Description
Back in Love is the sophomore solo album by the American singer, songwriter, and session drummer John Mehler, formerly of Love Song, released on Exile Records in 1987. The album was recorded and mixed by label founder Gord Driver at Asaph Studios in Anaheim Hills, California; and was produced by John Mehler with Bill Batstone co-producing.
Featuring Jeff Lams on keyboards, Wayne Brasel on guitars, and a rhythm section consisting of Grammy Award-winning bassist Steve Billman with John Mehler on drums, percussion as well as lead vocals. Background vocals provided by Bill Batstone.
In the words of Exile Records’ promo ad: “Back in Love by drummer, singer and songwriter John Mehler, continues his Jazz influence, but adds a New York, “Power Station” drive along with sensitive vocals. Mehler, who has contributed to over 150 albums in the past 18 years, was part of the original Love Song and the Calvary Chapel Jesus Movement.”
Album Liner notes by John Mehler (printed on the back of the album sleeve):
This album goes out as an encouragement to all those who have had a rough go of it for sometime now. Maybe you’ve had a hard time fitting in with the Christians you know or the church you’ve been attending and you’re thinking about giving up (or maybe already have).
Or due to some wrong choices on your part you have been reaping some undesirable fruit and wonder “when will it end?” And even worse than that, you’ve become halfway convinced that God is angry and is avoiding you because of the attitudes of a few people. Thinking, “The Lord must feel the same way.”
To this I say, “Christ is still the answer.” Be it loneliness, confusion, sin, or the loss of someone close – “Christ is the answer.” His love for you has not changed. You have His Word on it. Remember back when you first met Him – how sweet it was – He has not changed. He can still deliver you from the vice-grip of sin and confusion just like He did in the beginning. He can and will lead you through the valley of the shadow. Let Him carry you. Remember from where you have fallen and return to your first love.
Study the life of David (a very real person). Read his Psalms – a man after God’s own heart. David prayed, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye.” Psalm 17:8. We’re all from the same orchard.
Born again – again? I don’t think so. Just humble yourself to the Lord. Recommit your life to Him right now. Give Him all the pieces. He has a plan and He does love you. And I know you love Him too.
The Lord is with you – God Bless
John
John Mehler was a member of the seminal Christian band Love Song during the 1970s. As a part of that group he helped them blaze a trail that has been followed by nearly every musician who has wanted to have a ministry in music.
In the 1980s, Mehler has kept busy with a number of different activities, not the least of which have been playing sessions, touring with the Mark Heard Band, and having a recording career of his own. His first solo release was called Bow and Arrow. Released on a smaller label several years ago, this exciting and experimental album dove into obscurity with little notice. Now in 1987, Mehler is offering us his second solo attempt, Back In Love. It is a more mainstream rock album and is focused on bringing encouragement to those who “…have had a rough go of it for some time now.”
The title suggests that Mehler has been through a dark and lonely land, and is just emerging from his torture. He can see his First Love once again, and the joy of this experience just pours out of every groove on this record.
The theme of the album jumps out at the listener with a glance at the song titles: «Child of Heaven», «Back in Love», «All of Your Love», «Call for Surrender», and «There Will Come a Time». This is a well-crafted, spontaneous, and energetic rock album. It is cohesive, both in terms of its theme and in terms of the production and performance. Co-produced by Mehler and Billy Batstone (also a member of the Mark Heard Band), Back in Love proves that two people can really have the same vision.
Worth special mention on the album is the wonderful guitar work of Wayne Brasel. Melodic and driving at the same time. Brasel blends the best in technical knowledge and expressive playing.
Perhaps John Mehler will finally get the credit due him. Not resting in his laurels, he is pushing ahead, making fine music. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, October 1987]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Hey, Landlord”
A2. “Child of Heaven”
A3. “Drive Away”
A4. “Point of View”
A5. “Back In Love”
Side Two
B1. “Channel 53”
B2. “Gate Into The Sky”
B3. “All Of Your Love”
B4. “Call For Surrender”
B5. “There Will Come A Time”
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP. Later re-issued on CD.
A full-page advertisement for two of Exile Records’ albums, John Mehler’s Back in Love and The Fourth Watch’s Dare To Be The One, was featured in the December 1986 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by John Mehler and co-produced by Bill Batstone. Recorded at Asaph Studios, Anaheim Hills, CA. Engineered and mixed by Gord Driver. Art Direction and Design by Gary De Lacy – Saki. Special Cameo Apperance: Deborah Critchfield. This album is dedicated to the one who led me to the Lord Jesus: Jay Truax.
Musicians: Jeff Lams (Keyboards), Wayne Brasel (Guitars), Steve Billman (Bass), John Mehler (Vocals, Drums, Percussion), Bill Batstone (Background Vocals).
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