Gary Chapman

Item: Shelter
Author: Vanessa Crooks / Patty Masten

Shelter

(1996)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks / Patty Masten

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Label Reunion RecordsThe LighthouseFebruary 1996

ccm folk rock pop rock

We have eagerly awaited and greatly anticipated Gary Chapman's new release, Shelter, and we have not been disappointed! Shelter is a fantastic follow-up to the highly acclaimed and successful The Light Inside. Chapman truly epitomizes the term "artist." This man is no mere singer or songwriter, but rather a multi-talented and multi-dimensional performer. Chapman is as capable producing albums [his efforts include Michael James, Wes King, and Billy Sprague] and playing a myriad of instruments [on this project alone, he contributes electric and acoustic guitars, mandocella, and lap and pedal steel], as he is belting out a tune or crafting memorable words and melodies. Shelter's twelve powerful and provocative songs create a refuge worth finding.

At the production helm once again is the Grammy Award-winning, Michael Omartian. Chapman states in the liner notes that "if even 10% of the joy and passion in his [Omartian's] talent and heart leaked through onto the tape, you will not be disappointed." The amount of seepage on Shelter is immeasurable-the overall flow and flavor of this record are outstanding. Omartian deftly combines Chapman's passionate ballads, kicking rockers and mid-tempo cuts into an integral whole. He also draws out just the right combination of Chapman's characteristic pop, rock, folk, and country sounds. The aural tapestry created by these two fittingly frames the project's potent poetry and message.

The opening track, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," is treated with fervor and a blazing a capella style. Nothing could more appropriately set the stage for this album, as it is filled with words of faith and stories of redemption. Chapman considers "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" his favorite hymn, because it "says so much about who I am and what I believe." "Man After God's Own Heart," which Chapman originally recorded on the My Utmost For His Highest devotional project, also gets a new, stripped-down interpretation on this album. Replacing the lush orchestration with an acoustic arrangement highlights the energy and emotion in Chapman's cry to be transformed into the kind of man God wants him to be.

The two duets on Shelter, "One Of Two" and "If You Ever Need Me," illustrate aspects of a Christ-centered marriage relationship. "One Of Two," which features Chapman's wife, Amy Grant, illuminates the miracle that transpires in marriage-God promises to make one out of the two. The harmonies on this duet are stronger than any of Grant and Chapman's previous efforts, perhaps because the two have journeyed so far in their own marriage-to a point where God has not only made them one flesh but one voice, as well. "If You Ever Need Me," a pledge of life-long support and faithfulness, finds Alison Krauss lending her sweet voice and adding a subtle viola touch. The product of Chapman and Krauss' collaboration is haunting and effective.

Chapman uses the same musicians that have toured with him these past few years, giving Shelter an appealing spontaneity and freshness. His signature song, "Gospel Ship" (The Imperials' standard, which some of you will remember from his spotlight, all the way back to 1982, on Grant's Age To Age Tour) receives a rousing revival. Of the new and original material on the album, "Back Where I Started" and "Written In The Scars," are prime examples of the substantive writing found on this recording. These two rockers are backed by the kind of thought-provoking lyrics that we have come to expect from Chapman. "Back Where I Started" chronicles God's faithfulness and perseverance in bringing Chapman back to his childhood devotion to Christ:

Here I am back where I started Here I am back on my knees I circled 'round, got broken hearted And here I am ... Back where I started again.

"Written In The Scars," which Chapman debuted during his opening set on the House Of Love Tour, reminds us that "the answer to this life is written in the scars" that marked the body of Christ.

Indeed, Gary Chapman is no "everyday man." As an artist and songwriter, he consistently makes himself vulnerable-allowing "the light inside" to shine through. Whether sharing his insights on being a husband or his desire to be a godly man, every aspect of his current release, Shelter, is captivating. Chapman urges his listeners to seek the "shelter" of God's faithfulness.