(2 albums on one CD) Ace presents the first release in a reissue program that will see all of Dion's gospel albums released in their entirety. This CD couples Inside Job (originally released on Dayspring in 1980) and Only ... more »Jesus (originally released on Dayspring in 1981).« less
(2 albums on one CD) Ace presents the first release in a reissue program that will see all of Dion's gospel albums released in their entirety. This CD couples Inside Job (originally released on Dayspring in 1980) and Only Jesus (originally released on Dayspring in 1981).
CD Reviews
Dion's Entry Into Gospel Music!
Barron Laycock | Temple, New Hampshire United States | 05/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of us who love both Dion DiMucci's voice and style and folk-rock, his unexpected movement into the field of gospel music rendered several memorable albums which not only are inspirational and entertaining, but are accomplished with verve, style, and terrific production values and superb arrangements. Dion showcases his unique vocal style here, with many of the songs literally flowing along as he works his way through them effortlessly. I first came across the second of the two efforts reproduced here in the early 1980s while living in London, and it certainly found its way onto a home-made cassette for playing in my neat 1982 red English Volvo as we wandered through the sylvan English countryside with Dion providing the musical accompaniment. My favorites here are "Hearts Made Of Stone", "Sweet Surrender, and "Only Jesus". Okay, I lied. My own favorite is really "The Best", which is a short title for a wondrous word poem that tells us "the best thing I can tell you is God loves you", which is certainly a message all of us can use to advantage these troubled days. No matter how many times I hear it, the complete coda of lyrics make me misty-eyed. In short, this is a terrific album, both as a work of gospel music or as a folk-rock entry that happens to have some serious Christian intent associated with it. Dion seldom disappoints, and he can slay you with a single word just by the way he sings it. His style is truly unique, and it is lovingly showcased here. Enjoy!"
He stopped "Wandering"
Steve DeBay | Southern California | 09/12/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This combination of Dion's first 2 offerings as a born again Christian, were a highlight for me in the late 70s, early 80s. The Wanderer had come home to Jesus. And God had performed the "Inside Job" on Dion's heart. The track "The Truth Will Set You Free", still stands as the albums best. From the street gangs to Rock n Roll idol, his father's words echoed in his ears. In "Sweet Surrender" he talks about the confusion in his life until he surrendered to his creator. "Thought I was bad and I had to get good, thought I was smart but I misunderstood,felt I was lazy and I had to get busy, swore I was high but I was just plain dizzy, Oh sweet surrender!" The "Only Jesus" album continued with the sweetness of new life. "Sailing Ahead Of The Wind" must be played loud in the car with the wind blowing through your hair. And the title cut sums it all up. That's what his life is all about now. The haunting refrain at the end still brings those chills. If you are tired of the same old lines, well you get down to earth lyrics from Dion. Great stuff!"
Absolutely Wonderful !!
C.W. Jr | Columbus, OH United States | 09/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This new CD release/reissiue is absolutely wonderful. I owned most of Dion's gospel albums in the 1980s .. and these two were my favorites. "Inside Job" was the first Dion gospel album, and he started writing songs for it when he returned home from jogging in December 1979. As he was jogging, he had a marvellous experience when the Truth of the Gospel flooded his soul. He immediately returned home and penned "Center of my Life"... a song rich with honesty and thankfulness.
The album "Only Jesus" is my personal favorite, and Dion's second gospel effort. The songs are written with a "no holds barred" approach to presenting the gospel message in song. A mix of various styles, there is something for everyone on this album. From the smooth rhythms of "Hearts made of Stone" .. to the hard-driving rock force of "Greater is He" .. the album flows with Truth. Dion is an enormous musical talent, and his gifts are evident throughout this recording. I highly recommend it to all."
At long last, two masterpieces come to CD!
Paul C. Glenn | Omaha, NE USA | 02/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dion is, without question, one of the supreme talents in popular music. The early hits established him as a remarkable vocalist, and his artistic growth throughout the years has been astonishing. These two albums represent the pinnacle of Dion's most intimate and moving work, and 25 years after their initial release they remain remain, not just relevant, but vital and vibrant.
I have a vivid memory of lying in bed at the age of six, a Saturday morning sun filtering in through the blinds, and hearing the haunting melody that is "Only Jesus" drifting up from my father's record-player. I remember being moved beyond what I could understand, and in later years I discovered the richness contained in that record, as well as "Inside Job."
Both records find Dion in a bluesy mood, wrapping his warm vocals around soft groovy melodies and organic instrumentation. The music doesn't assault the ears, it beckons and washes over you, drawing you into it's world. Lilting vocal melodies are often juxtaposed against minor-key tunes, while Dion's evocative lyrics evoke images of steamy city streets and disappearing youth.
Far from being dirges, however, these songs are nothing less than celebrations; the joy of discovering a rich faith is evident on every track. The best tracks, like "The Truth Will Set You Free" and "Only Jesus," manage to pull off the trick that most gospel songs cannot: expressions of grace in the midst of a fallen world, and life.
I have longed to see these two records transferred to the CD format, and now that they are here, I'll be able to savor their sweetness for many years to come. Highly, highly recommended."
Absolutely outstanding, The Master inspires a master
Alberto M. Ramos | Las Palmas de G.C., Canary Islands Spain | 01/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard "Only Jesus " in the 80s for the first time , and the music have stuck with me for 20 long years . When I saw that it was released in CD it was a happy day . This is a real masterpiece and I'm a musician, I'm a composer and I say that with boldness.Songs like "the best", c'mon , who can improve that ?.
But it's song after song, style after style ,performance after performance with so honest inpired performances . The record develop in a natural manner and the songs remains in the memory forever.
"Inside Job " have great songs too like "The truth will set you free " . As I say in other review , listen to Dion 's gospel records and you will learn quite a lot about being honest and truthful in songwriting and performing.
I mean this is serious stuff musically and in terms of emotional performances . I have heard a lot of music in my life and i tell you , I can still hear these songs in a 20 years time. I can't say that about all the stuff that's around...."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1