Description

Serious Fun is the sophomore album by the American singer and songwriter Billy Sprague, released on Reunion Records in 1986, distributed by Word. The album was produced by Reed Arvin.

Imagine ‘Unguarded’ with male vocals, and you’ll be pretty close to the sound Billy Sprague has come up with on this, his second album. Taking his cue from the punchy grooves which worked so well for Amy Grant and Kenny Loggins before her, Sprague puts on his dancing shoes and takes the listener on a raucous romp away from the mellow ballads of his earlier work.

The album begins with the humorous «Rock the Planet», a straight-out rocker replete with the standard AMS-echo effects and other current dance/pop gimmicks. Another notable track is «YMISIM». Translation: “Why Am I As I Am” which continues with “if UR all IC, ICIMSUR.” This must be the lyrical equivalent of vanity license plates.

The pace doesn’t really let up until the fourth song, «A Heart Like Mine». A ballad centered on acoustic grand piano and string orchestra, this song provides continuity in tone with Spargue’s earlier recordings. The rock returns on «Invisible Hand». Here, strong background harmonies, big drums, and bright guitars support the encouraging lyrics as Springsteen-like piano notes frame the chorus in the style of «Born to Run».

Sprague’s light tenor is enhanced by the jumpy energy of its musical surroundings here, an indication that «Better Days» begin with a better sound. [Mark Eischer, December 1986]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Rock The Planet” – 3:30
A2. “Love Has No Eyes” – 4:38
A3. “YMISIM” – 4:51
A4. “A Heart Like Mine” – 3:44
A5. “Invisible Hand” – 4:13

Side Two
B1. “Phantom Living” – 4:36
B2. “Out Of The Blue” – 3:47
B3. “Centered On You” – 4:07
B4. “Better Days” – 4:52

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Reunion Records.

A full-page advertisement for the Billy Sprague album Serious Fun was featured in the November 1986 issue of CCM Magazine.