Search - Michael English :: The Prodigal Comes Home

English's "Prodigal" Relatable And Believable

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 02/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Time, Redeem Me, Have a Little Faith in Me



It takes grace for a man to confess as English does on this album's lead single: "The only thing good in me is you (God)." After a tumultuous extra marital affair, divorce, re-marriage and English's own struggle with painkillers, English returns 8 years later with a tell-it-all autobiography and this ensuing CD. Like its codex counterpart, there is a confessional outspoken expressed in these songs. Rather than wallow in self-pity, English has used his weaknesses as a platform to bear testimony to God's grace which has the ability to manifest His glory despite human failings. Though English does not pen a single note on this CD, he has the uncanny ability of choosing songs that revealingly tell his story with honesty as well as with hope. This is thanks in part to a stellar lineup of A-listed songwriters such as Matthew West, Tony Wood, Sam Mizell, and John Hiatt who have contributed their works of art to this fray. And unlike some of English previous CDs, whereby God is reticently guised under the generic pronoun "he," here English is upfront and blatant in his references to the Almighty.



English is unabashedly frank in his vulnerability on the piano-led ballad "Redeem Me." A gorgeous tug at the heart confession to God for God's help in the midst of sin and despair, English sings with a realism that is endearing. God's sovereignty over all our days is the theme of "Time," is a knock it out of the park ballad that ought to be a classic to come. English veers close to Joe Cocker's version of the John Hiatt's soul ballad "Have a Little Faith in Me" with his gruff bluesy phrasings. Though "Have a Little Faith" is a love song, but in the context of the album it can be read as God's gracious invitation for us to return to Him. While the Sam Mizell and Matthew West's "Feels Like Redemption" starts off on a bluesy understated tone before breaking out into a 80s arena rock anthem.



On the perky side, opener "Sanctuary" finds English charging out with wailing guitars and thundering drums on this rocker that professes English's yearning to seek God's refuge. Lead single "The Only Thing Good in Me" first appeared on writer Ronnie Freeman's debut CD. Though the lyrics is soaked with the exaltation of God, the melody is not as engaging enough to be the vanguard radio single. While "Don't Think I'm Not Thankful" has a more sturdy tune that has a country undercurrent to it. This is no surprising as "Don't Think I'm Not Thankful" come from the pens of a couple of country music's finest scribes Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher.



Though "The Prodigal Comes Home" trumps on English's earnest delivery, there's nothing here that is revolutionary. With the ballads aside, the uptempos are pretty average, the standard fare of modern contemporary Christian pop music. However, what makes this a worthwhile purchase is that English takes themes--such as human frailty, sin, forgiveness, God's grace and sovereignty--and he presents them in ways that are relatable and believable



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A redemption story told in song

Michael Dalton | Eureka, CA United States | 03/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Prodigal Comes Home by Michael English is a redemption story told in song. English didn't write the songs, but they fit his life since his fall from grace in May of 1994. One week after receiving four Dove awards following the release of Hope (1993), English confessed to having an extramarital affair with Marabeth Jordan, a singer with First Call. He returned the awards, and the fallout came quickly, including the breakup of his marriage.



By the time of the release of Heaven to Earth (2000), English could speak of all that God had done in his life, which included overcoming an addiction to painkillers. His restoration went a step further when on August 29, 2002, English married Marcie Stambaugh, the daughter of a pastor. In May of 2004 they were blessed with the birth of Issabella Grace (Bella).



English's new life is reflected in these songs, which give voice to what it feels like to have a second chance. The lyrical content is general enough to make it possible for anyone to relate to the songs. Those struggling with different kinds of problems should find encouragement, hope and comfort. Each song is a variation on the theme of a prodigal son's return.



Most tracks are mid-tempo in the adult contemporary style. "Sanctuary" and "A New Day" are more pop rock oriented. "The Only Good In Me" and the gospel-flavored "Have a Little Faith in Me" are among the best for their refreshing simplicity. Some of the more dramatic songs showcase English's considerable ability.



He sings his heart out throughout this release. His voice has a pleasant touch of soul--a little like Michael Bolton and Michael McDonald. It sounds so natural. The songwriting, musicianship and production are also excellent.



This may be Michael English's best recording. It's a strong return.

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Wow!

Frustrated Cook | Christiansburg, Va United States | 05/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe this is the best Michael English album since "Hope" all those years ago. When God truly changes a heart, He blesses it. I know there are those who have not liked the style of the music (too 90's or not original in style) but the lyrics in these songs are so powerful and to me they are a great blessing. We all have struggled and we all have fallen, this album reminds us that God is waiting to restore us. I was truly blessed."