Justice

Description

Justice is the ninth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Steve Camp, released on Sparrow Records in 1989. The album’s rhythm tracks were recorded by David Schober at Bill Schnee Studios in North Hollywood, California; with Steve Camp producing and arranging. Additional recording done at Digital Recorders and OmniSound Studios in Nashville and The Bennett House in Franklin, Tennessee. Mixed by Schober (tracks: B1, B3) at Bill Schnee Studios and Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California; by Bill Schnee (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B4) at Bill Schnee Studios, and by Jeff Balding (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B5) at OmniSound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

It is encouraging to see a veteran artist like Steve Camp make an album like ‘Justice’ at this point in his career, which both acknowledges the radical beginnings of Christian music and forges new territory by tackling some tough subjects. On the other hand, it is somewhat disheartening listening to Camp’s remake of Larry Norman’s «The Great American Story», remembering how vital and relevant Christian music was 15 years ago, and being hit with an awareness of how irrelevant much of it has become today.

Camp has always functioned in the role of an encourager, and exhorter of the body in the manner of his heroes, which include the late Keith Green. Recently he’s realized that the finger points both ways, and has confessed his own weaknesses in song. But the rap has stayed the same: an emphasis on holy living balanced with the prevenient grace of God. What’s been missing? A discussion of the pragmatic, day-to-day issues of living in a fallen world and a cry for justice in an unjust society.

The album’s semi-radical lyrics are paired with Camp’s very accessible, light rock music, tipping his hat to ongoing influence Jackson Browne and the venerable sound of Christian music in 1988 – Bruce Hornsby. Still, it sounds as if Camp’s been newly fired up, his rapier sharp vocals slicing through the brunt of the material. It’s one thing to sing with conviction, and another to have convictions to sing about. [Thom Granger, CCM, February 1989]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/justice/724375141)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Justice” – 4:35
A2. “Playing Marbles With Diamonds” – 5:03
A3. “Don’t Tell Them Jesus Loves Them” – 5:19
A4. “Living Dangerously In The Hands Of God” – 5:04
A5. “Do You Feel Pain” – 6:18

Side Two
B1. “Hell Is Burning While The Church Sleeps” – 4:28
B2. “Great American Novel” – 4:57
B3. “Servants Without Scars” – 4:04
B4. “Love That Will Not Let You Go” – 5:09
B5. “I Believe In You” – 4:25

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

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