Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth is the third studio album by Christian singer -songwriter Rich Mullins, released in 1988 on Reunion Records.
Considered a breakthrough album, Winds of Heaven... features his contemporary worship song classic "Awesome God." The song is now sung in churches worldwide, particularly the chorus, in worship settings. "Awesome God" is ranked number one in CCM Magazine's 2006 book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. The album itself made the list in their 2001 book The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music at number 31.
Winds of Heaven... features a who's who in Christian music contributing vocals and instruments such as Michael W. Smith (Mullins' Reunion Records label mate) playing acoustic piano on "If I Stand," Bonnie Keen and Mel Tunney of the vocal trio First Call providing backing vocals on "Such A Thing As Glory" and Reunion Records label mates Kim Hill and Billy Sprague are among the singers singing the chorus of "Awesome God." Mullins also covers Scottish singer and songwriter Dougie MacLean's track "Ready for the Storm." The album also has some world beat influences on tracks like "The Other Side of the World" and "How Can I Keep Myself From Singing."
"Awesome God" earned Mullins his second Dove Award nomination as a songwriter for Song of the Year (Mullins was previously nominated for Song of the Year in 1983 for "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," the Age to Age track from Amy Grant). Mullins makes his first chart appearance on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart with Winds of Heaven... peaking at number 8. The album is produced by Reed Arvin.
Track listing
All songs were written by Rich Mullins, except where noted.
1. The Other Side of the World -2:43
2. With the Wonder -4:30
3. Awesome God -3:03
4. If I Stand (acoustic piano by Michael W. Smith) (Rich Mullins, Steve Cudworth)
-3:45
5. Home -4:04
6. Such A Thing As Glory -2:43
7. ...And I Love You -3:53
8. Ready for the Storm (Dougie MacLean) -3:40
9. One True Love (Rich Mullins, Steve Cudworth) -4:07
10. How Can I Keep Myself From Singing -3:55
Radio singles
1988 "Awesome God" -#3 Christian CHR, #1 Christian AC
1988 -1989 "The Other Side of the World" -#13 Christian CHR, #5 Christian AC
1989 "If I Stand" -#8 Christian CHR, #3 Christian AC
1989 "Such A Thing As Glory" -#9 Christian CHR, #28 Christian AC
1989 "Ready for the Storm" -#11 Christian AC
Previous release: Pictures in the Sky (1987)
Next release: Never Picture Perfect (1990)
Watch the music video of "The Other Side of the World" (with lyrics) here:
Watch the music video of "How Can I Keep Myself from Singing" here:
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