Description
Shining Star is the debut album by the American singer and songwriter Ira Watson, released on Sozo Records in 1982. The album was recorded at various studios including Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; with Ira Watson producing.
The debut album by Ira Watson, Shining Star (SOZO-1011), presents a wide range of musical styles on a well-produced and high-quality album of contemporary Christian music. Fans of Peaches & Herb, Andrae Crouch, the Stylistics, Kenny Nolan, Nancy Grandquist, and Earth, Wind & Fire, take note.
Ira is best known to people familiar with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, as he tours as bassist of the singing-evangelist’s band. Nearly all of the songs on Shining Star stand strong on their own. The lyrics are edifying; the melodies are memorable. The definite influence of certain participating musicians is readily perceivable in the collection, giving the LP a definite touch of class. Recorded at the noted Sigma Sound studios in Philadelphia, it features Jimmy Williams (bass), Johnny Ingram (drums) and David Cruse (percussion), all members of Teddy Pendergrass’ band. Norman Harris (arranger of horns and strings on the song «Shining Star») has done work with the Spinners and the Stylistics. In addition to performing on this debut LP, Watson himself produced, and, in most cases, arranged the material.
Mary Great puts in a soully magnificent duet performance with Ira on «I’ve Got to Praise His Holy Name». The Peaches & Herbish «Please Come Back to Me» features Denise Rankin as Ira’s duet partner. Both are highlight cuts.
The weakest element of the otherwise fine LP surfaces in the back-up vocals, which are either too thin, too upfront, or perhaps a combination of both. The feel is that they could have been “fixed in the mix” – that is, rounded out – and it would have improved the overall quality of the LP. Some people also might be bothered by the use of so many familiar hookish riffs from the various performers on the album, but that’s not enough to spoil the album. In fact, it makes it feel like an old friend the first time on the turntable. [Paul Baker, CCM, August 1982]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/shining-star/495986744)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Shining Star” – 3:21
A2. “Please Come Back To Me” – 4:47
A3. “Nobody But Jesus” – 4:30
A4. “You Belong To Me” – 5:15
Side Two
B1. “Breakin’ Away” – 4:09
B2. “I’ve Got To Praise His Holy Name” – 5:15
B3. “Are You Runnin'” – 4:35
B4. “We Shall Be Like Him” – 4:25
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Sozo Records. Has been re-issued on CD.
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