Reviewed by Steve Norman

Larry Norman, a name synonymous with the creation of contemporary Christian music. Now just turned 60 and back on the road after a prolonged battle against illness, Norman releases a collection of his favourite songs which are said to be laid at the bottom of his treasure chest. Made specifically for the Solid Rock Army as a free album to go with the free Phanzine magazine, this album contains all new studio recordings in acoustic style. "The Thanksgiving Song" debuts here as one of the earliest songs written by Norman and revealing his sense of humour and ability to turn a phrase, recorded at a midnight session at Mark Lemhouse's studio with an ad-libbed melody. One of the surprising standout songs is one he wrote in the early '60s called "Forever And A Day". It deals with the future he imagined would come, as it does to some of us, by going back 200 years and telling the story of a husband and wife and a calamity. Every song on this album has great personal meaning to Larry. He even adds a Bob Dylan song, because Bob never recorded or released it. It reveals an early encounter with Christ in Bob's life, written right after his motorcycle accident. If you like Larry Norman, you will love this!

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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