| Shades of Gray | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | April 1986 | |||
| Recorded | 1986 | |||
| Studio | Pakaderm Studios, Los Alamitos, California | |||
| Genre | Christian alternative rock | |||
| Length | 18:42 | |||
| Label | Shadow | |||
| Producer | Derri Daugherty, Steve Hindalong | |||
| Youth Choir chronology | ||||
| ||||
Shades of Gray is the second studio release, and first EP, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir (known as "Youth Choir" at this point), released in 1986. All five songs were later included as bonus tracks on the CD release for Chase the Kangaroo .
Youth Choir was dissatisfied with the results of Voices in Shadows , and during the mixing phase, the band felt that their sound needed something more. [1] Lead singer and guitarist Derri Daugherty was a fan of Romeo Void, which featured a saxophone player who used all sorts of musical effects, and as timing would have it, one of the band's roadies spotted a flyer on Calvary Chapel's bulletin board where a sax player was looking to join a band. That turned out to be Dan Michaels, who joined Youth Choir shortly after auditioning. [1] In addition to the saxophone, Michaels also played the Lyricon, a mouth-controlled electronic wind instrument that provided a moody, ethereal element that would soon be a key component of the Choir's sound. [1] After Voices in Shadows was released in 1985, Youth Choir toured extensively outside of Southern California and even overseas, as the band felt they did not fit the mold of other Calvary Chapel bands that "played gigs in high school cafeterias as a witnessing tool", according to Daugherty. [2]
"Everything in Southern California is so trendy, that a lot of times, the people are more into the fashion than they are the band. And when the fashion dies, the band pretty much goes with it. We don't want to get locked into any fashion or trend or anything; we just want to do what we're doing, and if it works, it works and if it doesn't, it doesn't."
—Derri Daugherty in 1985, on the band's approach to survival [3]
A number of changes took place during this period: Broken Records folded in late 1985; in 1986, local promoter and friend Brian Martin became the band's manager after seeing Youth Choir open for Daniel Amos, [4] and Tim Chandler rejoined the band as bass guitarist. [5] On the strength of the re-recorded "A Million Years", Youth Choir signed with Shadow Records, an imprint of Refuge Records, and Martin was able to secure Youth Choir the slot as the primary opening band for Steve Taylor on his tour for On the Fritz . [6] [7] [8]
Because the high-profile tour with Steve Taylor was coming up fast, Youth Choir rushed into the studio to record new material. [7] [8] The idea was to produce an EP in time for the tour, then follow up with a full-length album afterwards--unfortunately, delays on the part of Shadow Records kept the EP from being released until after the tour was over. [9] Shades of Gray was recorded at Pakaderm Studios, run by John and Dino Elefante, who by this time were producing Petra's Back to the Street with new lead singer John Schlitt at the same facility. [10] Shades of Gray would be the first release that the band produced themselves, and with this EP, drummer Steve Hindalong took over lyrical responsibilities to become the poetic voice of the Choir moving forward. In addition, Hindalong's work was finally heard on an official studio release for the first time with "15 Doors." Two members of Daniel Amos, Jerry Chamberlain and Rob Watson, contributed vocals and synths, respectively, and Bill Batstone, who co-produced the EP, would continue to work with the band on their next two albums. With Tim Chandler's bass guitar and Dan Michaels' saxophone and Lyricon, the band finally got on tape the musical voice that they had envisioned. [9]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Contemporary Christian Magazine | Favorable [11] |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout |  [13] |
| The Phantom Tollbooth | Favorable [14] |
Unlike its dismissive reception to Youth Choir’s debut release, CCM Magazine (during its brief run as the retitled Contemporary Christian Magazine) gave high praise to Shades of Gray, calling the EP "musically sustaining and thoughtful." Reviewer Brian Quincy Newcomb wrote that Daugherty's "heartfelt vocals and uniquely arresting guitar sound are driven to new heights of expression" by Hindalong's "propulsive drum attack." Newcomb singled out "15 Doors" as the highlight of the EP, saying that the Good Samaritan message was "driven home with punchy acumen in the memorable refrain." [11]
Retrospective critical reaction also has been highly positive. Mark Allender from AllMusic called Shades of Gray "brooding, melancholy, exciting—this wonderful sound transcends the time of its release." He added that there was "no filler here; all the songs are winners." [12] In a review of the 2000 CD reissue of Voices in Shadows and Shades of Gray, Michial Farmer at The Phantom Tollbooth said that "Fade Into You" [is an] excellent early worship [song], and "All Night Long" may well be the band’s first 'twisted love song.'" [14] In a track-by-track breakdown of the EP, Wayne Myatt from Jesus Freak Hideout also praised these opening and closing songs, calling "Fade Into You" "distinguished" and added that "All Night Long" "has a very catchy rhythm that will recall the listener of Glass Tiger or Yes." [13] Mark Allan Powell in the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music called Shades of Gray "a marked improvement beyond the earlier full length. All five songs are compelling (and distinctive)." [8]
