Description
Human Song is the sixth album by the American vocal trio First Call (Marabeth Jordon, Bonnie Keen, as well as Marty McCall of Fireworks fame), released on Myrrh Records in 1992, a division of Word. Also manufactured and distributed by Epic, a division of Sony Music. The album was recorded by Terry Christian at Soundhouse Studios in Hollywood, California; and was produced and arranged by Michael Omartian. Mixed by Christian at Lighthouse Recorders in North Hollywood, California. Keyboards and drum programs by Omartian. Guitars by Dean Parks. Featuring covers of “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” written by Stevie Wonder and “Ring Them Bells” written by Bob Dylan.
The music of First Call – Marty McCall, Bonnie Keen and Marabeth Jordon – has gone through an interesting metamorphosis over the years; from the jazzy, Manhattan Transfer-inspired harmonies if its debut, ‘Undivided‘, to the lusher arrangements of ‘Something Takes Over‘, to the edgier pop of ‘God is Good‘, the last full album recorded with original member Melodie Tunney. But, let’s not refer to Marabeth Jordon as Mel’s replacement; let’s instead call her a fine addition to the latest incarnation of First Call.
After two years of touring and studio woodshedding, Jordon now fits flawlessly into the First Call mix. In addition, the trio has done some soul-searching about its overall presentation. On ‘Human Song’, it reverts back to the approach of its debut, with the important difference being the integration of some programmed dance beats, courtesy of studio auteur Michael Omartian. Omartian, still smokin’ from recent successes with Michael Bolton and Amy Grant, gives the music an urban edge, while the trio’s vocal blend combines Motown and Philly soul with the expected jazz-inflected harmonies, to create a fresh sound, with the potential to reach a wider fan base, including mainstream audience.
The title track takes a bit of an ironic edge – a song about humanity, propelled by a machine-driven beat. But the humanity comes from the seamless mesh of of three voices, and the challenge (inwardly directed) to be more honest with oneself and transparent with others. McCall, Keen and Jordon achieve a sweet blend on the verses and bridge and slide to a brassy attack on the chorus. The trio’s cover of the Stevie Wonder classic «Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing» glides along in a mid-tempo groove, and finds the group trilling with soulful abandon. «I Will Always Come Back to You» offers a nice change of pace musically, driven by an acoustic piano and multi-tracked guitars. McCall contributes a plaintive lead vocal and soars into the chorus to be joined by the magnificent blend of his partners; this tune has CHR hit written all over it! It takes guts (and not a little talent) to convincingly cover a Bob Dylan tune; First Call does a first-class job with the anthemic «Ring Them Bells». Keen and Jordon trade impassioned leads, with support from McCall and (on the only vocals they don’t sing themselves) a choir featuring, among others, Stormie Omartian.
«Masquerade» combines a peppy rhythmic pulse and catchy melody with one of Marty’s best lead vocals, to rate among the top tracks on ‘Human Song’; it’s another good bet for crossover success. The style of Smokey Robinson is evoked on the R&B torch song «I Found Love». Though it’s as a group First Call is most effective, the turn each takes in the spotlight on this number makes it another of the album’s highlights. Each of the ladies gets a chance to strut her stuff, both as a soloist and songwriter. Marabeth’s skills are featured on the pensive ballad «Dancin’ in the Attic», as Jordon reflects on the secret place in which she feels closest to the Lord. The album’s closer, «Broken Place», starts out as a spotlight for Bonnie Keen, but slowly builds into a vocal tour de force for the entire group. Written by Keen (with Darrell Brown and Tori Taff), the track could well earn the trio yet another round of kudos from the Grammy and Dove Award folks. The song – with its letter-perfect story, finely-honed arrangement and peerless vocal blend – serves as a fitting reminder of the three things that so many love about First Call. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, March 1992]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/human-song/1165956196)
CD tracklist:
01. Human Song – 4:43
02. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing – 3:58
03. I Will Always Come Back To You – 4:08
04. Here In Your Heart – 3:47
05. Ring Them Bells – 4:24
06. Masquerade – 4:17
07. I Found Love – 2:55
08. Land Of Many Tears – 4:05
09. Dancin’ In The Attic – 4:29
10. Broken Places – 4:35
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Myrrh Records.
The March 1992 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on First Call.
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