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Written from Brisbane, Australia
From a crucible of intense personal pain and loss, emerges something extremely profound and precious. I Dream of Heaven, Alan Parks’ most recent CD, completely envelopes you with powerful messages of hope, peace and assurance and immediately turns your heart towards heaven.
With producer, Rick Morris, Alan has created a masterpiece, perfectly combining contemporary melodies with classic gospel hymns. From the first bar of the opening track, "Meeting in the Air", with its brilliant instrumental interlude, to the spectacular finale of "He’s always been faithful", all twelve songs speak messages of hope and triumph. Each track, carried along by beautiful instrumental accompaniment and superb vocalisation, shows perfect timing, placement and sound.
For over thirty years, Alan Parks’ albums have warmed the hearts of Christians around the world. Those wholesome, harmonic arrangements of our favourite hymns have crossed cultural, geographical and generational barriers. For those who have long admired Alan’s rich voice and easy style, this new CD will not disappoint. His soothing renditions of beautiful hymns like "Face to Face" and "Day by Day" whisper words of tremendous comfort and cheer. I love the way that magnificent old hymn "When we all get to Heaven" seems to burst forth triumphantly from the CD with yet another message of hope.
Alan has written three incredible songs for this album. "Just Two", created in the quietness and loneliness of night, is a most tender song. In a mood of tranquillity, with its almost ethereal melody played by Alan on his keyboard, this sweet reassuring song draws the listener immediately into God’s presence, soothing the soul and settling the heart. In “Some Things", Alan does not skirt around difficult life questions but leaves the listener in no doubt about God‘s unfailing promises that He will supply all the necessary strength to face whatever trials may come our way, until we reach the safety and healing of home. Another of Alan’s originals, "On a Golden Street", is sure to pull at the heart strings as he draws the listener right inside, to sense something of the immensity of personal grief and aloneness. But in typical Parks’ style, he doesn’t leave you there. Tightly and brilliantly woven into those painful distresses are glorious glimpses of heaven. Sung with the tenderness of one who has been through such experiences, you soon discover that you are winging your way heavenwards to see a compassionate and caring Saviour.
For those who know Alan personally, or have at least heard him preach or read his written ministry, you will be accustomed to the unique manner in which he is able to blend absolute honesty with gentle persuasion. I really admire the way he does not attempt to dress up those feelings of intense pain. But instead, brilliantly etched into every track is the radiating power of God’s promises. 'I Dream of Heaven' is clearly much more that a collection of themed songs and beautiful music. Alan obviously wants his listeners to be enriched, blessed and healed by these songs.
The gift of song writing is certainly shared by Alan’s brother, Dr Lindsay Parks. "More of Heaven" is an exquisite song, with a profound message and an honesty that may cause tears to flow. It is with that same passion, clarity and heart that won us over to their music, three decades ago, that gives reassurance to those who have farewelled Christian loved ones that they are ‘safely in God’s hand’. A more precious place can’t be imagined.
And if that message isn’t enough to get us through the hard times, then the wistful lyrics of "Just Enough Clouds" are sure to gently embrace us with the reality that God only allows the right amount of clouds to cover our skies in order that He may create something beautiful and lasting in our lives for Him. With sweet uncluttered accompaniment, this little song will stay with you for a long time. Again in Alan’s typically uplifting style, "More than we’ve ever dreamed" points out that God’s mercies are new each morning and that His grace is sufficient for our journey home. Wow! What messages of hope for the world-wearied traveller! In a different way, "Homesick", a contemporary song, tries to make meaning out of loss. But it finishes with the tremendous truth that ’in Christ’ there are no goodbyes. With Alan, we grasp hold of these amazing promises.
I can‘t finish without referring to the CD booklet - itself a little treasure. Written in Alan’s genuine, heart-warming style, it includes illuminating word pictures, song lyrics and charming, natural photographs of Alan, his production team, musicians and vocalists. These photographs have been taken by Tim Kelly, a talented professional photographer, musician and close friend of Alan’s.
As you listen to this new CD, I’m sure you too will be filled with a renewed longing for His coming - a reality that will one day replace the dreams we have of heaven! No wonder, we find ourselves gazing longingly towards home, as we again hit the repeat button on our CD player!
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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