Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Recorded in 1977, 'Written On The Wind' was Chuck Girard's third solo album and saw him broadening his songwriting. No longer content to simply pen songs that reflected his own spiritual experiences or inspired listeners to connect more deeply with God, Girard confesses that this is his "artsy" album. Backed by a bunch of fab west coast sessioners including Plastic Ono Band bassist Klaus Voorman, the album contains all the elements that made Girard such a compelling artist at the time. From the distinctive voice to the inspired songwriting, it's all here but this time out, Girard is observing the struggles and faith of others on tracks like "Mary's Song" and "Plain Ol' Joe" which sounds like a follow up to "Old Dan Cotton" from his previous album. Musically these songs are painted in lighter poppier shades and whilst songs like "Fool For Jesus" and "Thank You Jesus" contain both gritty faith and personal devotion. Once again, it is the closing songs that are the most superbly transcendent. "Hear The Angels Sing" takes the listener through the gates of heaven into eternity with some fabulous vocal arrangements. "Peace In the Valley" is another visionary song which continues the listener's journey through descriptions of the throne of God and eternal worship. Finally the album ends with a song which brings the listener back down to earth to the place where heaven and earth met, the cross. "The Warrior" is a powerful musical presentation of the events on Golgotha. The song depicts Christ's crucifixion with poetic lyrics and dramatic moody music. It's a moving close to the album and possibly the finest song he's ever recorded. He manages to give the listener a broader perspective whilst not losing the focus on Christ's suffering. Musically the swirling strings and orchestral arrangement and mixture of rock and classical is reminiscent of Adrian Snell's 1980 album 'The Passion'. Powerful stuff to close a fine album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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