Description

The self-titled, fifth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Randy Matthews was released on Spirit Records in 1980, distributed by Hartsong Corporation. (This was Matthews’ first studio album after leaving Myrrh Records.) The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Joe Wilson at Glasser Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. All songs written or co-written by Randy Matthews except “Which Side”, a song written by Arlo Guthrie and originally recorded on his 1979-album, Outlasting the Blues, and “Lonely Stranger”, a song written by Stephen Alexandersen and originally recorded on his 1977-album, Let the Music Move Me. Louie Weaver, later of Petra fame, is featured on drums.

1980 found Randy shedding the old shaggy hippie image and modernizing his sound to a degree, yet without sacrificing his edge. Bob Seger comparisons are not out of line as Randy’s raspy voice is joined by female r&b backing harmonies and saxophone on soulful pop-rock melodies like «I Had A Dream», «I Think He’s Proud» and «Sweet Relief». Muscle Shoals and gospel influences as well enlivening cuts like «Jesus Revive Me», «Small Circle Of Friends» and «Thin Line». «Out On A Limb» is a flat-out rocker with an irresistible razor-sharp power-chord riff. Also includes covers of Arlo Guthrie’s «Which Side Are You On» and Stephen Alexandersen’s «Lonely Stranger». One of Randy’s catchiest and most sophisticated albums when you get right down to it. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Which Side Are You On?” – 4:07
A2. “Jesus Revive Me” – 5:09
A3. “Out On A Limb” – 3:28
A4. “Small Circle Of Friends” – 3:27
A5. “Miracle Man” – 4:15

Side Two
B1. “I Had A Dream” – 3:28
B2. “I Think He’s Proud” – 4:02
B3. “Sweet Relief” – 4:03
B4. “Thin Line” – 3:23
B5. “Lonely Stranger” – 4:45

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

CREDITS. Produced and Engineered by Joe Wilson. Recorded at Glasser Sound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. Mastered at Masterfonics, Nashville, Tennessee, by Jim Lloyd. Album Cover Concept and Design by Stan Evenson Design, Inc. Photography by Dominic Marsden and Sharon Inahara. Distributed by Hartsong Corporation. Executive-Producer: Ray Nenow.

Musicians: Randy Matthews (Lead Vocal), Shane Keister (Keyboards, Synthesizer), Bobby Edmonds (Keyboards), Dean Pastin (Keyboards), Donnie “Sax” Sanders (Saxophone), Joe Wilson (Guitar, Guitar Solos), Allen Holmes (Guitar), David McCaskel (Guitar), Paul Brannon (Bass, Guitar), Louie Weaver (Drums), Terry McMillan (Percussion). Background Vocals: David McCaskel, Donna McElroy, Janna Hershberger, Jonathan McCaskel, Monty Matthews, Vicki Hampton, Yvonne Hodges.