Daniel Amos : Collecters Edition

The debut recording from cutting-edge Christian rock group Daniel Amos is a country album complete with pedal steel guitars and southern accents. The first word that comes to mind about this recording is "naive." Lyrics are simple and have a juvenile quality to them in many places -- specifically contriving the lyrics out of a natural flow to make them rhyme. The subject matter is a little peculiar at times as well. In the opening track, "Jesus Is Jehovah to Me," for example, halfway through the song it becomes clear that the song is not an affirmation of one's own beliefs, but a sharp rebuke of Jehovah's Witnesses. Also notable is "Skeptic's Song," with the unfortunate line, "Oh my, you'll fry as we wave goodbye to you." The second word that comes to mind, though, is "quality." From beginning to end this is a well-polished recording with excellent arrangements -- unsurpassed for a mid-'70s gospel group. The group's professionalism is apparent even at this early stage. Those who enjoy Daniel Amos' later work but equate country music with sour milk will be surprised to find some interesting songs here reminiscent of America, particularly "Don't Light Your Own Fire" and "Ain't Gonna Fight It," the former featuring great hand percussion work by later Daniel Amos member Alex MacDougall. This is an interesting look at the embryonic stages of one of the most creative bands in Christian music. ~ Mark W. B. Allender