The debut recording from cutting-edge Christian rock group Daniel Amos is a country album complete with pedal steel guitars and southern accents. The first word that comes to mind about this recording is "naïve." Lyrics are simple and have a juvenile quality to them in many places -- specifically contriving the lyrics out of a natural flow to make them rhyme. The subject matter is a little peculiar at times as well. In the opening track, "Jesus Is Jehovah to Me," for example, halfway through the song it becomes clear that the song is not an affirmation of one's own beliefs, but a sharp rebuke of Jehovah's Witnesses. Also notable is "Skeptic's Song," with the unfortunate line, "Oh my, you'll fry as we wave goodbye to you." The second word that comes to mind, though, is "quality." From beginning to end this is a well-polished recording with excellent arrangements -- unsurpassed for a mid-'70s gospel group. The group's professionalism is apparent even at this early stage. Those who enjoy Daniel Amos' later work but equate country music with sour milk will be surprised to find some interesting songs here reminiscent of America, particularly "Don't Light Your Own Fire" and "Ain't Gonna Fight It," the former featuring great hand percussion work by later Daniel Amos member Alex MacDougall. This is an interesting look at the embryonic stages of one of the most creative bands in Christian music. ~ Mark W. B. Allender, All Music Guide
Terry Scott Taylor (Guitar (Acoustic)), Terry Scott Taylor (Vocals), Terry Scott Taylor (Guitar (12 String)), Daniel Amos (DA) (Main Performer), Jerry Chamberlain (Guitar (Electric)), Jerry Chamberlain (Vocals), Marty Dieckmeyer (Bass (Electric)), Steve Baxter (Guitar (Acoustic)), Steve Baxter (Vocals)
Heavily influenced by The Band, Steely Dan and The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo, D.A.'s debut full length album temporarily leaves behind the rock and roll roots of the band members earlier bands although many of the songs came from those days. Baxter's "The Bible" and "Love In A Yielded Heart" (then known as "Freedom") were both performed in the early days of Jubal's Last Band, the band that was formed in late 1972 and eventually evolved into Daniel Amos. Taylor's "William," "Dusty Road," and "'Aint Gonna Fight It" date back to 1971 and his early band Good Shephard, and "Skeptic's Song" (then known as "Resurrection") dates back at least to 1972 and his band, Judge Rainbow and the Prophetic Trumpets.
The band's recording contract with Maranatha! resulted from Jubal's Last Band's audition for the label sometime in mid 1975. Another band at the meeting, led by Darrell Mansfield, had a similar name - Jubal. The two bands decided to change their names to avoid confusion. Mansfield renamed his band Gentle Faith, and Jubal's Last Band became Daniel Amos. Not long after, D.A. recorded its first song for Maranatha!, Taylor's "'Aint Gonna Fight It." That track was released on the Various Artists album, Maranatha! 5 towards the end of that same year. That December, D.A. entered Mama Jo's Studio and began work on their first album. The album was released in early 1976.
In 2004, work began on a special 30th Anniversary Deluxe 2-disc version of the album. The collection, released on June 26, 2006, includes the full newly-remastered album, never before seen photos, bonus material, interviews and more. The second disc traced the band's evolution from various bands in the early 1970s to the formation of Daniel Amos in 1975. Also included for those who pre-ordered the collection was third disc of bonus material similar to the second.
Steve Baxter: 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Jew's Harp, Whistle, lead vocal on "The Bible," "A Servant's Prayer," "Ridin' Along" and "Love In A Yielded Heart," Master of Ceremonies for the "Sketpic's Song."
