Those fans who have been eagerly awaiting Dave’s new release, which follows the excellent CALL album in 1997 will not be disappointed. LONG WAY HOME is a Christian album, and whilst this type of music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, make no mistake, this album is jam packed with superb songs which are finely crafted by this underrated songsmith. Dave’s lyrics are an inspiration for us all, and if only we could all take time out to listen to the message conveyed here, maybe the world would be a more tolerant and peaceful planet.

LORD HEAR MY PRAYER

This humble and beautiful track is a perfect opening for this fine album and sets the general tone. Starting with a beautiful lush lyric followed by a beautiful yet simple chord with Dave’s voice marrying things together. The message from the song is simple “When You Hear Me Call, won’t you smile on me once more. I’m so loaded down with care. I know you can hear me where I am”.

PATHWAYS

A nice and easy piano intro merges into an orchestral keyboard, which sounds like a Mark Knopler song waiting for the great man’s guitar to break through. This instrumental is enchantingly very simple, and is no less effective for that. With a few plays you simply can’t get the tune out of your head. Would be great to hear this tune on a film sound track.

SELAH MILLENYA

Mandy joins forces with Dave on this track. “God is in his heaven, you are on the earth”. Leads into some great harmonies between the two which are very Beatle’ish at times whilst still portraying the Christian message.

RUNAWAY

Notwithstanding the title, Dave’s voice occasionally sounds like Del Shannon here at times. Some of the lyrics are so compelling “If you call on Him just admit the state you are in, the promise is clear, it’s written in here, he wants you to know he will never let go.”

THE DAY OF GOD’S FAVOUR

One of the best tracks on the album, and another track which is beautiful in it’s simplicity (not easy to achieve). Music and lyrics gel in a perfect harmony, the message once more builds into an overwhelming Christian anthem which is difficult to ignore.

BEN’S SONG

The first few chords have shades of ‘Ballroom Dancing’ by Paul McCartney, but quickly fades away. An uptempo and endearing track with an optimistic message, and a bouncy feelgood factor for everyone. “The lord is greater that anything” which is a strong message. The chorus line “Lord you are my everything, everything I need, you gave me a song to sing and a love for all eternity”. Powerful and compelling.

AGES OF GLORY

Elephants stampeding on the intro! Followed by upbeat drum sound, leading into a much slower and easy going tune where Dave’s voice sounds at times Lennon’ish and washes beautifully over you before grabbing you and not letting your emotions loose.

SOME SAY

On a personal level, I consider this is the best track from a purely listening point of view. Very commercial sounding track with many shades and aspects of an ‘Earthrise’ song. Dave’s vocals have never sounded better than on this track. A nice and easy intro flows smoothly into Dave’s vocals. The message, as on all tracks is an equally compelling one. If people can find time to listen to Dave’s lyrics it will give a lot of food for thought. Superb arrangements throughout.

THIS IS MY PRAYER

A reworking of the song that was included on Dave’s previous album CALL. I found it difficult initially to know why this track had been re-recorded as the original track was so good. But on listening to the new recording, and then the old track back to back, they both stand up in their own right, but in my opinion the new recording is an improvement. A beautiful and longer intro into the vocals than the original recording, with Dave’s sympathetic vocals perfectly marrying together to form the perfect Christian message, “Teach me Lord, reach me Lord, teach me of your ways.” Simply a joy to listen to.

BIG WHEELS

For ELO fans this is not a cover version of the bands track of the same name from the ‘Out Of The Blue’ album! Don’t be disappointed though. There is a beautiful and haunting piano which leads the way into a track of pure magic. How can anyone ignore such fine lyrics as “Up and down the avenue the devil is loose, he knows the number on your door, he’s got permission to start cooking your goose if you don’t start praising the lord”. Simply a wonderful and totally optimistic message.

LONG WAY HOME

The title track is a fine and moving anthem which like Ages Of Glory - see’s Dave’s voice at times very John Lennon from John’s ‘Double Fantasy’ album. A wonderful and appropriate track to end the album with some excellent and crisp guitar work throughout. Long Way Home is both for Christians and non-Christians alike and can be enjoyed whether you get into the lyrics or not. The album is lyrically spot on for todays fast and demanding world. These finely crafted and well sung songs are well produced and don’t miss a trick, it’s time Dave Morgan’s standing was properly acknowledged and given the credit his musical talent deserves.

Review by Alan Heath