[Review] The Call (1982)

Not a call to revolution, but a higher calling to make great music with integrity.

Kronomyth 1: Mr. Been goes to town.

As a Christian who loves music, I have a dark confession to make: I don’t like most Christian music. I’m not talking about the hymns they sing on Sunday (although most of those are dreadful), but contemporary Christian artists. I feel a deeper connection to God listening to “Heart of the Sunrise” than I ever will listening to King + Country. I do make a distinction between Christian music and music made by Christians. Kansas, King’s X and The Call were Christians who made great music. Their faith informed their message but it wasn’t the message. Initially, The Call were lumped in with “passionate” new wave rockers such as U2 and INXS. Their first album, produced by Hugh Padgham, is of remarkably high quality and integrity. Every song is played like the world depended on its success: driving beats, crisp guitars, and Michael Been alternating between singing and shouting. The energy they generate is contagious. War Weary World, This Is Life, Bandits, Waiting for the End, those are anthems waiting for an army. That the army never arrived is one of life’s mysteries. Peter Gabriel thought they were the future, but it turned out that Wham! was the future we deserved. I’ve heard some of the later albums by The Call and, while they’re good, the band’s first album is tight as hell. You keep waiting for the machine to break down and it never does; each song seems better and more urgent than the last. Is it Christian music? No, though as a Christian living in a fallen world I can totally relate to its disappointment and desire for change. As a fan of punk rock, I can also relate to its passion and persistence. I don’t think Hugh Padgham has ever produced an album I didn’t like, but I didn’t expect to like The Call as much as I did. It’s some of the most principled rock to come out of the post-punk era and the perfect antidote for that CCMtiness you may feel inside.

Original elpee version

A1. War Weary World
A2. There’s a Heart Here
A3. Doubt
A4. This Is Life
A5. Fulham Blues
A6. Who’s That Man
B1. Upperbirth
B2. Bandits
B3. Flesh and Steel
B4. Unbearable
B5. Waiting for the End

All songs written by Michael Been.

The Players

Michael Been (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Tom Ferrier (guitar, backing vocals), Greg Freeman (bass, backing vocals), Scott Musick (drums, percussion) with Garth Hudson. Produced by Hugh Padgham.

The Plastic

Released on elpee and cassette in 1982 in the US (Mercury, 822 868-1/MCR4-1-4037).