2ND CHAPTER OF ACTS - SINGER SOWER (2024 Girder Records) Christian CCM Rock Pioneers!

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• Guitars and Synths by Kerry Livgren
• 3 part Harmonies from Matthew Ward, Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen
• Originally Released in 1983. Available for the first time since 1991
• 12 Page Booklet with Lyrics and photos in a jewel case
• Officially licensed from Capital Records
• Remastered Audio
• Release Date 05/03/2024
• 2024 Girder Records (GR1195)
• UPC 765105160010

Description

Since the release of their first 45s in 1972, 2nd Chapter of Acts, consisting of siblings Annie Herring, Nelly Greisen, and Matthew Ward, has been synonymous with Jesus Music. They combined earnest, high quality songwriting with tight vocal harmonies and top notch production to create music that has endured through the years. Millions of Spotify streams stand a testimony of their enduring popularity with lovers of classic CCM.

1983's Singer Sower shows the band fully embracing the aesthetic of the 80s as they transitioned to the sounds of a new decade. With its synthesizers and 80s era drum sound, Singer Sower is a time capsule for a bygone era of CCM that set out to prove that it belonged in the music landscape and deserved a seat at the table with any other pop/rock act on the scene. Available here on this fully remastered CD for its first reissue since 1991, Singer Sower is a bright spot that shouldn't be missed in an era that cannot be forgotten. 

In the Midst of a New Era

Annie Herring, Matthew Ward, and Nelly Greisen came together to record Singer Sower in 1983. It would be 2nd Chapter of Acts' fourth and final studio album for Sparrow Records before the band moved to the Live Oak Records label (although Sparrow would issue instrumental versions of the band's "Hymns I and II" albums in 1989). Singer Sower is an unabashed celebration of what music in 1983 had to offer. 

Synthesizers feature heavily on Singer Sower, and they set the tone for the rest of the album's sound. However, Buck Herring's production ensures that the album is able to sound like a product of its time without sounding overly dated or out of touch with a modern audience. Again, the honesty of the songwriting takes center stage for the listener. One coup for the recording process is the work of Kerry Livgren (Kansas, A.D.) on synths and on guitar. Annie Herring's songwriting always flirted with the fringes of progressive rock which makes the Livgren pairing an ideal choice for the record. 

While the record is filled with great songs, there's one highlight that must be mentioned. The album closer, "Lift Me Up," is one of Herring's most beautiful lyrics laid over top of wonderful music written by Keith Green who, at the time of the album release, had only recently passed away. It's a fitting tribute to an artist and songwriter that 2nd Chapter of Acts had honored through their own renditions of his songs across their careers. It's a gorgeous melody that just hearkens back to the sorts of melodies Keith himself would write and stands as an amazing testimony to his work.

Singer Sower is an album that is not to be missed. It's not a 70s record. It's an 80s record, but it doesn't suffer for it. Instead, it revels in the sounds of the decade and celebrates the time in joyous praise. This incredible remaster lovingly presents these songs again to an audience that is sure to love what they hear.

1. Room Noise
   
2. Beware My Heart
   
3. Ocean Liner
   
4. Takin' The Easy Way
   
5. No One Will Have A Secret
   
6. Spin Your Light
   
7. Open Up My Blind Eyes
   
8. I'm Wastin' No More Time
   
9. Lift Me UpRod And Staff