Triumph in the Air

Description

Triumph in the Air is the fourth album by the British singer Sheila Walsh, released on Sparrow Records in 1984. In the UK, the album was distributed by both Word Records and CBS Records. The album was recorded between September 1983 and January 1984 by Keith Bessey at Strawberry Studios a well as Cloud 9 and Jacobs Studios in Surrey, England; with Craig Pruess producing, assisted by Bessey. Mixed by Bessey at Jacobs Studios. All rhythm, orchestral and electronic arrangements by Pruess.

The album features three cover songs: Two songs written by Graham Kendrick; “Triumph in the Air” originally recorded on his 1979-album with the same title and “No Alibi” from his 1983 cassette-only release The Blame (Kendrick also penned “Growing Up to Be a Child”); as well as “Don’t Turn Your Back On Jesus”, a song written by Chris Eaton and originally recorded by Mark Williamson Band on their debut album Get the Drift? released in 1980 (Eaton also penned “Surrendering”, “Children of the King”, and “Golden Rule”, the latter song also recorded by Eaton on his 1986-album, Vision). The remaining three songs – “Somebody”, “Deeper Meaning”, and “Stealin’ the Feeling” – were written by Teri DeSario and her husband Bill Purse. (“Stealin’ the Feeling” was actually also recorded by Teri DeSario herself, initially slated to appear on her 4th album for Casablanca Records that was to be released in 1981. The Robie Porter produced album, tentatively entitled Relationships, unfortunately got shelved.)

Sheila Walsh does not take Christian pop music lightly. Her 1981 debut, ‘Future Eyes‘ – with its high screeches and Twilight Zone effects – took America by surprise, and added another trump card to Sparrow Records’ hand. ‘War of Love‘ came one year later, but with the expertise of producers Cliff Richard and Craig Pruess. Now, Sheila’s third LP ‘Triumph in the Air’ offers lively entertainment, while delivering thought-provoking lyrics.

‘Triumph’s variable ingredients make listening fun as well as fascinating. Producers Richard and Pruess have diversified the musical effects surrounding Sheila’s soprano vocals. A Caribbean flavor is heard on one cut, while techno-pop dominates the musical fiber with exciting electronic fills and frills.

Three of the ten songs contained on this energetic disc were written by Graham Kendrick, who contributed heavily on Sheila’s earlier LPs. Teri DeSario and husband Bill Purse wrote three cuts, while the remaining four were penned by Chris Eaton.

The dramatic title track opens side one with a blasting trumpet, a pounding timpani, and crashing thunder. With soaring synthesizers, active brass, and an explosive finale, «Triumph in the Air» sets the pace for the album. Next up is a rock version of «Don’t Turn Your Back on Jesus» with dynamic harmonies, especially the a capella interlude.

Sheila gracefully handles the LP’s three ballads, with Cliff Richard’s rich, breathy vocals echoing throughout the background. The beautiful piano intro to «Surrendering» encourages a close listen to its poignant lyrics. The flowing, synthesized sounds of «Deeper Meaning» are worshipful, while «I’m Growing Up to be a Child» is highlighted by light bongo drums, cymbals, and saxophone.

«No Alibi» merits special attention here. Sheila speaks the verses eloquently in her Scottish accent, alternating with a chorus of background singers. The song takes an almost comical look at what could be termed the Adam and Eve syndrome – the justification of sin for the convenience of the sinner.

«Somebody» shares the story of a beautiful young girl who appears to have everything going for her, yet the realities of this cold world set in. She cries, “Somebody, why am I alive… Is anyone listening… Who am I… Tell me no more lies… Help me, please.” The tune reveals Jesus as the Somebody who listens to our cries and fears.

Sheila continues to take musical risks into areas where many Christians – particularly female artists – hestitate to venture. The heart-penetrating lyrics on ‘Triumph in the Air’ and the creative, listenable music serve more than just state-of-the-art heroics. They offer an answer to the question of life. [Victorya Michaels, CCM, May 1984]

Sheila Walsh’s fourth album was recorded in 1984 and produced by keyboard wiz Craig Pruess who, at the time, was working with Cliff Richard. He contributes backing vocals along with the cream of Christian session singers of the time. One of them, Chris Eaton, contributes four songs and there are also three songs from Graham Kendrick from the days when he didn’t just write worship material. One of them, «No Alibi» is a wonderful piece of experimentation and the opening title track is an anthemic piece of ’80s pop. Talking of pop, two songs from Eaton, «Golden Rule» and «Don’t Turn Your Back On Jesus» are given a keyboard-driven sound by Pruess and stand up well for the period. Walsh’s voice really suits this material and may surprise people who are used to her more delicate modern tones but for a while she was making edgy, interesting pop. The Kendrick written single «Growing Up To Be A Child» is a moving song and includes a beautiful Mel Collins sax solo but failed to make the Charts. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, September 2010]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Triumph In The Air” – 4:40
A2. “Don’t Turn Your Back On Jesus” – 3:08
A3. “Deeper Meaning” – 3:57
A4. “Stealin’ The Feeling” – 3:05
A5. “Surrendering” – 4:28

Side Two
B1. “Somebody” – 4:12
B2. “No Alibi” – 4:19
B3. “Growing Up To Be A Child” – 3:48
B4. “Golden Rule” – 4:15
B5. “Children Of The King” – 4:30

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