Rich Mullins "Pictures In The Sky"
by Bruce A. Brown
CCM Magazine April 1987
Most rookie artists would be proud to have a sophmore release as good as Pictures in the Sky. But most new artists in the past few years didn't have a debut as outstanding as Rich Mullins. everything about that record, from the self-deprecating cover (which pictured the artist sporting a "Rich Mullins" T-shirt with the top of his head missing!) to the superior songwriting, set Mullins apart from the crowd. Almost everything about Mullins' follow-up, however, shows Mullins trying to fit into that mold that he so effortlessly broke out of on his first LP.
Specifically, Mullins is haunted by Elvis Costello disease, a songwriter's malady which finds a series of cleverly turned phrases not quite adding up to
a whole song. Mullins seems to have been influenced a great deal by Michael W. Smith in the past year, but Pictures in the Sky displays none of Smith's keyboard prowess or arranging abilities. Possessing only an average voice, Mullins first released an album whose strength was the economy of lyric and arrangement coupled with knowledge of how far not to push his voice. The new record carries that challenge no farther vocally and displays little of Mullins' charm and wit. In fact, the lone outstanding track on the first side is "Faith Without Works" ("Screen Door"), a Bobby McFerrin/Manhattan Transfer vocal novelty that could almost
be labeled a throwaway.
Mullins redeems the album on side two with three very good songs and two others that are quite strong. "Steal at Any Price" finds him looking into people's lives through Christ's eyes and experiencing their pain as Jesus would. The title track features a nice piano bridge a la Bruce Hornsby while "Could Be A
Celebration" lays down a sinewy Latin groove.
The R&B workout of "It Don't Do" is a clever reminder not to put the cart before the horse, and "What Trouble Are Giants" is a hilarious paraphrase of the David and Goliath story.
It's hard to imagine that the writer of such classic songs as "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" and "Love of Another Kind" couldn't come up with stronger
material for his second album. Perhaps the excellence of Mullins' first album made me expect that much better a follow-up. But, I'll be content with the half-dozen quality tracks here and hope that Rich hits his stride next time around.
Rich Mullins "Pictures In The Sky"
by Devlin Donaldson
Gospel Music Today July/August/September 1987
Having written hit songs for Amy Grant "Sing Your Praise To The Lord", "Doubly Good To You" and "Love Of Another Kind" and having recorded a succesful debut album, Rich Mullins is making a name for himself in the Christian Music world. This new effort should further enhance his reputation.
Pictures in the Sky is a wonderful album that covers a variety of emotions and timely subjects. For example, Mullins offers caring admonitions in "It Don't Do", while in "Be With You" he represents a grim view of the end of the world and expresses his desire to be with the Lord. In contrast, "Screen Door" is a fun, ironic song.
Musically, this album's pop stylings are a joy to listen to. To sum it up, Pictures in the Sky, is a real pop record about real topics, and it's definitely a winner.
Rich Mullins "Pictures In The Sky"
by ?
Cash Box February 14, 1987
Rich Mullins’ second LP is some work of art. His songs, which he wrote or co-wrote, deal with emotions as they relate to faith. Simple, yet intense, mel
odies emphasize his lyrics. Highlights include the inspiring “Verge Of A Miracle,” the ballad “Be With You” and the acapella-harmonies on the ‘50’s
style “Faith Without Works” (“is about as useless as a screen door on a submarine”). These are pictures you won’t want to miss.
