Cons: Little style variation; first song
The Bottom Line:
Old school CCM
With an acoustic style
Powerful lyrics
New Recordings of Classic Songs
During the late 70's and early 80's, Don Francisco made a
name for himself as the Christian ballad singer. All of his albums included at
least one song that was a version of a famous Bible story. During the height of
the Jesus Music Movement, some of these became very popular.
By the late 90's, his work was out of print. CD's had become
popular in the mean time, and only a few of his projects had been released on
CD and at that only for a short time. Since he owned the rights to his songs,
he decided to rerecord some of them on compilations for his fans. He's Alive is the
first such CD.
As you would expect, this CD includes his two best known
songs. "He's Alive" is the story of the resurrection from Peter's
eyes. With its references to Peter's guilt over his denial, it makes for a
powerful take on forgiveness. It's been covered many times, and almost everyone
who followed Christian music during the late 70's knows the song.
Almost equally popular is "Got to Tell Somebody."
In this song, Jairus tells us about Jesus raising his daughter from the grave.
The emotions expressed make for another powerful ballad.
A personal favorite ballad on here is "Too Small a
Price." Originally cut over two albums (the songs is almost eleven minutes
long when put together), this one tells the story of the thief on the cross who
repented. I've always loved that Bible story, so I naturally gravitated to the
song. This version does include both parts as it was originally intended to be
heard.
The theme of this CD is salvation, and the non-ballad songs
help fill in the gaps. It starts out with "As it Was/So it Shall Be,"
a song about creation. This is the weakest song on here, so it's disappointing
that it leads. I just find it too slow and wandering to really connect with.
Next comes the story of the fall in "Adam, Where are You?" It has
always captured me with the simple chorus of God calling the title through the
ages.
Several songs deal with God's love for us. I have loved
these songs for years. "I Don't Care Where You've Been Sleeping" is
inspired by the book of Hosea and reminds us that God will forgive anything
we've done. "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand" is a reminder that God
will love us no matter what we do after we are saved as well. Finally, "I
Have Chosen You" proclaims the wonderful promise that God seeks us.
Two songs on here deal with our response to God. "Jesus
is Lord of the Way I Feel" is an upbeat song that is easy to sing but hard
to live. The first song Don Francisco wrote after becoming saved closes this
disc. "Brother of the Son" is a wonderful prayer of submission and
longing to become more like Christ.
The production on this CD is simple. Several songs just
feature Don and his guitar while others do have an orchestra behind him. While
these are new recordings, they sound much like they did when originally
recorded. Long time fans will only need a listen or two before they feel at
home. Yet new fans will appreciate the fact that they don't sound like
seventies music. There is a more modern feel to the arrangements.
The biggest draw back is that these songs can all run
together. Don is obviously most comfortable with a balladeer's tempo and style,
so even the songs that aren't stories sound similar. What set these apart are
the wonderful words that will encourage your spirit.
Obviously, I love He's Alive. Its lyrics lift me up and the
songs are like old friends from years of enjoyment. Still, it is strong enough
that those not familiar with Don Francisco's work will still enjoy it.
CD Length: 58:30
Tracks:
1. As it Was/So it Shall Be
2. Adam, Where are You?
3. Come and Follow
4. Gotta Tell Somebody
5. I Don't Care Where You've Been Sleeping
6. Willing to Heal
7. I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand
8. He's Alive
9. Jesus is Lord of the Way I Feel
10. I Have Chosen You
11. Too Small a Price
12. Brother of the Son
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