Andy Landis

Item: Stranger
Author: Bryan W. Brendley

Stranger

(1993)

Reviewed by Bryan W. Brendley

Discogs YouTube

Label Star Song RecordsThe LighthouseOctober 1993

country pop rock singer-songwriter

Well Christian music listeners, I am privileged to introduce y'all to a very special woman, who I believe will be a force in the Christian music industry in the 1990's. Andy Landis' debut solo album Stranger is a tour de force of complex vocals, mixed music, and enough guest singers to end up being the Dove Awards Night in and of itself (Dolly Parton, Twila Paris, Ricky Skaggs and Phillips, Craig and Dean are just a few of the names that appear on this album).

Overall I would label the piece as having a country feel to it, but there are enough "pop-style" songs that I think anyone who appreciates a solid mix of good music, performed by excellent musicians will enjoy the album. Landis' vocals remind me sometimes of Pat Benatar's power and Leslie Phillips' drive. As far as comparing Landis to anyone in the Christian scene, I draw a blank-she seems to be building a special place all her own, somewhere between country and pop/rock.

The lyrics found on this album alone are worth its price: all the songs except one are written by Landis. The topics covered are quite deep, from discussing rape in "No," to praising the value of a Godly man in "The Measure of A Man," to a simple salvation message in "He's Knocking."

After listening to this album over and over, I have grown to listen to the lyrics more than the music. Landis skillfully weaves tales of real life, using such emotions and situations as despair, defeat in our spiritual lives, paying bills, accountability, hurting people behind false fronts, and the like and intertwines them with the threads of God's love, salvation and sacrifice for us. She creates too many great songs to print here. My personal favorite song (both lyrically and musically) is called "(Love Is) Deeper Than Touch." It deals with the fact that friends still care and love each other, even when separated. "If by chance we never meet again/Love is deeper, deeper than touch/ Even when this world comes to an end/Love is deeper, deeper than touch." These words alone on this blank page might not look very moving, but hearing Landis behind it (as I am doing now) makes it sure hard not to cry, remembering all of one's loved ones that are kept apart.

I was especially impressed with the mission statement printed within the album's front leaf: "I want to reflect God's love so others will be drawn to Him. I hope to express joy so others will want Jesus in their lives. I won't represent myself as being 'totally healed' or perfect because I'm not. Thank Heavens I don't have to be! But I will present an honest, sometimes painful, yet always grateful account of the Lord's patient handiwork in my very human life. It is for Him that I humbly pray, 'God, make my life a living invitation.'" Amen. Andy, you are certainly accomplishing your goal with this record.