I grew up in the 70's. The only thing I didn't like about that decade was disco. I spent many a time shouting something to my fellow high schoolers about disco applying suction as they opted for the aftergame dances. Going into this album review is somewhat difficult for me, since I have this anti-disco bias. The good hype I heard about this 70's retro album was that some of the Hendrix-inspired funk a la Lenny Kravitz would be found here. So, let me say, there's songs on this album that get me jammin' in approval and others that make me cringe. Going retro has its downside, since not all of history is worth repeating, in my mind.
The lead-off track, "People Get Ready" (yes, the same tune you've heard both Darrell Mansfield and Rod Stewart cover) is a prime example of when Hymn Jim shines brightest. All the heavy elements of an electric funk approach are here, along with an already winning melody, and some attitude in the vocal delivery. All this changes by the very next song, though, as the popular worship song, "Shine, Jesus Shine," is covered in a drippy 70's leisure suit "retro disco" format. Ugh! The third song, "Trib' to the Faw's" moves with groove and a cool guitar tone, albeit subdued. Another light moment is the worship tune, "I Will Call," which is done very well in a Euro-pop vocal style a la Roger Rose (Mad At The World). Another direction that's gone after here is the humorous bluegrass sound in the tune "River of Life." Funny, but cornier than the Jolly Green Giant.
The general idea here for Shane Ries (son of Calvary Chapel pastor Raul Ries) was to do a complete 70's retro album -- complete with 12-track recording technology. The idea works, but it will probably be more successful holding the strutting dance audience rather than the heavy rock crowd. This is undoubtedly due to trying to cover more musical ground than possible and still keep an audience faithful. I, of course, wish Shane would've gone for a louder, bolder guitar sound all the way through, like in a Jimi Hendrix direction. These Gospel Gems are presented in an authentic way that takes you back to a diverse decade.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse June 1995Reviewed by Roger AppelinskiI don't know about your area, but anytime a club in town has "retro-night" the place is packed. So the music of the disco era is still alive and well--for better or worse. From one look at the cover of this album, it should be clear that Hymn Jim's Gospel Gems attempts to capture the essence of the era. If you ever wondered what "Shine, Jesus, Shine" would have sounded like back in the '70's,…Similar sounding releases
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