Customer Reviews

All Things Are Possible

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4 star:		(5)
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First of all, I always loved America and thought that Dan Peek's voice and melodies were out of this world. Songs like "Lonely People", "Glad to See You", "Old Virginia", etc. There are many songs during his tenure with America that are just plain beautiful without saying that the other two members were shabby. They also had a tasty repertoire of songs, but I always thought that Dan Peek had some awesome songs! How about "Don't Cross the River", WoW! They still sound as good today as they did in the past. I am not saying that everything he wrote was awesome but surely enjoyed his work throughout his stay with America. Funny, but when I went to AMG to check them out it seems the critics were not too partial to America's body of work. Too simplistic? Too melodious? I'll never know. I expected to see at least four (4) stars for some of their efforts but lo and behold, I think 3 was the max they received. That is fine, America with "Ventura Highway", "Sandman", "Tin Man", "Sister Golden Hair Surprise?" is that the name?, anywhoo, some of these songs go all the way to the start of the American Dream for me. What voices!

When I heard that Dan Peek had left America I was somewhat saddened but not really surprised! I could tell by his lyrics that he was not very happy with the fast lane of those days. When I heard he had released a Christian Album I immediately bought it at a local christian store in Costa Mesa, California. I am talking about 20 years? When I heard "All Things Are Possible" I loved it from the start. Yes, the songs were short and simple but something about the cassette (that was the format available at the time and it did not last very long, mind you) that brought the best in me. It was my first official christian album I had ever bought and in those days the christian music business was in its infancy. It kind of meant that patrons of christian music were devoted christians. I was not. I was a party monster more part of the crazy lifestyle Los Angeles and neighbouring Orange County had to offer than the limited and devoted lifestyle christians were known for. Party here, fast lane there, it did get old with time and regrets and misfortunes were all part of the package together with the loudest concerts and good times I probably will ever know. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, sort of speak. Dan Peek's "All Things Are Possible" have some songs in it that I can't still forget and that is saying a lot for a release so many years old. The title "All Things Are Possible" is just a beautiful song, the next song following "Divine Lady" is such a sweet tune, following with "Forgive me, Forgive you" (some of these long nights always led to serious regrets and a desire to have a life of health and spiritual light and this song spoke of the need to be forgiven but most important to be able to forgive, which is essential if one hopes to reach higher grounds in the spiritual realm"). I better slow down, I am getting too preachy and that is not my intention. There are many songs that make this album a 5 star album for me. Yes, I admit I did not like a couple as much as I did the others, but overall this is one album I am going to buy today for the good memories it delivers. What a voice, how about "Be a lighthouse for me and my ship lost in the sea, guide me to the safe harbor in your arms..." Beauty! Also, in the album there is a song he kind of dedicates to his former bandmates and I think is in response to a song the Blond Guy in America had sung about him by the name of "I don't believe in miracles" (a tasty song, by the way) and he replied with this one, something about "I told you before that I would take no more, you thought I was yours but now you know for sure, and that's the reason why I had to say goodbye" or something to that effect. This is the album I love the most of his Christian efforts, the ones that followed maybe one song or two, he had lost the magic touch. He never seemed to regain the touch he had with his best work with America or the quality of "All Things Are Possible", but he surely deserves 5 stars for this one. Short songs filled with inspiration and yes, Jesus his motivating force but a masterpiece to me never the less. Kind of like Bob Dylan when he went the same route and wrote some awesome songs in "Slow Train Coming" and "Shot of Love", specially and I do not know in which of his christian albums it was in, the song "Every Grain of Sand". Dylan and Peek are totally different but they both had the same inspiration during that period and some of these songs they made are so good it is not even funny. If you get a chance google the lyrics for "Every Grain of Sand" by Bob Dylan and believe me, this one is a very rare jewel you will find. Dan Peek's "All Things Are Possible" is a Beauty. 5 stars then and 5 stars now!

I first heard All Things Possible right after its release in 1984. It was the first christian music I had ever purchased and every song, but especially the title song, inspired me to buy more. The album broke barriers for other christian musicians to "crossover" to other music genres and was a pioneer, as was Dan, for breaking away from America and making this album. Its a keeper and timeless for those of us who remember the early days of contemporary christian music.

This was Dan's first solo album after leaving the group America. It was also his biggest commercial hit. Released in 1979, the title song went to number 1 on the CCM charts and stayed there for 13 weeks! It also crossed over to the Billboard Pop chart and Adult Contemporary chart were it peeked at number 6 and stayed on the charts for a then record 34 weeks! Regardless of what you may read elsewhere, this was CCM's first crossover hit. Two other singles were released from this album, "Ready for Love" which was a big hit on Canadian Adult Contemporary stations, reaching number 7; and "Divine Lady" which was a hit on CCM stations in the US. It also contains what Dan described as his last song with America, Love Was Just Another Word - which features his America band mates Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. A must for CCM fans or America fans!

Dan Peek's recent passing has rekindled interest in his body of work. Obviously, the best place to start is the seven studio albums he recorded with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell as America between 1971 and 1977. Those albums contain his most famous songs, including "Lonely People," "Don't Cross The River" and "Today's The Day." Don't miss some of his unheralded classics from that period, like "Rainy Day," "Everyone I Meet Is From California," "Saturn Nights," "It's Life," "Tomorrow" and "Don't Cry Baby," just to name a few.

