NEW TO THE MUSIC OF LARRY NORMAN?
THESE ARE THE ALBUMS TO START WITH!
ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET (The Trilogy part 1) - CD
$8.99
In April 2014, Only Visiting This Planet was announced as one of 25 sound recordings inducted for 2013 into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry,
citing it as a "cultural, artistic and historical treasure,
representing the richness and diversity of the American
soundscape". More than four decades after its release, Planet
is also regarded as a landmark recording in the history of contemporary
Christian music. Originally released in 1972, the album was voted in
1990 by CCM magazine as the greatest Christian album ever recorded. We
can't say we disagree ;-) The All Music Guide says that "this record
truly shines with great lyrics sung to great melodies... 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 cliches, 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."
IN ANOTHER LAND (The Trilogy Part 3) - CD
$10.99
Factory Pressing. In Another Land is honest, raw and humble. Larry Norman, with this album, showed he was a force to be reckoned with in mainstream Christian music. 1972's Only Visiting the Planet had already taken root and shook the hallowed doors of CCM. 1976's In Another Land took it farther, producing a seminal inspiration to musicians for over 30 years. Now, as his songs have been covered by everyone from DC Talk to Frank Black (Pixies), it is worth looking at the originals. In Another Land contains some of his most well-known songs, including "The Rock That Doesn't Roll," "Righteous Rocker #3," "Why Don't You Look Into Jesus," and "I Am a Servant."
SO LONG AGO THE GARDEN (The Trilogy Part 2) - CD
$5.99
So Long Ago The Garden, part two of a trilogy that included Only Visiting This Planet and In Another Land, was attacked by the Christian press when it came out in 1973. Controversial at the time for both its lyrical content and "provocative" album cover, it has gone on to become one of the most respected releases in Larry Norman's career. Many people call it their favorite.