Description
Legacy is the sophomore studio album by the American singer and songwriter Michael Card, released on Milk & Honey Records in 1983. The album was engineered by Tom Brown, Randy Scruggs and John W. Thompson with Scruggs and Thompson producing.
Michael Card’s debut LP (‘First Light‘) bore a striking resemblance to much of Dan Fogelberg’s early material. His new one, ‘Legacy’ (Milk & Honey MH1045) still bears a Fogelberg-like sound, but the similarity isn’t quite as pronounced. Michael’s songwriting ability was displayed in his first project, but ‘Legacy’ takes the acclaim further. Lyrically rich in historical scriptural themes, the album takes a valiant step away from the typically trite subjects flooding Christian airwaves.
‘Legacy’ is a concept album covering the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, the fulfillment in the New Testament, and the victory in Revelation. Side one begins with the single, «Love Crucified Arose», a declaration of Christ’s triumph over death. The following four songs then trace the life and ultimate purpose of Jesus Christ.
«Now That I’ve Held Him in My Arms», the story of Simeon’s promise from God to see the Messiah, leads into «The Voice of a Child», where the young Jesus teaches the Pharisees in the temple. «This Must Be the Lamb» deals with the realization of who the man on the cross really was. Finalizing the story is «Dragonslayer», a fantastical rendering of Revelation 12:1-5, the symbolic battle between Christ and Satan.
Side two offers Michael’s treatment of «El Shaddai», the song Amy Grant took to the top of the charts with ‘Age to Age‘. Michael’s use of a chamber orchestra (as opposed to a large symphonic sound) complements the Hebrew phrases and sounds truer to the nature of the composition. «God Will Provide a Lamb», the story of Abraham and Isaac, uses such graphic imagery that the listener can almost see the brokenhearted father escorting his beloved son to the sacrificial mount.
The album rocks on «Dragonslayer» and «Livin’ We Die», rolls on the mellower tunes making up most of the album, and goes pop on «Tell the World That Jesus Loves You», backed by a children’s chorus. Much of the credit for ‘Legacy’ is due co-producers John Thompson and Randy Scruggs. [C.A. Burns, CCM, May 1983]
In the November issue of MusicLine (the Christian version of Billboard), Lloyd Boldman (a member of the Christian rock group, Prodigal) commented, “It would seem that the greatest influence on Christian music today is Michael McDonald or Kenny Loggins – not Jesus Christ.” I’m not sure what Boldman meant. I would guess he was implying that some artists are finding it very difficult to make quality contemporary music and still maintain their spiritual integrity. I would agree, but there are some artists who are accomplishing both. Michael Card and Jeff Johnson are two examples.
Michael Card has a masters degree in biblical studies at Western Kentucky University. He originally wanted to be a Bible professor. However, in 1981 Michael released his first album. The album was called First Light and was produced by Randy Scruggs (son of banjo great, Earl Scruggs). Michael received the Dove Award for Best Songwriter, and some of his songs have been recorded by people like Amy Grant («El Shaddai» and «I Have Decided»).
Legacy, Card’s second album, focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. His new album, Known By The Scars, centers around the Passion Week. Technically, Scars is first rate. The orchestration is not overdone and Card’s piano playing is superb.
The theme of Known By The Scars is the key to this album. Card has taken the Passion of Jesus and drawn the listener in as a participant. You feel the exhaltation of the Triumphal Entry. You identify with the solemness of the Last Supper and the anguish of Gethsemane. And, when we are brought face to face with Judas to ask him about his betrayal, we are suddenly faced with “the traitor’s took upon your face/ a look too much like me/ just like you, I’ve sold the Lord and often for much less.” The album finishes with a potent reminder that even with the reality of the resurrection, Christ is still known by the scars. [Mike Atkinson, Wittenburg Door Magazine, October/November 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/legacy/322148719)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Love Crucified Arose” – 2:55
A2. “Now That I’ve Held Him In My Arms” – 3:24
A3. “The Voice Of The Child” – 2:55
A4. “This Must Be The Lamb” – 3:43
A5. “Dragonslayer” – 3:29
Side Two
B1. “Abba Father” – 3:55
B2. “El Shaddai” – 3:41
B3. “God Will Provide A Lamb” – 2:54
B4. “Livin’ We Die” – 4:20
B5. “Tell The World That Jesus Loves You” – 2:34
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Milk & Honey. Later re-issued on CD.
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