Paradise - Paradise

Published Wednesday 5th May 2010
Paradise - Paradise
Paradise - Paradise

STYLE: R&B
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12993-2665
LABEL: Ebony EB 701
FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This debut album from the London-based gospel funk band caused quite a few ripples when it was originally released back in 1980. The group were signed to a new formed subsidiary of Pilgrim Records called Ebony and I'll always remember where I was when I first heard it. I was sat in the lounge of a Christian music management company who were considering taking on the group and I was immediately blown away by how strong and contemporary they sounded. Lyrically this is a very direct release and listening back 30 years later, it's amazing to think that it caused controversy. Maybe the vibe of black majority churches at the time was more traditional and so the sound of the group was very much out of the charts and there was also the business of "Light Of The World" and "Love Is Not A Mystery" which both had a reggae feel that was frowned upon because of the music form's association with Rastafarianism. But the album displays a wide set of musical influences in which the gospel message is set. From the opening solid funk of "Keep The Fire" and "Give Thanks" to the Earth Wind And Fire influenced "Spread The Word" and gorgeous ballads like "We All Need" and "With You", this is an exceptional debut record. Although never released on CD, watch out for tracks appearing on a forthcoming 'Best Of' CD to be released by Kingsway in the summer.

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 kwesi in manchester @ 02:34 on Sep 5 2010

hi guys has anyone got the love is not a mystery album, i really need to get hold of it



Posted by Mel Arthur in Huddersfield @ 22:50 on Jul 6 2010

I have had the privilage of actually seeing pardise in concert back in the 80's. What a concert !!! they were support band for "Andrae Crouch and the disciples" I have to say that they have forever left a burning inspiration in my heart and mind.
I did have a copy of their first album "paradise" on tape however I loaned it to someone from Manchester who did not give it me back. After various attempts to get it back I never did which greatly upset me as I have not been able to listen to any paradise songs since.
I am so happy to see that there could be a possibility for me to get their songs again. I would greatly appreciate for anyone who has information of where to get their songs from to get in touch with me.

Thanks


Reply by Steve Alexander Smit in London @ 00:00 on Jul 26 2010

Hi Mel,
You should get my book, British Black Gospel.

Steve

[report abuse]


Posted by sabrina in sheffield @ 17:10 on Jul 11 2009

Hi am in desperate need of Love is not a mystery and light of the word for my brother's wedding as it's what we used ot listen to when we were younger...now we have to sing it. Can anyone help...pleeeaase!!


Reply by Steve in London @ 21:30 on Jul 17 2009

Hi Sabrina,
Contact me stevesegal@btinternet.com

[report abuse]

Reply by Steve in London @ 21:24 on Jul 17 2009

I Have both songs. How do I contact you?

[report abuse]


Posted by Lynn Wright in Sutton Surrey England @ 01:52 on Jul 11 2008

I adored the Paradise band and their song lyrics meant so much to me as a 16 year old growing up in London. I had all their albums at one time but sadly these were distroyed in an accidental house fire and I would dearly love to replace them as they are so special to me. I pray that God will find a way to let me hear these songs once again and if anybody knows where I can get copies (especially of the 1st 1980 album) then please let me know.


Reply by Steve Smith in London @ 14:49 on Aug 4 2008

Hi Lynn,
I have all three albums...get in touch with me!!

Steve

[report abuse]


Posted by Neal Morris in Bermuda @ 10:54 on Mar 20 2007

I finally got World's Midnight on CD. I always felt years ago (when I ruined the cassette through "over-playing"), that the lyrics are on target and arrangements were superb! But I never heard the 1980 and 1983 albums. Will they be available on CD...one day?


Reply by Steve Smith in London @ 21:14 on Jul 14 2007

Hi Neal,
Get in touch with me!!!

[report abuse]


Posted by steve smith in London @ 08:25 on Jul 30 2006

Thanks to CR for printing the album cover of the first Paradise album (Bird at front),as many of my readers and collectors now have a reference point.

Steve Smith



Posted by Chris Hickman in Ohio @ 01:06 on Jun 9 2006

i was lucky to have recieved a copy of world's midnight by Paradise and it totally blew me away from a musical/songwriting standpoint. Paradise material is so hard to find and if u are lucky to see it on Ebay or in record stores the prices are so outrageious.


Reply by Steve Smith in London, Englan @ 16:11 on Nov 16 2006

Hi Chris,
The Paradise album 'Worlds Midnight is now available on CD.......are you interested in a copy??

Regards

Steve

stevesegal@btinternet.com

[report abuse]


Posted by Steve Smith in London @ 15:30 on Oct 25 2005

I am an enthusiastic collector of music and news stories from the short gospel-funk era of the late 1970's to early 80's.I have an exclusive album from Kainos as well as all the albums and singles that Paradise put out.The 1980 album 'Paradise' is my prized possession and contains music far ahead of its time.I have written a short biog of the album if any one is interested as i have done much research.

Steve


Reply by DON SETZER in WASHINGTON, D.C. @ 01:05 on Dec 28 2006

I TO LOVE PARADISE AND HAVE ALL THEIR ALBUMS AND VISTED THEM IN 1987..EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD BROKEN UP I STAYED WITH THE EDWARDS FAMILY, I WOULD LOVE TO GET A COPY OF THE KANIOS ALBUM ON CASSETTE OR CD, PLEASE STEVE HIT ME UP, I HAVE PARADISE GOODIES.

[report abuse]


The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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