Defying Gravity

Description

Defying Gravity is the third solo album by the American singer, songwriter, and producer John Elefante of Kansas and Mastedon fame, released on Pamplin Music in 1999.

Let’s just go ahead and say it up front: John Elefante, with his second generation Lou Granam-Herculean vocal ability, is much more of a singer than he is given credit for.

Defying Gravity, Elefante’s third solo album since 1995, rises to reveal the heart of a man whose life is rich and full of purpose. Whereas Corridors (Pamplin, 1997) focused on the mystery of redemption and resting, this project ventures further into life in Christ and all the implications therein: seeking God’s direction, growing in grace, sharing Christ with others, learning to love and giving with abandon. And Elefante sings with passion a-plenty.

The lyrics hold their own, encouraging listeners to give themselves over to the gravity-defying power of God. Of the crop, standouts include «Pass the Flame», a song of continuing the tradition of faith, which takes some dramatic stylistic liberties. But Elefante carries it off well with seemingly little effort. The organ-infused earnestness of the title track is another great vehicle for Elefante’s vocal that rides along with a languid violin solo and other celestial sounds.

If there is one thing that keeps Defying Gravity grounded, it is this: There is too much musical nostalgia here. With production prowess to spare and a one-of-a-kind vocal delivery, it is time to leave the Foreigner/Journey/Kansas sound behind. [Melissa Riddle, CCM, November 1999]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/defying-gravity/158367867)

CD tracklist:

01. If You Just Believe
02. Pass The Flame
03. The Stream
04. Defying Gravity
05. The Truth, The Life
06. The Way That You Love Me
07. Exit 39
08. Home With A View
09. Don’t Leave The Band
10. Give It All Away

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