David Meece

Item: Once in a Lifetime
Author: Bryan W. Brendley

Once in a Lifetime

(1993)

Reviewed by Bryan W. Brendley

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Label Star Song RecordsThe LighthouseJune 1993

adult contemporary ccm piano rock

The rich rolling piano, the powerful yet "on the verge of tears" vocals supplemented with the haunting background vocals are back.

If you have ever seen Meece in concert, you have heard the tales of childhood woes: of a dysfunctional family, of abuse, of an alcoholic father. His newest project shows he is coming to grips with his past within the love of God.

I'll be honest, Meece hasn't always been one of my favorite artists. A song here and there has captured my attention but my reaction to a new Meece release has usually been a yawn. All that has changed.

This new album is beyond belief! Every song is a powerful tribute to the might, power, majesty, and love of God in both music and words. Meece has never written words like this! "Inside Out" (based on the book of the same title by Dr. Larry Crabb) discusses how the hidden memories of a dysfunctional past can be washed clean by the Holy Spirit. Meece triumphantly tells the world who is in charge of the universe in "Over You," as in "there's no one over You!" "Every Little Step" is a prayer that the Lord will guide the daily life and every footstep of a humble pilgrim who wholeheartedly tries to live for his Lord, but still fails. "Going Home" is beautiful ballad sharing reflections of a man who knows one day all the pain, anguish, and bad memories will be erased in glory.

"My Father's Chair" stands out as easily the most memorable and challenging song. The song proceeds through images of three "Father's" chairs: Meece's own earthly father's chair that sat in a room and was always empty when young David needed love, a current chair that Meece sits in and tries his best to be in for his children, and a chair in a heavenly throne room that is sat upon by One who loves Meece beyond compare and always is available for a believer to sit in and talk to "Abba."