The 1986 debut of Adam Again, In a New World of Time, broke new territory in Christian music with its keen dance instincts and arty new music edge. The comparison to Talking Heads had more to do probably with the LP's Howard Finster cover art (similar to that of Talking Heads' Little Creatures) and the sense of white art students trapped in a disco world than anything similar in the music.

Ten Songs ... picks up where New World left off and makes a quantum leap into a fresh aural dimension. Eugene together with bride Riki Michelle (on harmony and inspirational dance), Greg Lawless (guitar), and Paul Valadez (bass) steps into a seamless world of rhythm, sound, and sensation that is undeniably relevant, and mesmerizingly transcendent.

"Treehouse" speaks to the "club in the sky" attitude of exclusivity that affects some Christians, while "Every Word I Say" reminds us that our lives need to "get serious" about fulfilling our commitments. What stands out is the real-world sense of the lyrics, not the cloistered party line that pervades much of Christian music today. Ten Songs ... is new, hot and powerful. You can think about it and you have to dance to it. I'll give it a 96 ½

Brian Q. Newcomb ( CCM, May 1988 )
www.ccmmagazine.com

Adam Again's second release, Ten Songs by Adam Again, is a major leap forward in maturity and musicality. Accompanied by members of the gospel group Joy, the band puts forth a dancy, soulful, introspective, and intellectual release that challenges the mind as well as the feet. The only drawback to this record is the lack of a drummer -- the group still relies solely on drum machines, which give the record a bit of an empty sound in places. The spastic guitar work by Greg Lawless goes a long way here, not to mention Gene Eugene's unusual voice. There is an excellent cover of "Ain't No Sunshine." The lyrics begin to become more sophisticated, with less reliance on simple light/dark concepts. "Tree House" is about the tyranny of the elite and the exclusion of the underprivileged -- maintaining that someday there will be a "fire in the tree house." It's a powerful song. Most notable is the eight-plus minute dance number "Beat Peculiar," with its killer jams throughout. If you can get past the drum machines, this is an excellent record.

Mark W.B. Allender ( AMG )
www.allmusic.com

This is simply one of the greatest records in the history of the alternative Christian underground. In 1988 this So-Cal band lead by the soft-spoken groove master Gene Eugene quietly released one of the most subversive, catchy, challenging and inspiring records of the era. On one hand he programmed a drum machine to have more soul than almost any living drummers in Christian music, and on the other he turned his nasal baritone voice into one of the most soulful instruments since Marvin Gaye. Lyrically he dealt with social injustice, personal faults, the crucifixion of Christ and the frailty of the human experience. The rhythm was dominant, the vocals luminescent and the overall experience devastating.

This record has been out of print for over a decade. CD's have been so scarce that collectors have paid up to $300 for them. This limited run of 1,000 discs will certainly sell out quickly so grab yours while you can. This is one you need to have.

( Cornerstone Festival, 06/26/02 )
www.cornerstonefestival.com

CCM interview with Adam Again
Gene's production budget for 10 Songs by Adam Again

Adam Again - discografi / covere / tribute nettside