Larry Norman

Voted in 1990 by CCM magazine as the greatest Christian album ever recorded, this record truly shines with great lyrics sung to great melodies. Even if you don't believe in the rapture, the power and passion of "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" is unmistakable and understatedly intense. Other songs such as "The Outlaw" take on the ballad song form to sing about Jesus in a timeless Dylan-esque manner. "The Great American Novel" sings through tears of despair about hypocrisy among both Christians and non-Christians alike. This is the record that begat a thousand clichés, but the sincerity with which Norman's message is delivered belies any skepticism for the triteness of his words. Sarcasm and humor also grace this record in the form of "I Am the Six O'Clock News" and "Reader's Digest." This record is a one-of-a-kind collection. ~ Mark W. B. Allender, All Music Guide