Connie Scott was born in British Columbia, Canada in 1964. Early on she performed with the Scott Family Singers and later she toured as a duo with her sister Sherri. Connie released her solo debut, HEARTBEAT, in 1983. I quite liked 1987's HOLD ON. Fast forward to 1989 and she released FOREVER YOUNG (Image 7 Records). It was produced and arranged by Roy Salmond and executive produced by her husband Grant Saip. In the liner notes, she writes: "Thanks to all the special people in my life whose love for the Lord and strong belief in this project made it more than I could have hoped for".
Mark Gersmehl of White Heart wrote 'Wild Horse Running'. It's an adult pop song of encouragement: "Deep within the centre of your soul/There's a land where the winds of freedom blow/And there's a wild horse running/Feel the sunlight fall upon your face/And let the Spirit in you dance/He's given you a heart of poetry and grace/So let the life of love/Start a new romance". 'The World's Last Night' is a terrific inspirational anthem about Christ's return to earth: "On wings of a cloud/We'll see Him coming, coming/A trumpet will sound and we'll behold the Lord of light/Creation aloud/Will sing a new day's dawning/Jesus is coming/Wait for the world's last night". A children's choir is used to good effect.
'Who Do You Give Your Heart To' finds Dave Pickell on piano and Harris Van Burkel on lead guitar. Connie co-wrote this adult contemporary ballad with Roy and Gayle Salmond. It invites a friend to become a Christian: "Take a chance/Step from behind your wall of fear/Have courage, friend/To trust in a God who wants to hear your brokenness/Loneliness/The heartache you conceal/The tattered dress of bitterness/The scars that never heal". 'Will You Follow' is a slow adult contemporary spiritual invitation: "Will you follow or will you run away from the One who loves you?/His love is full and free and it's here to stay/Oh, His love is here for you".
Pete Wisstoff and Donny Hackett wrote 'All That He Wants', while the late Tom Howard is responsible for strings and piano. This pop/rock song encourages folks to come to Christ: "Face the truth, forget the lies/It's no use/Leave your alibis/He hears your cries/And it's all that He wants/To give you all you're looking for/That was then, this is now/Make it better than before". Dale Oliver and Billy Smiley wrote 'The Longest Road'. Jim Woodyard plays 12 String Acoustic Guitar. It's a cry for spiritual direction: "You know my heart is true/Oh Lord, I want to live for You/But how many times has my head turned away/From seeing the truth and following You?"
'Cover Feelings' is a relationship song: "If memories could kill tomorrow/Then nothing could be saved/There is such a thing as starting over/Love can give us strength to try". 'When Morning Gilds the Skies' is a hymn dating back to the 1800's. Scott's version is great. It uses a choir and speaks of true refuge: "Does sadness fill my mind?/A solace here I find/May Jesus Christ be praised/Or fades my earthly bliss/My comfort still is this/May Jesus Christ be praised".
What follows is 'The Coming Dawn'. It offers great hope: "Like eagles you shall fly/You'll soar the open sky/Singing heaven's song/Your blood will flow with fire/You'll run and never tire/In the coming dawn". Last up is the title track, 'Forever Young', penned by Bob Dylan in 1973. Michael Hart plays dulcimer and dobro on this classic song of goodwill: "May you grow up to be righteous/May you grow up to be true/May you always know the truth/And see the light surrounding you/May you always be courageous/Stand up right and be strong/May you stay/Forever young!"
FOREVER YOUNG is a fantastic album! It spans several musical styles including rock, adult contemporary, and inspirational. Connie Scott desires to live for God with all she has and invites us all to come into personal relationship with Him. He is a Refuge in times of trouble and has our very best interests in mind. Connie celebrates the life she now lives, but also eagerly awaits Christ's return when everything will be made new. He alone is worthy of our praise. What a strong and awesome voice Connie has. I'm rating this album 98%.