Eric Champion

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American singer and songwriter Eric Champion was released on Myrrh Records in 1990, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Ronnie Brookshire at Gold Mine East in Nashville, Tennessee; and was produced by Eric Champion for Home Sweet Home. Mixed by Chris Christian and Champion at Gold Mine Studio in Dallas, Texas.

He writes. He produces. He sings and I’m sure he even dances. Not bad for a nineteen year old. Eric Champion, contemporary Christian music’s newest kid on the block, emerges with an impressive debut of fresh and very commercial young, pop tunes.

In a world where comparisons are inevitable and sometimes necessary, Champion finds his niche in the Jon Gibson, Bryan Duncan genre – white soul/R&B. And like labelmate Kim Boyce, Champion’s smooth, elastic voice belts out tunes that mix rhythm and religion with dance pop.

There is talent here – a great deal of it – as Champion exhibits a musical prowess that is quite respectable for his age and experience. The songs, all written by Champion, have depth and, unlike many dance/pop ditties, are multi-faceted and original.

The album opens with a pretty little ballad, «Forever Love», and shows Champion at his crooning best while «Brother, Brother» (next on the album) is a funky tune with a pretty cool bridge – it will most certainly keep them dancing in the aisles.

There are definite influences. BeBe & CeCe, Prince, New Kids on the Block – sound diverse? Well, so is the album. From ballads to rap to dance tunes, Champion does it all with apparent ease. The album is light-hearted fun and although it may not address the problems of the world or the national debt, it is entertaining.

Executive producer Chris Christian gives Champion the necessary spingboard for this music and allows the highly produced sound to bounce and trot along rather than sound too trite. Champion knows what he’s doing and does it well. Watch this talented young man mature in both experience and talent. Christian music has another bright performer. [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, August 1990]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-are-the-young/609397610)

CD tracklist:

01. Forever Love – 4:38
02. Brother, Brother – 5:20
03. Peaceful – 6:16
04. We Are The Young – 6:05
05. River’s Edge – 5:32
06. Everyday People – 7:29
07. Heaven On Earth – 5:04
08. Friends In High Places – 4:29
09. Ready And Willing – 3:44
10. Above It All – 4:21

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Myrrh Records.

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