Michael & Stormie Omartian

White Horse ABC/Dunhill 1974
Jeremiah
Silver Fish
White Horse
Christian rock went high-tech with this producer/keyboardist's mainstream release, later picked up for the Christian market by Myrrh records. Artsy, progressive rock compositions with some pop hooks and contemplative moments, all with sparkling clean production giving synthesizer lovers plenty of opportunity to drool while cranking up their expensive stereos. Has remained a classic over the years. Re-issued on CD in the 90s, it is now out of print again. The original Dunhill issue has a nice gatefold cover. KS

Adam Again Myrrh 1977
Ain't You Glad
See This House
Here He Comes
Fine follow-up retains a professional sound despite the lack of mainstream label attention this time. The progressive edge is less apparent, but instrumental solo excursions remain on the lengthy 'Alive And Well' and 'Here He Comes', the latter recounting the return of Christ "through the smog". Not quite the FM radio sound, but not really top 40 poprock either. Omartian's unique keyboard-driven rock finds a nice middle ground. Yes, it's orchestrated at times and yes there's even a disco tune 'Whatchersign', forgivable since 1) disco wasn't nauseating yet and 2) it's good disco (I know I know oxymoron). Guitar whiz Larry Carlton graces a couple cuts. KS

Seasons Of The Soul Myrrh 1979
Ms. Past
Travel On With Me
Wife Stormie was certainly not inactive on Michael's first two albums - in fact she was the composer of the lyrics for all her husband's tunes. On Seasons of The Soul she continues in that role but also finds a welcome spot in sharing lead vocals. By this time the transition to pop rock was complete. Proggies thirsting for more 'White Horse' meanderings will probably balk on this one, but Michael happens to a be a top-notch producer and the tunes are catchy, plus Phil Keaggy's on lead guitar, resulting in one of the better "ccm" albums to my recollection. Bouncy, sometimes lightly jazzed up Steely Dan style. Stormie takes over on the ballads which sound aimed at that holy zone known as radio play. It ain't rock 'n roll but it ain't bad either and it sure beats 90% of the gook coming out of those softie stations. KS

Also see:
Armageddon Experience