Dallas Holm was born on November 5, 1948 in St. Paul Park, Minnesota. He states: "I became a Christian in 1965 and my life was radically and eternally transformed. My music became the means whereby I could express the dynamics of that transformation and share the reality of Christ with others". In 1977 he won a Dove Award for Song of the Year for 'Rise Again'. Here, I will be reviewing his album BEFORE YOUR THRONE (1999, Ministry Music). Gary Leach produced it and Dallas wrote all the songs himself.
'The Blood Was Red' reflects on Calvary: "Should have been you and me/Hanging on that cruel tree/It was us who caused the shame/We're the ones, we're to blame/But He came and took our place/Bore the load of sin's disgrace/Bound by sin to Calvary's tree/Shed His blood to set us free (2X)". 'Image of a Man' is a song that finds Holm thinking aloud: "Why should I care what others think?/What do I care what others say/When He has won my heart/And I have found my way?/What do I care what it may cost?/Though it may cost my all to walk the narrow path and hear His silent call".
'Our God is a Strong City' is an upbeat country number that shares great news: "The enemy comes to kill and destroy/But he can't match the strength or power of joy/Well, the enemy's army is stormin' the gates/But the Son is risen and they're a little too late/Cause our God is a strong city". The title track, 'Before Your Throne', runs over six and a half minutes. It focuses on heavenly things and is easy listening: "There is a greater mercy than man could ere conceive/There is a stronger faith/Than we would dare believe/There is a place of rest/Where we'll never feel alone/And it's here, yes it's here/Lord, it's here before Your throne".
'You are the Reason' is a pleasant praise and worship tune: "You are the Maker of everything/The Great Creator/To You I sing/Glory and honor and blessing unto the Lord/Wisdom and power/Are in the truth of Your marvelous Word (2X)". 'Here We Are' is a quiet, intimate song: "Here we are in Your presence/Lifting holy hands to You/Here we are praising Jesus/For the things He's brought us through". It dates back to 1978.
Next we have 'Heaven', a fun, light pop song: "Some people say you can be too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good/But I don't think that you can be too heavenly minded/In fact I think that thinkin' 'bout heaven is good/So I think about heaven, heaven/Heaven, it's always on my mind". Dallas Holm plays trombone on it. 'Jesus is a River of Love' is a catchy, bouncy pop track. It offers spiritual advice: "If you need a cleansing, children don't delay/There's a mighty river flowin' here today/It can wash and make you clean as you can be/So come on in, the water's fine/And it will set you free".
'Wind of the Spirit (Blow Through Me)' is an adult contemporary ballad that includes these prayerful words: "Breath of the living God/Wind of the Spirit/Blow through me/Currents of holy wind/Rush through my being/Blow/Through me". Last up is 'More Than We've Ever Dreamed', a pretty song about the afterlife: "There's more, more than we've ever dreamed/More, more than we've ever imagined/There's a brand new world that lies before us/Heaven's home is waiting for us/With more, more than we've ever dreamed".
Dallas' vocals are soothing and calming on BEFORE YOUR THRONE. Backing vocals are provided by Annagrey Labasse and Gary Leach. For the most part the material presented here is easy listening and adult contemporary in nature. Touches of gospel, country, and pop music can be heard however. Dallas makes it clear that we need God's presence and power in our daily lives. Because of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection we have forgiveness of sins and we have salvation. Our old lives are traded in for the new. We are to praise and worship God for His holiness and righteousness and for delivering us from our enemy, Satan. It is with great hope that we can look forward to heaven! I'm rating this album 85%. For more info visit www.dallasholm.com and/or connect with him on social media.