Sacred Journey is the latest work created by First Call, and represents a change of pace stylistically for the band, as well as an effort to experiment with a different approach to producing their albums. The goal of this album was to create an album with more of a "live" sound to it, losing some of the layers that are usually added in production. This has changed the feel of the album in the direction of a lot of their earlier albums but provides the listener with some interesting examples of the broad range of harmonies and style combinations the band is adept at. Initially, the band seems to wander randomly from styles that include pop, country, rock, and worship music, but because of the presence of excellent harmonies and strong themes, the album commands the listener's interest.
One of the major themes explored in this latest effort is freedom in Christ, and the greatness of that liberty in the light of God's love and mercy. The song "Freedom" clearly expressed this, stating, "Where there is faith you can move any mountain, where there is hope you can learn to believe. Where there is love there is strength you can count on. Where there is truth, truly there's freedom.." In, "Lazarus Unwound," First Call expands upon this theme by pointing out the special help believers can offer to one another to achieve the fullness of their freedom in light of God's deliverance, "Follow the voice of my salvation. I'm still tied up head to toe. God send me brothers and sisters to loose me and let me go... What a day for a true believer." This album follows the perspective of that of a believer reveling in God's grace throughout the album, with an intimate sharing of that believer's testimony about God.
Another underlying theme of Sacred Journey is that of love; God's special love for his people and the special adoration that He receives in return from sincere, grateful hearts. The title track, "Sacred Journey" outlines a manifestation of this love by describing the close presence of the Lord in the midst of all the aspects of a believer's journey forward with Him. This presence is experienced in "every road, every stream, every prayer, every dream, You are there my Lord." The song "Evidence of Love" parallels this theme by describing the love that is "written in the colors of a thousand autumn twilights, painted in the eyes of a child..." Lyrics like these are pretty common on this album, and while they are at times penetrating and at other times challenging, their main characteristic is that of Truth.
For those who have come to enjoy the vocal gymnastics of earlier First Call albums, Sacred Journey will be a welcomed addition to their collection. Comparable to Something Takes Over with more of a country flair on songs like "Freedom," plus a large number of ballads like "Sacred Journey," "Thank You Lord," and "Evidence of Love" which range from worshipful into pop. The variety of styles on this album is a little confusing at first ("Lazarus Unwound" is reminiscent of the acapella style of Take Six, while "Under the Water" recalls the Celtic style of Iona), but the strong harmonies in each song provide continuity and a point of reference.
While this album is not as "produced" as God is Good album, the band scores in terms of harmony and thought-provoking, insightful lyrics. The band achieves their goal of creating a more "live and unplugged" sound and a showcase of harmonies.
Similar sounding releases
1995Carolyn ArendsI Can Hear You
1995Ashley ClevelandLesson of Love
1994Julie MillerInvisible Girl
1999Kim HillSignature Songs
2004Russ LeeHear Those Bells
1996Twila ParisWhere I Stand
