Customer Reviews

Welcome to Paradise

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most beloved cds available in Christian Rock. Sounds a lot like the Eagles, and some like Larry Norman (also great - he produced it) and a lot like Randy Stonehill.

Randy always seems to rise to the level of his producers - Larry does a great job in letting Randy shine. This was his first official release and the standard that all subsequent cds were judged by.

This is about the fourth Christian Rock album that I ever owned. The first was "Love Song". Good album, but definitely CSN&Y influenced. Then I got "Upon This Rock" by Larry Norman. Good. Weird, but good. Throw in Michael Omartian, and maybe The Second Chapter of Acts...

All good, but not great. The first time I heard this album (early 1977), I was blown away! This is the album that made me want to learn guitar (I did). This is the album that made me want to write (I do). This is the album that made me want to produce (I do).This is the album that helped to re-establish my faith (I believe)...

Now that it is available on CD, it is great to hear it again! Does Larry overly self-promote? Sure. Are there elements missing that were on the original? Sure. The mix is different, the settings on the board are close, but you can hear the subtle changes.

This album still stands up well, and it is a much better re-release than "The Sky Is Falling" - which is missing some very nice guitar work...

This album was released in 1976. It does NOT feature Mark Heard, nor any of the DA boys; that was "The Sky Is Falling", and subsequent albums.

Does this album rock? Yes. Will it change your life? It just might. It did mine.

greg worth - rock of ages multimedia productions - roampros

THIS IS A RANDY STONEHILL ALBUM produced by Larry Norman.

Incredible album - especially created so early (1977 I think).

A lot of Eagles sound but with Randy and Larry Norman's sound as well.

VERY worth the investment.

Note - I don't think Daniel Amos (Terry Taylor, et. al) had anything to do with this album. Larry Norman produced it. Mark Heard had no input either (though he is great as well).

As a 30 year fan, I own virtually everything Randy ever released and this is, far and away, his best record (as they used to be called). This effort shows off all of his skills as a writer and performer. This is a must own for any 70's Jesus Music fan!!

Stonehill and Norman did it right, a 'MUST HAVE' for any collector! It's deffinately one of Randy's best (at least as far as the old stuff is concerned) A.S.

I saw Randy live at a youth weekend in Northern California in 1978. When the youth pastors were trying to figure out if he would speak against their doctrine Randy said something like "I don't sing amillennial, premillennial, or postmillennial. I sing about Jesus."
I purchased this record then, which he signed. When I turned back to God in 1988 this was the first record I played. Randy teaches lessons about life and makes us look at ourselves while showing us a better way. Songs like "King of Hearts, Keep Me Runnin', Lung Cancer, Good News" and more will keep your heart on the Lord. It can also help you reach others, which is what Randy continues to do today.
It is still powerful today.

Randy Stonehill / Welcome To Paradise: I confess that I am not a big Randy Stonehill fan but of all his albums, this one is the best. The first two tracks, "King of Hearts" and "Keep Me Running" are classic songs, but the rest of the album is good but not exceptional. I like the album, I just don't love it as other do, so I give it Four Stars. However, it is well worth hearing and owning.

I borrowed this record once and played it till I memorized it. I fell in love with it, from start to finish. Pure genius! Each tune is unique not just musically but lyrically. Randy covers many topics such as coming to Christ in 'King Of Hearts', the futility of chasing wealth in 'I"m A Winner', and the comical but sobering "Lung Cancer'. 'Christmas Song for All Year Round' never fails to move me, despite being an unsentimental type that I am!
Though I am biased when it came to being cool musically, this lp is neither too mellow or too heavy. I keep thinking of either Roger Mcguinn or Tom Petty when I hear this.
If you long for the good old days of Jesus freak music, this is for you. Just get out those patched jeans and sing along. Keep 'em coming brother Randy!

It takes me back to Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean mountain in Arkansas. Songs that seemed to mean so much more than just the words - it was a magical time and Randy Stonehill's music was often the focal point.

When I first heard Sir Stonehill, he blew me away! Simple music words of life and from the heart. Stonehill + Norman = many blessed!
God Bless!