Published Wednesday 25th February 2009
Larry Norman - Only Visiting This Planet
Larry Norman - Only Visiting This Planet

STYLE: Jesus Music
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 51303-14840
LABEL: Solid Rock SRDX002
FORMAT: CD Album
DISCS: 1
PRICE: £11.97 RRP £15.99

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Reviewed by Philip Woodward

When Christian pioneer Larry Norman finished his visit early last year, he left behind a music world that had been greatly touched by his presence. His was a life that accomplished much, and that undoubtedly brought many people to Christ. Here then, is 'Only Visiting This Planet', a 1972 re-release of what is considered by many to be Norman's magnum opus, the first of his 'trilogy' of great Christian rock albums. The question is - as with all re-issues - has 'Only Visiting This Planet' aged well? There was no doubting its popularity in the mid-'70s, but does it still carry weight? Unlike his hair on the cover sleeve, the answer for Norman is a resounding yes. His lyrics are biting, garbed in truth and delivered with a real punch, and could well have been written this millennium. Songs about media exposure ("I Am The Six O Clock News") and drug-addled pop stars ("Why Don't You Look Into Jesus?") are just as relevant as they were in Norman's heyday. Which is not to belittle the music. The production at London's Air Studios is wonderful. Norman's songs are timeless, akin to those of Neil Young, Bob Dylan or The Beatles, but crucially, never falling into pastiche. "I've got to learn to live without you", Norman wails on the opener, in a manner reminiscent of his protégé, The Pixies' Frank Black, a lament that millions will find themselves howling back at the much-missed icon.


Sample Track Listing:
1. I've Got To Learn To Live Without You [Listen]
2. The Outlaw [Listen]
3. Why Don't You Look Into Jesus [Listen]
4. Righteous Rocker [Listen]
5. I Wish We'd All Been Ready [Listen]
6. I Am The Six O'Clock News [Listen]
7. The Great American Novel [Listen]
8. Pardon Me [Listen]
9. Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music [Listen]
10. Reader's Digest [Listen]
11. Peacepollutionrevolution [Listen]
12. Righteous Rocker (Hard Rock Version) [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version. You should not assume that products purchased through Cross Rhythms Direct will necessarily have identical track listings to those shown.

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