Wayne Watson was born on October 5, 1954. He released his debut album WORKIN’ IN THE
FINAL HOUR in 1980. He has had an
impressive 23 #1 singles on Christian radio.
In addition he has won 12 Dove Awards and has had a couple of Grammy
nominations. In 2011 he was inducted
into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.
His bio says: “To say his vocal stylings and lyrics of open, honest
communication of God’s presence in everyday life circumstances helped lay the
foundation on which today’s contemporary Christian music is built would in no
way be an overstatement”. In 2002 Wayne
released LIVING ROOM (Spring Hill Music Group).
It was produced by his oldest son Neal and executive produced by Wayne
and Phil Johnson.
‘Grace’ is a mellow, modern adult contemporary song that
finds Wayne thinking out loud: “Unworthy on my best day/Unworthy at my worst/To
receive this blessing that You give me freely/Grace keeps giving me things I
don’t deserve/Mercy keeps withholding things I do/Words that seldom fail
me/Leave me looking for the words/To express my gratitude”. Wayne’s youngest son Adam co-wrote the
beautiful adult contemporary song ‘Cry of my Heart’ with him. Wayne, Adam, and Christy Nockels are on
backing vocals. This song finds Wayne
sure of his purpose: “You have trusted me with this message/For the nations of
the world/Set a fire in me and keep it burning/So the people know, ‘til
everyone has heard/It’s the cry of my heart to follow You/It’s the cry of my
heart/I feel it deep in my soul/I want to lose control/It’s the cry of my heart
to follow You”.
Gary Burnette plays great electric guitar on ‘Somebody
Sing’, a happy rock and roll song of celebration: “Every day there’s something
to be thankful for/There’s a reason to be glad/You are not alone/And here’s
something else/Jesus lived and died and He rose again/To overcome death and
hell/Somebody sing, everybody breathe Him in/Somebody sing, everybody say
‘Amen’”. ‘Glorify Your Name’ uses a six
person choir that includes Michael Mellet, Lisa Bevill, and Nirva
Dorsaint. It is a reverent praise and
worship song: “Almighty God, how majestic is Your Name/Every knee will bow and
every tongue will praise and/Glorify, glorify Your Name/We will glorify,
glorify Your Name/And together the redeemed, all forgiven will proclaim/’We will
glorify, glorify Your Name’”.
‘The Promise’ is a light pop song on the topic of
marriage. Unfortunately years after this
album came out Wayne and Lynn divorced.
Here are some of the words to the song: “And in the end may it be said
of us/And of this love we share/We were tried and true/And we danced to the
song of our Maker/That is my desire, this is my prayer/Chances are we won’t
cross the finish line together/I want to love you so you’ll miss me if I’m
gone/And this flame will leave a smile upon your face/And love you so you can’t
recall the valleys for the mountains/That grace will overwhelm any tears/That
cannot be undone by time and space”.
‘Something’s Gonna Humble You’ brings the funk musically and warns
against pride: “What are you countin’ on to never, never leave you/Never betray
you, never deceive you?/Stocks and bonds, fast cars and land/Perfect kids, a
big ‘ole house/All this vanity, man/Well, God will not be mocked, make no
mistake/You better humble yourself before it’s too late/He might just tap you
on the shoulder, drop a pebble on your head/Or drop a boulder in your path to
stop you in your tracks cold”.
‘Long Way From the Manger’ is a spiritual check-up: “Is this
progress that we’re making/Or should we maybe be ashamed?/Not an easy question
and the answers disappear/Behind these mountains of pride/If anything we’re
doing breaks Your heart or brings You tears/Before I wander any further, give
me eyes to see it clear/We’re a long way from the manger/From the pure, from
the simple Divine/Long way from the innocence of a Stranger/Is this what You
had in mind?” ‘Dreaming Again’ is a
ballad that uses the sound of chimes and includes backing vocals by Christy
Nockels. This song reminds us that we
can’t change the past and should look forward to what God has in store for us
now: “What is past is past/What is done is over/I will not go back and relive
what’s best forgotten/I can’t say why/Why healing is so painful/Or why it takes
so long for old memories to fade/I’m dreaming again, believing again/That God
will use me is the prayer of my heart/I’m here for the taking, this is only the
start/I’m dreaming again”.
‘Climb on Up’ contains a catchy chorus of encouragement:
“Come on, climb on up here with me/You can do it, yes you can/Come on, climb on
up here with me/Higher ground, promised land”.
‘Steal Me Away’ is a co-write with Adam Watson. It ends the album on a prayerful note: “Steal
me away, steal me away/From the devils and the dealers/That never satisfy
me/Steal me away, steal me away/And wrap me in Your arms where nothing else can
ever steal me away”.
LIVING ROOM showcases Wayne Watson’s trademark smooth, warm
vocals. Wayne also plays acoustic guitar
and piano on the album. This is a mighty
fine adult contemporary album that I recommend to fans of Matthew West, Chris
Tomlin, and Bebo Norman. Wayne’s two
sons help him achieve a relevant, contemporary, reflective sound here, that
could be described as devotional and laid back.
I’m rating LIVING ROOM 90%. My
copy comes with a second disc of bonus material that collectors will
appreciate. For more info visit: www.waynewatson.com.