Return to Paradise is the eleventh studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Randy Stonehill, released on September 19, 1989 by Myrrh/Word Records. The album was produced by fellow singer - songwriter Mark Heard with Stonehill co-producing.
Return to Paradise is, in some ways, a sequel and a reference to his 1976 album Welcome to Paradise. The album is more acoustic-driven, thanks to Heard's production. Heard capitalizes on the back-to-basics vibe by adding fretless and acoustic basses, pedal and lap steel guitars, fiddles, violas and percussion to the mix as well as his use of the mandolin and accordion. Stonehill's friend and fellow musician Phil Keaggy plays a 12-string guitar on the track "Love Tells No Lies."
Stonehill was the first to record Heard's song "Strong Hand of Love." Heard himself would record his version of the track on his 1990 album Dry Bones Dance and was also covered by many artists. Return to Paradise is named as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music by CCM Magazine in 2001, listing the album at number 76.
Track listing
All songs were written by Randy Stonehill, except where noted.
1. Starlings -5:05
2. Stand Like Steel -4:59
3. I Don't Want to Live Without You (Pierce Pettis) -4:14
4. Friend of Old (David Edwards) -4:05
5. You Can Still Walk Tall -5:05
6. True Blood -5:08
7. Strong Hand of Love (Mark Heard) -2:58
8. Christmas at Denny's -5:56
9. Love Tells No Lies -4:26
10. Weight of the Sky -3:35
11. Ready to Go -4:46
Radio singles
1989 "I Don't Want to Live Without You" -#24 Christian AC
1990 "Ready to Go" -#34 Christian AC
Previous release: Can't Buy a Miracle (1988)
Next release: Until We Have Wings (1990)
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