Carstairs Considers....: Music Review: Odyssey by David Meece

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Music Review: Odyssey by David Meece

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Lyrics that still challenge and encourage

Cons: Dated music, poor theming in notes

The Bottom Line:

Yes, it sounds 80's

But the lyrics are still great

So still worth buying

A 90's Odyssey Through David's 80's Hits

By the time Odyssey came out, David Meece was into his second decade of music. He already had one collection of songs out, and this was an attempt at a second one. Even more important, this was an attempt to get some of his old songs on that newfangled CD medium. (Hey, this was 1995 after all.) The collection focuses on three of his previous releases while sticking a few other songs on. It has a couple of flaws, but what is here is mostly good.

The disc starts with a brand new song. "God's Promises/Rainbows in the Night" is actually one of my favorite David Meece songs. David calls on his classical music background (he's a classically trained pianist) and incorporates strains of Pachelbel's "Canon in D" into the song, especially the introduction. It makes for a dramatic beginning as David's piano playing is backed by a rather dramatic orchestra. The lyrics are an impassioned reminder that God keeps his promises. The song calls up images of darkness and clouds, but reminds us that "God's promises/Are rainbows in the night/Shining hope inside/When shadows cloud my eyes." It might be a tad trite, but it isn't overly so.

But this does bring up one of my problems with the disc, the linear notes. David tries to tie each of the 15 remaining songs to a particular promise of God. On some songs it works, like tying "Early in the Morning," a song about Jesus' resurrection, to the promise of eternal life. At other times, he's out in left field. I mean, "And You Know It's Right" is about repentance, not God's timing. I just ignore this and enjoy the songs that are here.

There is another rare song on this disc for long term fans. Even though David wrote "One Small Child" in the early 70's, the only recording he made of the song was done for a multi-artist Christmas CD. That version shows up here. Since it focuses on the Wise Men coming to worship Jesus, it has an appropriate oriental feel to it. It's subtle, and very different from the first version I ever heard. It took a while to grow on me, but now I love it and am glad to have a copy of it.

Three of these songs originated on 1983's Count the Cost. My favorite of these is "Falling Down." It starts off with David playing part of a Sonata by Mozart before it dissolves into the drums and synthesizer. The upbeat song acknowledges our tendency to fall into sin, but just as quickly reminds us that God will forgive us. Also from this disc are slower ballad "And You Know It's Right" and "Count the Cost." There's some electric guitar to this one as David reminds us that the Christian life involves sacrifice.

1985's release, 7, gets five of the tracks here. Ironically, my favorites from that disc don't make the cut. But I do enjoy some of the songs here. "You Can Go" is quite good. Opening with a Bach Invention is a minor, the song reminds us of the power of God we have inside us. This time, the Bach music and the orchestra come in at the beginning, between verses and the end. The heart of the song is synthesizer and drums. The two are combined quite easily.

"We Can Overcome it All" has always been a live song. The version here is the only recording of the song I know about (and I think I have all of David's music). It's heavy on the synthesizer and 80's effects and David sings about our victory in Jesus. The crowd loves the song, as do I. It's upbeat, almost a rock anthem, really.

On the other side of the spectrum is "I Can See." This is a piano and strings driven ballad written from the point of view of the two who met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. It's beautiful and powerful.

David 1987 release Candle in the Rain was not one of my favorites from him. But the two songs that made this collection are two of my favorites. "Higher Ground" is a prayer for help in the midst of an impossible situation. It's got a nice rock beat and enjoyable keyboard.

"His Love Was Reaching" is easily my favorite release from that disc, however. It's piano base doesn't make it feel quite as dated, and David's vocals are impassioned as he praises God for His continual love.

No collection from David Meece would be complete without his signature song "We are the Reason." It has been covered by multiple artists, but we get the original. Again, the song is David's simple piano and strings. The lyrics powerfully remind us that Jesus came to die for us.

There are only two songs from his previous two releases. Both are radio re-mix versions. To be honest, I don't notice a difference on "The Rest of My Life." However, "Early in the Morning" was butchered. What we get is the same as always. But they cut out the first, slow verse. Without, the song about Jesus' resurrection loses much of its punch.

As you might have guessed, the songs here do sound quite dated. Most of them were recorded in the heart of the 80's, and they show it with the synthesizer and drum machines. I must admit it doesn't bother me that much. But if you are new to David's wonderful music, it would be quite off putting.

No, this disc doesn't represent my favorites from David Meece. But it does represent some wonderful songs from the 80's. If you are still trying to find some David Meece music on CD, Odyssey makes a great place to start.

CD Length: 1:06:03

Tracks:

1. God's Promises/Rainbows in the Night

2. Falling Down

3. Higher Ground

4. One Small Child

5. You Can Go

6. Tumblin' Down

7. Forgiven

8. His Love Was Reaching

9. Count the Cost

10. We Can Overcome it All