Description

Lights in the World is the solo debut album by the American singer, songwriter, and session drummer Joe English, a former member of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band Wings, released on Refuge Records in 1980, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Scott Hendricks at Glaser Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee; with Greg Nelson producing for Primacy Productions. Horns arranged by John Rosasco. Most songs co-written by Don Rogers and John Rosasco.

Lights in the World was included among CCM Magazine’s Top 10 Albums of 1980.

Refuge Records Bows

NASHVILLE – Ray Nenow, in partnership with the New Benson Company, has formed Refuge Records. Nenow will function as president and GM of the new label, which will be based here.

First Release. According to Nenow, Refuge will feature secular artists who are Christians. The label’s first album release, scheduled this month, is “Lights In The World” by Joe English, a former drummer with Paul McCartney and Wings. Bonnie Bramlett will begin recording her Refuge album shortly, with an early 1981 release slated. The New Benson Company will distribute Refuge. [A note featured in the Gospel section of the October 25, 1980 issue of Record World]

Anyone who once listened to rock’n’roll but now believes drums are “of the devil” should hear Joe English’s gift. The first Refuge LP and English’s first album for Christ, Lights In The World is a consistently excellent collection of playable, gutsy rock – well-mixed and well-produced. English, who played with the Jam Factory, Paul McCartney & Wings and Sealevel (He left secular music when be became a Christian three years ago.), sings and lays down the rhythm (percussion and most rhythm guitar) to 10 praise, witness and end-time songs. The sound is reminiscent (but no copy) of Steely Dan; definitely radio material. (Best cuts: «To Love Is To Live», «Shine On», «Is There Not One Good Man?», «Get Ready».) [CCM (Records – What’s New), November 1980]

In the ’70s whilst Joe English was recording the ‘London Town’ album as Paul McCartney’s drummer in Wings, he got a phone call to say his wife was injured following a car accident. Doctors did their best but it was the miraculous healing following his wife visiting a prayer meeting that really got his attention. English became a Christian, quit Wings and started work on his own gospel material. ‘Lights In The World’ and ‘Held Accountable‘ were his first two releases on Refuge Records and marked the launch of his solo career. He headlined Greenbelt ’81 and toured the UK in the autumn of that year and my job back then was to organise his first British tour. It’s simple to say that ‘Lights In The World’ is a gem with a smooth funky pop production that highlights the strength of English’s blue-eyed soul-ish vocal style. Breezy songs like «Shine On», «Midnight Angel Choir» and «Get Ready» all highlight superb musicianship, fab horn arrangements and strong spiritual messages. I think my favourite has always been the upbeat groove of «Praise Him». His second album ‘Held Accountable’ is more of the same with the signature smooth production sound and layered vocals all in place. There are plenty of fine moments here. «My Strength Is In The Lord» is a great ballad whilst «Learn To Celebrate» is a fabulous short burst of praise. The one thing that is easy to overlook when it comes to Joe and his band is that they were a fine bunch of musicians in their own right (they recorded their own album under the name Forerunner, with ex-Petra man John Lawry handling the vocals). The band’s dexterity can be measured on the excellent instrumental workout «Thief In The Night». Of the two albums, ‘Lights In The World’ is slightly better and for younger music fans, the ’80s production sound may make them feel dated but good music is good music. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, January 2008]

The former drummer for Paul McCartney and Wings breaks away to become the Christian Gino Vanelli. Minus the gaudy display of chest hair, thankfully. Ok, so Gino ain’t exactly Rolling Stone’s artist of the but regardless, this slab of catchy pop-rock puts most of the bland CCM of the era to shame (and when you get right down to it so does Gino for that matter). Lights Of The World features hit-worthy commercial tunes with a sharp professional sound, dynamic guitar/keyboard action, sophisticated horns and soulful female bgvs. It’s that not-too-heavy not-too-light 1980 pop radio sound in all its glory. I half expected the Pointer Sisters to join in with a chorus of «He’s So Shy» on the synth-bouncy «Midnight Angel Choir». Dave Perkins gets some good growlin’ guitar opportunities on «Is The King Your Friend». Others guests include Bonnie Bramlett, Russ Taff and Phill McHugh. Most songs written by John Rosasco and Don Rogers. Belongs next to your Michael & Stormie Omartian, Bruce Hibbard, etc. in your “good pop” section. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “To Love Is to Live” – 3:50
A2. “Shine On” – 3:50
A3. “Dyin'” – 3:47
A4. “Is There Not One Good Man” – 3:56
A5. “Midnight Angel Choir” – 3:39

Side Two
B1. “Get Ready” – 3:10
B2. “Is the King Your Friend” – 3:35
B3. “The Lord Never Leaves” – 3:15
B4. “Praise Him” – 3:19
B5. “Keep in Touch” – 2:02

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Refuge Records. “Midnight Angel Choir” was released as a 7-inch vinyl promo single by Refuge (same song on both sides). Re-issued on CD by Benson Records ‎in 1991, coupled with Held Accountable.

Higher Power April 1981 Radio Interview

CREDITS. Produced by Greg Nelson for Primacy Productions. Recorded at Glaser Sound Studios in Nashville, TN. Engineered by Scott Hendricks. String and Vocal Arranged by Greg Nelson and John Rosasco. Vocals arranged by Greg Nelson. Horns arranged by John Rosasco. Executive-Producer: Ray Nenow.

Musicians: Joe English (Drums, Vocals), George Cocchini (Guitar), Kenny Mims (Guitar), Dave Perkins (Guitar), Brent Rowan (Guitars), Phill McHugh (Acoustic Guitar), Larry Paxton (Bass), John Rosasco (Keyboards), Alan Steinberger (Micro-Moog), Terry McMillan (Percussion, Harmonica). Strings by Sheldon Kurland Strings. Background Vocals: Donna McElroy, Vicki Hampton, Russ Taff, Bonnie Bramlett.