Music Review: He's Alive by Don Francisco

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Powerful and Biblical lyrics that will encourage

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