Carstairs Considers....: Music Review: Our ReCollections by Evie

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Music Review: Our ReCollections by Evie

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Christ centered songs

Cons: Hard to find

The Bottom Line:

Trip to 70's

With classic Christian music

By a true legend

A Rare Chance to Get Evie on CD

If you were a fan of Christian music during the 70's and early 80's, the name Evie will be familiar. It was during that time that this singer from Sweden was at the top of the charts. Her records sold millions and she won several Dove Awards, the Christian version of the Grammy Awards. Even today many credit her with starting the inspirational sub-genre.

Evie chose to walk away at the height of her career. By the time CD's hit in the late 80's, Evie had faded from retail memory and very little of her music was ever released on the new format. This is one of the rare exceptions. In 1996, Word released a series called Our ReCollections that highlighted the work of some of their former artists.

With nine albums to choose from, I'm sure picking these 18 tracks was hard. I know I can easily name 10 songs that should have been included but weren't.

But that's not to diminish the songs included. With one or two exceptions, each of these songs deserved their place on the disc. And there's a good mix from all her albums. They even included the peppy "Step into the Sunshine" from her kid's album.

The theme that ran through all of Evie's music was praise and devotion to God. That was evident in the very first song from her very first album, "My Tribute." Actually, I hadn't heard Andrae Crouch's version of his song until years later, so I still consider this the definitive version. Here, it ends the CD, which is also fitting. The song starts out softly with a simple piano melody and strings and builds until the climax. Yet Evie's clear voice shines through.

During the second half of her career, Evie's husband began writing more and more of her songs. While some of them were just ok, there were some winners as well. Two of them are included here. "Never the Same Again" celebrates the change that God brings to a Christian's life. "Unfailing Love" wonders at the love God has for us.

Some of Evie's song took on lives of their own. "Pass it on" became a staple of youth groups during that era and "Give Them All to Jesus" was recorded by several different artists. And I must make a special mention of "Born Again." This slightly country flavored song was very popular at my church's "Western Night" program for years.

Another standout is "Praise You Just the Same." The song is probably the most unique Evie ever did. The piano, the only instrument, has just a slightly discordant sound to it at times. Yet it works on this song that discusses praising God during the joys as well as the trials of life.

Another song I turn to regularly is "Praise the Lord, He Never Changes." I like the reminder that God doesn't change no matter how crazy life gets around us.

There are two songs I don't care for. "Special Delivery" and "Hold On" are the weak links. They sound similar enough to the others on the disc, but the lyrics are weak and cheesy.

While the lyrics are wonderful, the music is not going to be a huge draw for non-fans. The arrangements are simple with usually a piano or guitar base, a couple simple strings, and the simplest of drums. Being inspirational, Evie never gets too fast. There are lots of ballads and some mid-tempo songs. All this allows Evie's wonderful voice to deliver the words with clarity.

This CD was in print for several years, but has gone out of print now. There are still plenty of used copies floating around, so if you find one, grab it.

My parents love Evie's music, so I grew up listening to her. And as a result, I love her stuff, too. Anyone else who knows the joy of Evie's music will love Our ReCollections as much as I do.

CD Length: 1:06:55

Tracks:

1. Special Delivery

2. Live for Jesus

3. Mirror

4. Step into the Sunshine

5. Give Them All to Jesus

6. Born Again

7. Pass it on

8. Never the Same Again

9. Clean Before My Lord

10. Broken Up People