Description
God Rules! is the sophomore album by the American alternative rock band Undercover, released on A&S Records in 1983, a sub-label of Maranatha! Music distributed by Word. The album was recorded by Dan Willard at Whitefield Studios in Santa Ana, California; with Willard and band member Joey Taylor producing. In many ways God Rules! was two albums in one, with the first side being closely akin to the predecessor while the second dug deep and hard into the punk side of the band’s persona; both sides maintaining the straightforward lyrical direction of their self-titled debut album. Featuring a cover of “I Am The Resurrection”, a song written by Ray Repp and originally recorded on his album Come Alive with Ray Repp released in 1967.
Featuring Bill Walden on lead vocals as well as saxophone, Gym (a.k.a. Jim Nicholson) on guitar, O-Joe (a.k.a. Joey Taylor) on keyboards and synth-bass, and Gary Olson on drums.
[Gord Wilson, CCM, July 1983]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “New Creation” – 2:40
A2. “Closer To You” – 3:03
A3. “He Takes Care Of Me” – 3:00
A4. “I Still Want You” – 2:16
A5. “I Never Knew” – 2:28
A6. “Jesus Girl” – 2:10
Side Two
B1. “His Love” – 1:59
B2. “Jesus For Me” – 1:38
B3. “Jesus Is The Best” – 1:49
B4. “I Am The Resurrection” – 2:26
B5. “God Rules” – 1:01
B6. “Wait A Minute” – 1:57
B7. “I Love God” – 4:04
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by A&S Records. Re-issued on CD and cassette by Broken Records in 1988 as a part of the compilation album Undercover Vol. 1 also featuring the band’s self-titled debut album.
“Closer To You,” Live at the Exit Festival, 1984
CREDITS. Produced by Dan Willard and Joey Taylor. Engineered by Dan Willard. Recorded at Whitefield Studios, Santa Ana, California. All Arrangements by Undercover. Art Direction by Al X. Album Design and Foto Tints by Gary Delacy. Illustrations by Camille Krishak. Lettering by Joe Christian. Back Cover Pictures by Wes Covina. Sleeve Picture by Scott Lockwood.
Musicians: B (Lead Vocals, Tenor Sax), Gym (Guitar, BGV’s), O-Joe (Keyboards, Synthesizer-Bass, BGV’s, Lead Vocals on “God Rules” and “Wait a Minute”), Gary Olson (Drums, BGV’s). Additional Musicians: Debbie Waldon (Alto Sax on “New Creation”), Chris Brigandi and Mark Krishak (BGV’s on “He Takes Care Of Me” and “Jesus For Me”), The Gant – 1, 2s & I Do’s.
