Avalon [Another Time, Another Place]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
I have to be honest. When it comes to Avalon, I have not been as impressed with their latter albums. I did not like ‘Hymns’ at all. But with the new release, I have to say that I am very impressed. Even with the departure of Jody McBrayer, Avalon doesn’t miss as beat. Even before I listened to Christian music, some of these songs on the album were songs I had heard on mainstream radio. Michael W. Smith was the one I heard the most. Avalon covers one of his songs on the record with, “Place In This World”. I loved this song, and even though I didn’t know what a Christian was when I was 12, or did I know who Michael W. Smith was, this was definitely one of my favorite songs from the early 90’s.
The title track, “Another Time, Another Place” is another song that recently I have become acquainted with. There is a popular show on the Gospel Music Channel that comes on called ‘Best of the Dove Awards’. Recently and episode ran that featured songs from Sandi Patty’s career. One was a video of her duet with Wayne Watson. The song has a very powerful message and I think everyone can relate to it from one time to another.
The artist who is covered most on this album is none other then Amy Grant. I think the group were influenced by Amy in some way or another, but the covers of her two songs, “El Shaddai” and “Thy Word” are done very well. “El Shaddai” is another one of those songs I remember vaguely from the 80’s.
There were three songs on the album that stood out to me, and were, in my opinion the staples of this album. First off there was Avalon’s rendition of “God Is In Control”, by Twila Paris. The second, Crystal Lewis’ “People Get Ready” and the third one was “People Need The Lord”. In my mind, these three stood out from among the rest.
Overall, this record was fun to listen to. I am a sucker for a good cover, so Avalon’s approach sucked me in from the get-go. I would definitely refer this album to anyone who likes the group, or perhaps just wants to be reminded of the hits of Christian music yesteryear. Be sure to look for Avalon’s new studio album, coming out later this year or early 2009!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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If you are an Avalon fan or a fan of Christian music yesteryear, this is the album to get!
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/avalon_anothertimeplace.html
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