This album is like a little piece of encapsulated history. Listening to it recalls Gordon Lightfoot, Valdy, and other such 70s troubadours. The tone quality of Peter Oliva's voice (who also wrote all the songs, produced, and plays many of the instruments) lends to this comparison, as at times he sounds almost exactly like Gordon Lightfoot or like Valdy.
The songs are on the whole, decently crafted and done. Valerie's vocals, which get the solo spotlight on "The Father's Heart," are a good blend with Peter's, and the net effect is quite listenable. "He Waits" is perhaps one of the better examples of this combination.
This album is very much along the lines of the coffeehouse, folksy sound of groups such as the Vigilantes of Love, although without quite as hard an edge as VoL. The Olivas' concern for evangelism and edification of the Body of Christ comes shining through in the lyrics and the vocal delivery, as passionate, heartfelt, and scriptural as they are. This is no doubt partly due to Peter Oliva's time as a Calvary Chapel worship leader.
While I have to admit that this album is not exactly up my alley, style-wise, there is a definite, distinct style and sound to this album which is at once something of the 60s and the 70s yet relevant to today.
Similar sounding releases
2002Randy StonehillEdge of The World
1998Martyn JosephTangled Souls
2005John PrineFair & Square
2000Richard ShindellSomewhere Near Paterson
1993Bruce CockburnChristmas
2000Jason HarrodLiving in Skin
