Morning Like This

Description

Morning Like This is an album by the American singer Sandi Patti, released on Word Records in 1986, with distribution by A&M Records. The album was produced by Greg Nelson and Sandi Patti Helvering. According to CCM Magazine, Morning Like This was the 10th best album of 1986 in the Christian music market, as well as the second-best selling album of 1987.

Sandi’s Word debut, her most pop-oriented effort to date, is stil rooted in that familiar middle ground that her fans (and there are a ton of them) have come to know and love. ‘Morning Like This’ features a more even-handed production with less bombastic vocal leaps and window-shattering climaxes than on past efforts. Sandi seems much more relaxed and in complete command of her voice. And, oh, that voice! It is truly a pleasure to listen to this, one of the purest technical instruments possessed by any singer in any field.

An album written by such folks as the Gaithers, Billy Smiley, Mark Gershmehl, and Michael W. Smith (to name a few) is not lacking for hits. Take «Hosanna», for example. Kicked off by synthesizers and Simmon drums (whew!), this dynamite track features vocal support from 2nd Chapter of Acts. (Hmm – Matthew Ward and Sandi … Now there would be a gale force duet!) The arrangement on «Unshakeable Kingdom» is a tad overbearing, but in every other way it’s a superb song. When Patti unleashes her voice full throttle, it is indeed awesome. Contrast that with the almost little girlish quality of «Shepherd of My Heart», and you get an idea of this lady’s versatility.

Sandi has a way of making every song she sings sound as if it were written just for her. Never is that more evident than on the title track. Her amazing range and control draw us into the story as we explore what must have happened that first Easter morning. Patti is not afraid to rear back and have fun with the song. Witness her jazzy inflection on a classy bit of ’40s-style pop, «Face to Faith». Joined by the studio vocal group, First Call, they give the Manhattan Transfer a run for their money.

But the best, in my mind, comes last – «There Is A Savior». Although every track could rightfully be called a showcase, here the accompaniment is stripped to a bare minimum – just some strings, a piano, and Sandi. You’ll not hear a more splendid and satisfying conclusion to an album for some time.

Those of you who may have written off Sandi Patti as an overly brassy Streisand clone (and this writer sheepishly admits to such an unfair conclusion), check out ‘Morning Like This’. You’ll find a seasoned song stylist who sensitively imparts her deep-rooted faith and shakes loose a few shingles in the bargain! [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1986]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/morning-like-this/1167656208)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Let There Be Praise” – 3:03
A2. “Hosanna” – 3:37
A3. “Unshakeable Kingdom” – 5:48
A4. “Shepherd Of My Heart” – 4:01
A5. “Love In Any Language” – 4:51

Side Two
B1. “King Of Glory” – 2:35
B2. “Face To Faith” – 4:21
B3. “Was It A Morning Like This” – 3:22
B4. “In The Name Of The Lord” – 5:00
B5. “There Is A Savior” – 4:42

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

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