Two
B1. “Don’t Shoot The Wounded” – 4:07
B2. “And The Rain Came Down” – 4:00
B3. “Wall Of Love” – 3:37
B4. “Walk As I Walk” – 4:05
B5. “The Power And The Glory” – 3:44
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Re-issued on CD by Girard’s own label Seven Thunders Records in 1993.
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