Description

Shoulder to Shoulder is the third album by the American pop/rock band Allies, released on Dayspring Records in ‎1987, a division of Word. The album was recorded at Allies Recording Studio in Franklin, Tennessee; with band members Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas producing.

‘Shoulder to Shoulder’, Allies’ third effort (and debut for DaySpring), may finally be the one to break this band into the kind of acclaim their mastery of bright pop/rock formulas would tend to suggest. Often pretentious and calculated, ‘Allies‘ and ‘Virtues‘ got limited distribution and promotion but were most hurt by imaging (the first’s paramilitary hard rock look and the second’s Nazi youth Euro-pop look) which left consumers unsure of what to expect inside. ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’, with its straightforward cover photo and the return to simplicity of style, puts the focus where it belonged all along: on the music.

‘Allies’ found the band creating a point of reference and identity apart from Randy Thomas’ 10-year affiliation with Sweet Comfort Band. ‘Virtues’, aside from some overwrought rock attempts, found its creative focus in great pop songs like «Jacque Remembers» and «Harmony». ‘Shoulder’, at its best on numbers like «Easy As 1, 2, 3», «You’re All I Need», «Looking on the Outside», «It’s Never Easy», and the title track, brings Thomas and Bob Carlisle‘s songs, which are brimming with a delightful pop effervescence, out for all to enjoy. No excessive and distracting gimmicks, just fine hooks, memorable melodies, pristine production, Carlisle’s distinctive vocals, Thomas’ Carlton-esque guitar heroics, and a tight back-up band with an occasional horn section for color and resonance.

Here’s hoping that CHR (contemporary hits) and those playing good Christian pop don’t overlook Allies this time out. ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ is what so many say they’re looking for. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, January 1988]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/shoulder-to-shoulder/1165903179)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Voice Of The Spirit” – 4:16
A2. “Shoulder To Shoulder” – 4:15
A3. “Easy As 1,2,3” – 3:35
A4. “Something In Your Eyes” – 4:38
A5. “Angelina” – 3:45

Side Two
B1. “You’re All I Needed” – 4:39
B2. “Looking On The Outside” – 4:06
B3. “How Much Love” – 5:45
B4. “It’s Never Easy” – 3:54
B5. “Closer Than A Brother” – 2:39

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Dayspring Records.

“It’s Never Easy” (MUSIC VIDEO)