Randy Stonehill - Equator

Published Thursday 17th May 2007
Randy Stonehill - Equator
Randy Stonehill - Equator

STYLE: Jesus Music
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 25278-24307
LABEL: Myrrh MYR1132
FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the '70s Stonehill had recorded three classic Jesus music albums under the direction of his friend Larry Norman. By the early '80s that friendship had soured and Stonehill had signed to the Myrrh record label and begun recording a sweep of albums that would mark the '80s with artistic peaks and troughs. Prior to this 'Between The Glory And The Flame' had been a disappointing start but 'Equator' really saw Stonehill kick into life. Working with Daniel Amos frontman Terry Taylor, they let their imaginations run wild creating an unforgettable album released in 1983 and packed with some classy songs. "Light Of The World" sounds like a simple inspirational song designed for radio stations to play and then the fun begins. There are three comic songs where you laugh but Stonehill is hitting home his unease at some of our social foibles. "Big Ideas In A Shrinking World" contrasts the world's wisdom with God's. "American Fast Food" attacks the unhealthy eating habits of his countryman and contains the greatest belch in the history of Christian music. The third comic song is "Cosmetic Fixation" which attacks Hollywood's obsession with the outward appearance. The cod calypso "Shut De Doh" (which, somewhat ironically, has turned out to be Stoneville's most popular song ever - with dozens of covers) was apparently written on a caffeine fuelled trans-Atlantic plane flight. Elsewhere "Even The Best Of Friends" is an open letter to his former best friend Larry Norman and "Turning Thirty" marks that landmark in his life. Both are good examples of Stonehill's skill writing ballads. "China" is a dramatic plea for that vast country and "Hide Them In Your Love" is a typical '80s Stonehill rocker. Ultimately the combination of Randy's skilful songwriting and Taylor's imaginative production make this one of the top Christian albums of the '80s.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 20:53 on Sep 23 2010

Another ccm classic album among my many ccm vinyl and cd's. I have many of his recordings on vinyl and cd. CCM radio played the classic gem "Turning Thirty" at the album's release time. The song has that nice even flow quality sound, you can't help but like it. The album's starter song "Light of the World" is another signature tune to be heard. This album contains nice pop styled songs; great part of ccm history here! GOD Bless! -Don



Posted by Keith Dixon in London @ 17:19 on May 18 2007

This truly is a great album and is worthy of a quality CD re-release, along with a few other great albums of that period, notably the two LPs released by the Mark Williamson band and some of the Michael Omartian albums.
Trouble is, there probably isn't a big enough market for these type of re-releases as the vast amount of Christians of my age (mid 40's) have either drifted away from music or a least gone to more tranquil and cosy water of praise and worship!
Never mind - one can dream


Reply by Andrew @ 04:31 on Aug 17 2009

You're right as to no market. When I spoke with Randy a few years back I had a bit of hope that we could see an official CD of the early stuff. To quote Steve Taylor, "Since I gave up hope, I feel a lot better". I did get some copies on CDr from Sweet Music in Canada, excellent sound. www.sweet-music.com

[report abuse]


Posted by Allan Clare in Bristol, UK. @ 11:02 on May 17 2007

Worth getting for the song 'China' alone! Haunting and powerful..





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