Midnight Sun

Description

Midnight Sun is the sixth studio album by the American singer, songwriter, and session bassist Rick Cua, released on Reunion Records in 1989. Featuring “Young Boy Young Girl,” a duet with Rebecca Sparks of Bash’N theCode and Found Free fame.

There’s a lot more to rock than metal and Mr. Cua’s sixth release proves it while maintaining the broader pop appeal achieved on ‘Can’t Stand Too Tall‘. To be sure, ‘Midnight Sun’ has its share of economic necessity ballads for AC radio, but the sizzling rockers here will please long-time fans, too. With more hooks per square inch than opening day at the trout farm, this record delivers.

Although never driving as far down the hard rock road as ‘Wear Your Colors‘, Rick revs the engine now and then, as on anthems like «I Can, I Will» and «Tear Down the Wall». Dave Perkins and Bob Halligan, Jr. contribute tasteful guitar abuse.

The jumpin’ «Somethin’ You Got» connects, thanks to rowdy roadhouse sax line and great, great hook. A song about the attractiveness of the Gospel should be attractive, after all, and Keith Thomas‘ horn arrangement helps cook the mix to a boil.

Rick eases back on «I’ll Be Satisfied», a soulful ballad reminiscent of classic Hall & Oates. Longing for the day when “Tears run dry, hearts stop breaking,” Cua resolves to work to bring that day closer.

«Young Boy, Young Girl» sympathizes with young Christians facing pressure to rush into intimacy, yet preaches self-control. Rebecca Sparks share vocals with Rick on this one.

«The Lost Can Still Be Found» suggests the album’s title, as Cua sings, “It’s hard to search into the night/ And shine the light to every man.” Rick succeeds in shining that light; this ‘Midnight Sun’ burns brightly. [Mark Eischer, CCM, June 1989]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Streetwise”
A2. “I Can I Will”
A3. “Young Boy Young Girl”
A4. “I’ll Be Satisfied”
A5. “Dedicated”

Side Two
B1. “Somethin’ You Got”
B2. “No Man Will Know”
B3. “Plenty Of Love”
B4. “Tear Down The Walls”
B5. “The Lost Can Still Be Found”

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Reunion Records.