Search - Rick Cua :: Midnight Sun

Another Classic From Reunion Records

Michael Janke | San Diego, CA | 07/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rick Cua was a bassist for the southern rock band, the Outlaws. In 1982 he became a Christian and left the group to embark on a solo Christian music career. Since he was a player, rather than a front-man or solo artist, the crossover wasn't that earth-shattering, but his professional roots served as a strong foundation for the music he would create in the name of Christ. His first album, YOU'RE MY ROAD, was released in 1985, and it was followed up in 1986 and 1988 by the two stellar projects WEAR YOUR COLORS and CAN'T STAND TOO TALL. Both albums personified gritty AOR, influenced by his southern rock roots as well as some bluesy rock. In 1989 Rick released the album MIDNIGHT SUN, which would signal a change in musical direction.MIDNIGHT SUN opened with the one/two punch of "Streetwise" and "I Can I Will," both of which recalled the style of his previous records. The songs are infused by the funk of Cua's bass and some talented BGVs. "I Can I Will," in particular, stands out as a true rock anthem, declaring that it's "time to stop debating, you've got nothing to lose... I can I will I stand I do believe." Definitely one of Cua's best-ever tracks. In a sharp u-turn, the tempo is slowed down considerably with "Young Boy Young Girl," a duet with Bash-N-the-Code's Rebecca Sparks. The song, which was made into a video for the Fire By Night youth series, is a classic Christian "why wait" ballad, crying "I know the passion when it seems like you've waited forever, hold on be strong tonight."The rest of the album wavers between ballad/mid-tempo territory to upbeat, edgy pop/rock . "Dedicated" is straight out of the late 80's in its synthesized style. "Somethin' You Got," with its sax and horn arrangement, is a funky little ditty that talks about the results of living a visible Christian life. "No Man Will Know" turns it up a notch, with a stripped down sound that, again, highlights Cua and producer Tom Hemby on the stringed instruments. Lyrically, the song, like the majority of the album, is straight ahead in its Christian message and themes. Cua co-wrote on six of the tracks.After the hot start, MIDNIGHT SUN tuned it down and it is clear that the album was produced to garner increased airplay on adult contemporary stations. The results are mixed--a lot of the tracks here are done well, but Cua's voice and comfort zone just seem to be crafted for harder music. The transition that he started here would continue in his following albums, though. On WITHIN REACH he would team with the Elefante's to create more melodic pop/rock, and on THE WAY LOVE IS, which was his last album for Reunion, his rock days were completely behind him."

Track Listing

John Opiela | Davenport, FL | 02/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1. Streetwise

2. I Can I Will

3. Young Boy Young Girl

4. I'll Be Satisfied

5. Dedicated

6. Somethin' You Got

7. No Man Will Know

8. Plenty Of Love To Spare

9. Tear Down The Walls

10. The Lost Can Still Be Found"