Everyday Man

Description

Everyday Man is the third album by the American singer, songwriter, and producer Gary Chapman, released on Reunion Records in 1987. Also released on RCA Records. The album was produced by Gary Chapman, Brown Bannister, and Mark Wright. Featuring “Love That Girl” co-written by Chapman and Randy Stonehill.

After a few years away from the recording studio (save as a producer for several Christian artists and guitarist/vocalist with spouse Amy Grant), Gary Chapman has released ‘Everyday Man’, a terrific country/pop album. Gary’s vocal style and musical approach fall somewhere between Kenny Rogers (for whom he has penned a couple of tunes) and Sawyer Brown or Restless Heart. The most prominent lyrical theme is love – love won and love lost.

The title track kicks things off, and finds Gary lusting – no, not for his neighbor’s wife, but for the normal, everyday love relationship the couple has – hence the title. «When We’re Together» is a bouncy bit of pop that’s already charted in the country realm. «Love History» is a wry look at foolin’ around that concludes “any two fools can make love” – but it takes a deeper commitment to build a lasting relationship.

«Breakin’ Hearts» is the first of three tunes that deal directly with Chapman’s marital relationship. The heartbreaker of the title is a lovely lady with a head-turning quotient not unlike Mrs. Chapman’s. Gary sings “the looks (you get) don’t make me mad… just proud.” Amy joins Chapman on a smoldering duet of «Love Like Blood», one of John Hiatt’s finest songs. The passionate lyrics may draw a “harrumph” or two from more conservative circles, but after all, they ARE married! Finally, there’s «Love That Girl», the closest thing to a rocker on the LP. This unabashed love poem to the Mrs. (co-written with Randy Stonehill) features Gary singing the title about 25 times! (That’s right up there with Paul McCartney’s «My Love», for you “Trivial Pursuit” buffs.)

And what country LP would be complete without a “family/roots” song? Chapman’s contribution is the heartfelt ballad «Cecil (Life Goes On)». Gary sings a bit of family history, and of his belief that life goes on after we die. The Reunion version of the album concludes, in an interesting marketing twist, with a track not on the RCA LP. «Your Love Stays With Me» is a slow, soulful burner; the nearest thing to a straight-ahead gospel track.

In the already-crowded field of male country singers, Chapman distinguishes himself on ‘Everyday Man’ with a voice that is better than many and songwriting that is better than most. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1988]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/everyday-man/321579336)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Everyday Man” – 3:33
A2. “When Where Together (Love’s So Strong)” – 3:42
A3. “Love History” – 4:55
A4. “Breakin’ Hearts” – 4:47
A5. “Love Like Blood” (duet with Amy Grant) – 4:09

Side Two
B1. “Around The World” – 3:52
B2. “The Hurt Is Worth The Chance” – 3:52
B3. “Love That Girl” – 4:41
B4. “Cecil (Life Goes On)” – 6:09
B5. “Your Love Stays With Me” – 3:07

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

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