Love Beyond Reason

Chronique

Nearly every review of Love Beyond Reason focuses on its over-production. Yes, this record was terribly over-produced and nearly every ounce of musical honesty was siphoned right out of it. Yes, anyone who has heard Keith Green's or Phil Keaggy's versions of "Until Your Love Broke Through" will clearly be disappointed with Stonehill's version that appears here. Getting beyond that, the songwriting here is excellent. "The Gods of Men," "Angry Young Men," and "You're Loved Tonight" are great songs -- just way too glossy and restrained. Given the Wild Frontier treatment they would really shine. "Hymn" is a great one too (thankfully included on the half-live set Until We Have Wings), with beautiful lyrics and a gentle melody. The only truly inexcusable number here is a cheesy little ballad called "Bells." It is unfortunate that post-production took the toll that it did; this is an album that has a lot of promise.

© Mark W. B. Allender /TiVo