Diamonds and Rain
Encyclopedia
Diamonds and Rain is the third studio album from Christian alternative rock band The Choir, released in 1986. It is the first release under the band's new moniker after dropping "Youth" from their name.
The original title of the album was Love and Fear, but the band was encouraged to find a more poetic way of expressing those themes—hence Diamonds and Rain.
The black-and-white photograph on the rear of the album was the band's first choice for the front cover. They were not particularly pleased with the final artwork, especially the color-tinted photographs, and were thrilled when the album went out of print.
was the band's first choice as producer, and although many songs benefit from his perfectionist work ethic, some critics at the time pointed out that Peacock's musical style overwhelmed the record, especially with songs like "Kingston Road," which would have been more appropriate for one of his solo releases. To that end, the sound of the album edges closer to pop
than anything The Choir ever recorded. However, Steve Hindalong
's lyrics are far more complex than what was typical for Christian radio at the time, given the dark imagery in "Black Cloud" and "(You Do That) Triangle," which addresses alcoholism
.
Myrrh Records
promoted this album heavily with ads that loudly proclaimed, "The Youth Choir has grown up!" As a result, "Fear Only You" generated another hit single for the band on Christian radio, although "Render Love" is arguably the band's most enduring composition from this album.
. All music composed by Derri Daugherty
, unless otherwise noted.
The original title of the album was Love and Fear, but the band was encouraged to find a more poetic way of expressing those themes—hence Diamonds and Rain.
The black-and-white photograph on the rear of the album was the band's first choice for the front cover. They were not particularly pleased with the final artwork, especially the color-tinted photographs, and were thrilled when the album went out of print.
Recording history
Charlie PeacockCharlie Peacock
Charlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California Peacock was inspired by John Coltrane and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Peacock formed a band and began a career as a professional...
was the band's first choice as producer, and although many songs benefit from his perfectionist work ethic, some critics at the time pointed out that Peacock's musical style overwhelmed the record, especially with songs like "Kingston Road," which would have been more appropriate for one of his solo releases. To that end, the sound of the album edges closer to pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
than anything The Choir ever recorded. However, Steve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
's lyrics are far more complex than what was typical for Christian radio at the time, given the dark imagery in "Black Cloud" and "(You Do That) Triangle," which addresses alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
.
Myrrh Records
Myrrh Records
Myrrh Records, also known as Myrrh Worship, is a Christian music record label. According to Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music, the label was instrumental in developing a popular following for Contemporary Christian music as the label that first published music by Barry McGuire, 2nd Chapter of...
promoted this album heavily with ads that loudly proclaimed, "The Youth Choir has grown up!" As a result, "Fear Only You" generated another hit single for the band on Christian radio, although "Render Love" is arguably the band's most enduring composition from this album.
Track listing
All lyrics written by Steve HindalongSteve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
. All music composed by Derri Daugherty
Derri Daugherty
Derri Daugherty is an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist and singer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for band The Choir....
, unless otherwise noted.
- "Fear Only You" (Music by Daugherty, Tim Chandler) – 3:53
- "Render Love" (Music by Charlie Peacock) – 4:46
- "All That Is You" (Music by Daugherty, Chandler) – 3:27
- "Black Cloud" (Music by Hindalong, Peacock) – 3:41
- "I Painted Mercy" (Music by Daugherty, Peacock) – 4:16
- "Kingston Road" (Lyrics and music by Peacock) – 3:40
- "Listen To Her Eyes" – 3:22
- "(You Do That) Triangle" – 3:18
- "Love Falls Down" – 3:14
- "When The Morning Comes" – 4:27
The Choir
- Derri DaughertyDerri DaughertyDerri Daugherty is an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist and singer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for band The Choir....
- lead vocals, guitars - Steve HindalongSteve HindalongSteve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
- drums, percussion - Tim ChandlerTim ChandlerTim Chandler is a bass guitar player, best known for his work with the rock bands Daniel Amos, The Swirling Eddies and The Choir....
- bass guitar - Dan Michaels - woodwinds
Additional musicians
- Charlie PeacockCharlie PeacockCharlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California Peacock was inspired by John Coltrane and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Peacock formed a band and began a career as a professional...
- keyboards, background vocals - Bill BatstoneBill BatstoneBill Batstone is an American guitarist, bassist, composer and singer/songwriter.In 1970, Batstone started his first band Rebirth, with David Diggs, including percussionist Alex MacDougall. Later Batstone would go on to form Good News with Diggs and Erick Nelson...
- acoustic guitars, background vocals - Jerry ChamberlainJerry ChamberlainJerry Chamberlain , is a United States singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, best known for his work with the rock bands Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies ....
- background vocals
Production
- Producer - Charlie PeacockCharlie PeacockCharlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California Peacock was inspired by John Coltrane and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Peacock formed a band and began a career as a professional...
- Engineer - Mike Mierau
- Assistant Engineer - Paul Abajian
- Mixer - Martin Heyes at Surrey Sound, Leatherhead, England
- Mastering - Bernie Grundman
- Art Direction - Roland Young
- Photography - Nancy French
- Management - Brian Martin