Steve: The Days Of Grace have arrived-Greg Long's second release is here. If you liked him the first time around, don't miss him on this trip. Days Of Grace is packed full of Long's unique style and texture, along with his catchy lyrics and polished compositions. These elements combine to create a solid project that is sure to be a big hit in the stores this spring.
Long is no stranger to the lifestyle of the Christian music ministry. He grew up on a bus with his family as they toured the country sharing the gospel through music and his father's preaching. That experience has given him a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in the world of Christian music, just as the experience of growing up knowing Christ has given him an eloquent message in his music. He has something real to sing about, something found only through the joy of knowing Christ, and that joy is clearly revealed in his Days Of Grace.
Tim: John and Dino Elefante are my favorite producers. Not only are they great musicians and writers (and in John's case, a great vocalist), but they produce for so many different styles. They've produced arena rock for Petra, hard rock/metal for Guardian, country for Lisa Daggs, and pop for John Elefante. Last year, they added AC/pop to that registry with Long's debut, Cross My Heart. The other amazing thing about the Elefantes' production work is the fact that they don't blend styles. John's Windows Of Heaven sounded nothing like Petra's No Doubt, nor did Guardian's Miracle Mile sound anything like Lisa Daggs.
They've kept up this "stampless" reputation with Long's new album. I was a little disappointed with how "typical" some of the songs on Cross My Heart were. They weren't bad, but they weren't what I expected from the Elefante's. The songs that really stood out on that project were the "different" songs: "What A Friend" and "Faith Can Light A Candle." I guess the Elefante's noticed that these two songs really worked for Greg, because this album has the same "different," atypical pop sound.
The only real stamp that John and Dino put on this project is "Thankful." It sounds a lot like something from John's days with Kansas, maybe because John and Dino wrote the song. It has a monster keyboard part that reminds me of "What A Friend." A strong harmony vocal from one of the best voices in Christian music, John Elefante, makes this one of the few "perfect" songs in all of the Christian industry.
Steve: Many Christian artists have a trademark. After all, that's what makes us remember them; it's those little quirks that make them stand out in our memory. Long's uniqueness is most likely found in his delivery. He sings with confidence and control that makes him easy to listen to, and his tone is different from all the rest. If you're familiar with his music, you know that you never have to think twice about who is singing when his newest song comes over the airwaves. "Love The Lord" is a good example. It showcases his range and clarity as well as his soulful delivery. The lyrics are biblically-based, showing Long's unashamed claim to the Word and his relationship with Christ.
Tim: That is my favorite song on this album, and probably one of my favorites of all time. Written by the Elefantes, it's a very strange, slightly disco-leaning song that brings flashes of Saturday Night Fever to mind. It has a bright, celebratory feel, with punchy guitars and cool, choir-like background vocals by Eternity.
Steve: The title track, "Days Of Grace," might remind some listeners of Phillips, Craig, and Dean. The message is one of renewal and finding rest in the arms of Christ's mercy. "You'll Get Through This" is a ballad of encouragement that also has a PC&D feel. When I listened to this song, its pure and powerful message grabbed my attention.
Tim: The lyrics of "Days Of Grace" remind me of Wes King's classic, The Robe, with depictions of people who need the Lord, then pointing those people to Him. I also think there was a little country vibe there, in addition to the songs, "All You Need To Know" and "You'll Get Through This." The acoustic guitars by Glenn Pearce and percussion by Scott Williamson really give these three songs their country ambiance.
Steve: There is an interesting story behind the song "Joy." It was born out of an overwhelming case of writer's block. The message was inspired by a time of dryness in Long's life, so he decided to write about what he really needed at that time. Another highlight is "I Promise You," a song of commitment that is applicable to almost any Christ-centered relationship-whether it is between God and us, friend to friend, or husband to wife. The ballad rides yet another catchy melody and says to that special person in our life:
I promise you, as sure As oceans are blue I am gonna love you forever I promise you No matter what you go through We're gonna make it together I promise you.
There is no lack of punch to this new project. Two years in the making, it was time well-spent in strengthening the prospect that Greg Long is here to stay. Powerful lyrics, solid tracks, and a heart of reality and commitment to Christ are clearly talents that he has not wasted. He has seized the moment and brought us encouraging Days Of Grace.
Tim: This is a great album. It doesn't have the instant classics of Cross My Heart like "What A Friend," "How Long," "All Is Well," and "Hope In The Night," though "Love The Lord" will be a classic in my mind. But this album also doesn't have the "over-typical" songs like "Walk On" that the first album contained. This project is also more centered than Cross My Heart. I may have made it sound like the album is all over the board, but Long's unique vocals and the Elefantes' production work weave a central thread of great music through this outstanding project.
Similar sounding releases
1999Clay CrosseI Surrender All
1994Michael O'BrienMichael O'Brien
1995East to WestNorth Of The Sky
1995Neale and WebbAt the Cross
1995Scott KrippayneWild Imagination
1996Two or MoreLife In The Diamond Lane
