Description
The Warrior is a Child is the third album by the American singer and songwriter Twila Paris, released on Milk & Honey Records in 1984, a division of the Zondervan Corporation. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Jonathan David Brown at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California. Arranged by Jonathan David Brown and Smitty Price. All songs written by Twila Paris except “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms”, a contemporary rendition of the old hymn (written by Anthony J. Showalter with lyrics by Showalter and Elisha Hoffman).
‘The Warrior Is a Child’, by Twila Paris, is fresh inspiration; a creative and exhilarating metaphor of the Christian life as a battle in which we are warriors for Christ. In terms of production, it’s one of the slickest albums to come around. Its dynamic cuts each make a significant impact on Christian pop. Meticulously executed, it displays a variety of musical styles which enhance a sound message throughout.
The pop-rock instrumentation synthesizes beautifully with the vocals, never overpowering them. Back-up vocals are another strong asset to the production. The only apparent flaw is the persistent impression given that this is not the style best suited for Twila’s voice. For the soft and girl-ish sounds that she emits, one would expect an easier listening type of approach. Fortunately, though, the overall production quality compensates for any inconsistencies, allowing the message to come through loud and clear.
The title cut says, “They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down/ They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around . . . Deep inside this armor/ The warrior is a child.” The source of our strength in battle is our heavenly Father, this album declares. Songs such as «Do I Trust You» and «Leaning on the Everlasting Arms» (a contemporary rendition of the old hymn), reflect this message in a lighter vein, while «The Battle Is the Lord’s» drives it home with pulsating energy. The final cuts, «Come On In» and «Praise Him» close the album nicely by inviting the outside listener to enter God’s camp. «Praise Him» reprises the central theme in a final anthem of worship. [Karen Cushing, CCM, May 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/warrior-is-a-child/304820639)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Warrior Is A Child” – 4:05
A2. “Forever Eyes” – 3:32
A3. “Clearer Vision” – 4:13
A4. “Do I Trust You” – 4:11
A5. “Covenant Keeper” – 2:43
Side Two
B1. “The Battle Is The Lord’s” – 2:55
B2. “We Bow Down” – 2:41
B3. “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” – 4:18
B4. “To Do Your Will” – 2:40
B5. “Come On In” – 3:58
B6. “Praise Him” – 3:36
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Milk & Honey Records. Digitally remastered and re-issued on CD by Benson in 1990.
CREDITS. Produced by Jonathan David Brown. Recorded at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA. Engineered by Jonathan David Brown, assisted by Steven Ford and Todd Van Etten. Arranged by Jonathan David Brown and Smitty Price. Mastered by Steve Hall at Future Disc, Los Angeles, CA. Art Direction and Design by Joan Tankersley for The Cover Story. Photography by Craig Stewart. Layout by Lori Cooper. Makup by Heidi Schulze. Executive-Producer: Phil Brower. All songs written by Twila Paris except track B3.
Musicians: Twila Paris (Vocals), Smitty Price (Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes), Harlan Rogers (Acoustic Piano, B-3 Organ), John Andrew Schreiner (Synthesizer), Hadley Hockensmith (Acoustic and Electric Guitar), Jimmy Johnson (Bass), John Patitucci (Bass), Keith Edwards (Drums, Percussion), Cactus Moser (Drums), Victor Feldman (Percussion). Background Vocals: Dan Collins, Jamie Owens-Collins, Jonathan David Brown, Kelly Willard, Starla Paris, Twila Paris.
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