THIS ALBUM HAS HAD THREE COVERS.  HERE THEY ARE ...

ORIGINALCOVER

CURRENT COVER

SECOND COVER


WELCOME BACK (1995)

By the early 90’s, many CCM albums had been digitally remastered and re-released  on CD.

The boys were frustrated by the fact that the first Love Song album, one of the most iconic in CCM history, had never been released this way, and maybe would not ever be. Tommy Coomes had been on staff with Maranatha! Music for many years, and brought up the idea to re-record the original songs as faithfully as possible to release them on the Maranatha! label.  Many artists such as Roy Orbison and Little Richard had already successfully done this, giving their classic songs the benefit of modern technology. It was agreed to pursue this, and early planning began. Then, almost as if someone had been surreptitiously privy to this idea, the albums began all of a sudden to appear on CD. This put the brakes on the re-recordings, and the plan was abandoned. But Maranatha! was still excited about getting something recorded by the group for release on their label. An album of brand new songs was suggested but the amount of work that would have been involved became too daunting, and that idea was also jettisoned. What did seem possible however, were new versions of the classic songs.  The boys considered rethinking the songs themselves, but they felt that no matter how creative they might become, there would not be enough difference in their new versions to make the album stand out.

Finally the idea came about to hire some of the best studio players in LA to spin off the musical tracks, with the boys doing more complex versions of their famous vocal sounds. This plan seemed like a winner, and old friend Bill Schnee was hired to provide his studio and engineering expertise.

LA session veterans were hired to play on the tracking sessions. Ron Tutt, who was Elvis’ drummer for many years was booked. Another old friend and former member of the Chuck Girard Band, John Patitucci agreed to play bass. Rounded out by Hadley Hockensmith and Tim Pierce on guitars, and Alan Pasqua on keyboards, the boys had a stellar band to take their songs to the next level. The tracking dates went superbly, with everyone bringing something unique to the table. It was clear that this would not be a tired retread of old material, but a fresh and vibrant take on these iconic songs, without losing the original heart and soul of these very personal musical statements.

After tracking, work began in a studio in the Hollywood Hills on the most important vocal backgrounds and lead vocals. Stan Endicott was hired to help the boys put together some unique and different vocal treatments, again keeping in mind the original emotions of the earlier versions. After recording was finished, Bill Schnee mixed the very special album.

It is not often that artists are given the privilege of reinventing their earlier material, and Love Song is very happy that they were given this opportunity. Many folks prefer the original versions, but many also appreciate the fresh listening experience hearing these newer versions afford. Maybe it’s best to enjoy both!

TRACK LISTING
1. A Love Song
2. Little Country Church
3. Let Us Be One
4. Little Pilgrim
5. Two Hands
6. Freedom
7. Take No Chances
8. Feel the Love
9. Changes
10. Front Seat, Back Seat
11. The Cossack Song
12. And the Wind Was Low
13. Welcome Back
14. Jesus Puts the Song in Our Hearts