Don Francisco - Signature Songs: He's Alive

Friday 1st December 2000
Don Francisco - Signature Songs: He's Alive
Don Francisco - Signature Songs: He's Alive

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2949-2776
LABEL: Greentree 8441833452
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Martin Saunders

Master of the slow starting epic folk song, Don Francisco proves on this collection that he is a singer/songwriter of some pedigree. Billed as a recording of his most memorable songs, this slightly dated clutch of material (all originating from the late 70s and early 80s), nevertheless possesses the necessary lyrical potency to ensure satisfying and repeated listening. Tracks follow a similar pattern - melodic voice and gentle orchestration build to a rousing finale - but somehow the whole thing is captivating and feels quite fresh all the way through. Outstanding tracks are the powerful "He s Alive", and the thoughtful "Give Your Heart A Home", but genuinely there are few low points on the whole recording. If it has an Achilles heel it is its lack of suitability to the non-Christian cynic - after all this is classically representative of what Christian music used to be about - but as a relaxing listen for the converted ear this is very close to essential listening.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 03:24 on May 21 2010

I have this cd in my huge ccm collection; great one to have by one of the great pioneers of classic ccm. The song "He's Alive" was the first song of ccm that I was introduced to. I fell in love with the album "Forgiven" from 1977 (which I have on vinyl). He will always be known as the storyteller; from "He's Alive" to "Adam, where are you?",and "Jehosaphat": I particulary like "Step Across the Line" and "I Don't Care Where You Been Sleeping". I have several of his projects on vinyl and cd. I was surprised that I did not see this lp listed, nor his lp prior "Brother of the Son", or his 1981 lp with songs "Give Your Heart a Home" and "The Traveler/Joy", and "Since I Met Him". I also have the album "Forgiven" on cd. GOD Bless! -Don



Posted by Bill Zynda in Port Angeles, WA @ 22:06 on Sep 10 2007

Did Mr. Francisco write "He's Alive"? And what other songs, or connection, does he have with Dolly Parton?
Thanks,
Bill


Reply by Don @ 17:32 on May 27 2010

Hi Bill, yes Don Francisco wrote "He's Alive", he writes most of his material. As far as I know, Dolly Parton just recorded his song, she sang it live at the awards; and if I am not mistaken, that was the first public stage performance she did of the song. A great classic never dies!! - GOD Bless! - Don...

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