Off the Page

Description

Off the Page is the fourth solo album by the American pop vocalist Steve Archer of The Archers fame, released on Home Sweet Home Records in 1987. The album was produced by Steve Archer, Skip Konte, and Chris Christian.

No doubt about it. Steve Archer is a great singer. His strong, warm voice is the mainstay of the songs on his latest effort, ‘Off the Page’.

«S.O.S.» is the album’s opener. An upbeat tune of encouragment, «S.O.S.» gets its boost from bassist Romeo Williams’ track arrangement and Michael Thompson’s gutsy guitar. Backing vocalists Dara Bernard, Mary Bernard, Carol Sue Hill, and Vicky Rosino are a definite asset. They help bring home the point that “When you’re in trouble… He’s there on the double.” They also bring out the best Archer’s cover of the Staple Singers‘ «If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)».

A touch of jazz and funk underscored by Romeo Williams’ solid bass line and Albert Wing’s sizzling saxophone solo brings the message across in «Jump», suggesting there’s more to life than music with “no hope” and continual one-night stands: “But there’s a love that is calling you/ Down deep inside/ The voice is soft and words are true/ Just give it a try.”

Although toe-tappers like «You’re Ready», «S.O.S.», and «Jump» hold their own, the mellower songs tended to carry more weight for me. One listen to a praise song like «Forever» will tell you why. It’s that voice of his. It just seems to fill the song and pull the words and us right along with it. The same holds true for «Off of the Page», an exhortation to let God’s Word come “Off of the page/ Into the heart.” Albert Wing’s saxophone stylings are again a welcome plus to these smooth, uplifting tunes.

‘Off the Page’ gives hope, encouragement, and exhortation in just the right places. Steve Archer has the vocal range and power to bring God’s promises “off the page” and into a song anytime. A promising release. [Christopher Dale, CCM, February 1988]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/off-the-page/266536926)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “S.O.S.” – 4:03
A2. “Part Of The Heart” – 4:52
A3. “If You Were The Only One” – 4:04
A4. “Forever” – 3:50
A5. “Jump” – 3:50

Side Two
B1. “Blaze Of Glory” – 3:49
B2. “Off The Page” – 3:32
B3. “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” – 3:37
B4. “Never Too Late” – 3:57
B5. “(Tell ‘Em All To) Move Aside” – 3:56

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

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