Dan became a born-again Christian and left America in 1977 to make solo records as a Christian Contemporary artist at a time when such a career move was unheard of. Whether you are religious or not, Dan's solo albums are definitely worth checking out, especially his first four from 1978 through 1987. Although these albums contain songs with an openly Christian perspective, they contain the same alluring harmony and pop craftsmanship that marks his work with America: well-paced tracks, catchy melodies, sophisticated instrumentation and harmony.

All Things Are Possible, recorded in the summer of 1978, was his first solo album. Released on Pat Boone's Home Sweet Home Records, the album was recorded in Los Angeles and mixed in Nashville under the guiding hand of producer Chris Christian.

The most famous track is of course the title track, which was a big hit in CCM circles and actually briefly hit the lower end of the pop charts in 1979 (at a time when America's own Silent Letter album couldn't muster any hits). It contains Dan's trademark high vocals, soaring strings, and a very catchy and inspiring refrain.

"Divine Lady" is another bouncy track, with a driving saxophone, and lyrics about a woman who helped him find truth. For America fans, "Love Was Just Another Word" is the most significant track. At Chris Christian's suggestion, Dan coaxed former bandmates Gerry and Dewey into the studio to provide background vocals. The result was the final track ever released featuring the original trio together.

"He's All That's Right" is a soothing and well-constructed pop track, while "One Way" shows Dan strapping on his electric guitar and rocking out a bit. "Ready For Love" is a pleasant, somewhat anthemic piece. "Lighthouse" adds a little country flair into Dan's sound. "Forgive Me, Forgive You" is perhaps the most moving song on the album, aided by beautifully-layered strings and keyboards.

"Hometown" takes a detour from the straight Christian theme for a lighthearted romp about small-town hijinks and nostalgia, livened up by Chris Christian's banjo work. The Christian angle returns with the testimonial "My Savior." The album wraps up with the more uptempo "I Have To Say Goodbye," which veers more toward the opaque lyrics from his America days.

(Dan's Christmas song, "The Star," was recorded at around the same time. Though it is not on the album, it fits well with the overall sound. You can find it on the On This Christmas Night compilation by Home Sweet Home Records.)

This is a great album from start to finish - not a weak track in the bunch. On All Things Are Possible, Dan Peek successfully melded his new Christian orientation with America's classic pop sound. Whether you are religious and seeking inspiration, or you just simply want to appreciate a solid record, don't skip All Things Are Possible. If you enjoy it, you should move on to Dan's sophomore solo album from 1984 called Doer Of The Word, also produced by Chris Christian.

Dan, you'll be missed. Thanks for the music.

This was Dan's first solo album after leaving the group America. It was also his biggest commercial hit. Released in 1979, the title song went to number 1 on the CCM charts and stayed there for 13 weeks! It also crossed over to the Billboard Pop chart and Adult Contemporary chart were it peeked at number 6 and stayed on the charts for a then record 34 weeks! Regardless of what you may read elsewhere, this was CCM's first crossover hit. Two other singles were released from this album, "Ready for Love" which was a big hit on Canadian Adult Contemporary stations, reaching number 7; and "Divine Lady" which was a hit on CCM stations in the US. It also contains what Dan described as his last song with America, Love Was Just Another Word - which features his America band mates Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. A must for CCM fans or America fans!

This was Dan's first solo album after leaving the group America. It was also his biggest commercial hit. Released in 1979, the title song went to number 1 on the CCM charts and stayed there for 13 weeks! It also crossed over to the Billboard Pop chart and Adult Contemporary chart were it peeked at number 6 and stayed on the charts for a then record 34 weeks! Regardless of what you may read elsewhere, this was CCM's first crossover hit. Two other singles were released from this album, "Ready for Love" which was a big hit on Canadian Adult Contemporary stations, reaching number 7; and "Divine Lady" which was a hit on CCM stations in the US. It also contains what Dan described as his last song with America, Love Was Just Another Word - which features his America band mates Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. A must for CCM fans or America fans!

This was Dan's first solo album after leaving the group America. It was also his biggest commercial hit. Released in 1979, the title song went to number 1 on the CCM charts and stayed there for 13 weeks! It also crossed over to the Billboard Pop chart and Adult Contemporary chart were it peeked at number 6 and stayed on the charts for a then record 34 weeks! Regardless of what you may read elsewhere, this was CCM's first crossover hit. Two other singles were released from this album, "Ready for Love" which was a big hit on Canadian Adult Contemporary stations, reaching number 7; and "Divine Lady" which was a hit on CCM stations in the US. It also contains what Dan described as his last song with America, Love Was Just Another Word - which features his America band mates Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. A must for CCM fans or America fans!

R.I.P. Dan!!! Dan passed away in his sleep yesterday, here in my home town where Dan and his extended family was from and where he was living. He was 60 years old. He will surely be greatly missed! I bought a signed copy of this book at a small get together with him playing some of his old and new songs last February. He has always touched my heart and soul with his music and book. Thank you and we will all miss you! God speed.