The Winning Side

Description

The Winning Side is the fifth solo studio album by the American contemporary gospel singer and songwriter Jessy Dixon, released on Power Discs in 1987, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was produced by Lari Goss.

On his last outing, Jessy Dixon seemed to be making a feeble attempt to be the church version of Prince, both in image and in music. He now seems to be placing that era behind him and producing music more suitable for the traditional mainstream. While maintaining a contemporary musical style, Jessy has toned down considerably.

Producer Lari Goss has given Dixon a slick musical base to support his considerable vocal abilities. The songs on ‘Sold Out’ were written by seven different writers, including Dixon’s previous producers Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key («Chain Reaction») and Michelle Wagner, who co-wrote Steve Camp’s recent #1 hit «Whatever You Ask» (and shares credits with Mark Baldwin on Dixon’s «Everlasting Eyes»).

This album is an important one in the development of Jessy Dixon as an artist. He started as a background singer for the likes of Paul Simon and has worked his way up as a solo artist through black gospel, continuing through his “Prince” era, and now emerging as a strong contemporary hit artist.

Not meaning to offend either party, this album sounds like a hip version of Larnelle Harris. And that kind of similarity can only mean success for Jessy Dixon. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, January 1988]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Sold Out” – 3:44
A2. “Let Your Spirit Flow” – 3:58
A3. “Peace Be Still” – 5:07
A4. “We’re Gonna Make It” – 4:21
A5. “Chain Reaction” – 3:10

Side Two
B1. “Miracle For You” – 3:08
B2. “Everlasting Eyes” – 4:03
B3. “I’ll Be Ridin’ With Him” – 4:31
B4. “Beyond The Shadow Of A Doubt” – 3:17
B5. “I’ll Be Alright” – 3:09

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Power Discs.