All songs written by Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Fade Into You" | 3:58 |
| 2. | "15 Doors" | 3:05 |
| 3. | "More Than Words" | 2:36 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Tears Don't Fall" | 4:02 |
| 2. | "All Night Long" | 5:01 |
| Total length: | 18:42 | |
Youth Choir
Guest performers
Production
The Choir is an atmospheric Christian alternative rock band currently comprising Derri Daugherty on guitar and vocals, Steve Hindalong on drums, and Dan Michaels on saxophone and lyricon. Long-time bassist Tim Chandler died in 2018, and guitarist Marc Byrd was the fifth member of the band between 2005–2014. As of 2023, the band has released 18 full-length studio albums, three EPs, five live albums, one single-disc compilation, one retrospective box set, and is still actively recording new material.
Voices in Shadows is the first studio album by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1985.
Diamonds and Rain is the third studio release, and second full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1986. It is the first release under the band's new moniker after dropping "Youth" from their name.
Chase the Kangaroo is the fourth studio release, and third full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1988. Considered by critics to be one of their finest albums, Chase the Kangaroo is listed at No. 50 in the book CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, published in 2002, and No. 4 on the list of the "Top 100 Christian Rock Albums of All Time" by HM Magazine in 2010.
Circle Slide is the sixth studio release, and fifth full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1990. Considered by some critics to be the band's best album, and even called "one of the best Christian albums ever made," Circle Slide was listed at No. 53 in the book CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. This would be the final album the Choir would record for Myrrh Records.
Kissers and Killers is the seventh studio release, and the sixth full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1993. It was their first release after leaving Myrrh Records, and according to drummer and lyricist Steve Hindalong, represented a major turning point for the band: "We went independent after this, and never were on a label where there were expectations of any kind of a 'ministry' or anything like that."
Speckled Bird is the eighth studio release, and seventh full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1994. The album is largely a remixed and reworked version of the independent Kissers and Killers project with an additional five tracks.
Free Flying Soul is the ninth studio release, and eighth full-length album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1996. It earned the band its first industry recognition with a Dove Award win.
O How The Mighty Have Fallen is the 11th studio release, and tenth full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 2005. Guitarist Marc Byrd officially became the fifth member of the band with this album.
Mutt is an album by the band Lost Dogs, released on Fools of the World and Lo-Fidelity Records in 2004.
Wide-Eyed Wonder is the fifth studio release, and fourth full-length studio album, from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1989. This would be the first studio album with new bass guitarist Robin Spurs, and would mark the band's first attempt to cross over to the mainstream market.
Flap Your Wings is the tenth studio release, and ninth full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 2000. It earned the band its first Grammy Award nomination.
Love Songs and Prayers: A Retrospective is the first compilation album from Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 1995.
Burning Like the Midnight Sun is the 12th studio release, and 11th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 2010.
de-plumed is the 13th studio release, and 12th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 2010. It was the band's first "unplugged" recording, featuring reinterpretations of songs from prior albums.
The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is the 14th studio release, and 13th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released in 2012.
Peace, Love & Light is the 15th studio release, second EP, and first digital-only album by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released on November 27, 2013. This is also the band's first Christmas-themed release. As a "stretch goal" in the Choir's Kickstarter campaign for their 2014 album Shadow Weaver, this EP was provided exclusively to funders who pledged $60 or more.
Shadow Weaver is the 16th studio release, and 14th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released on April 9, 2014. This album was funded by the band's original Kickstarter campaign launched in late 2013, which also generated the band's first Christmas release Peace, Love & Light. This was also the last studio album from the Choir to feature Marc Byrd.
Bloodshot is the 17th studio release, and 15th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released on June 1, 2018. This album was funded by the band's PledgeMusic campaign launched in January 2017, which also generated a remastered and reissued release of Wide-Eyed Wonder.
Deep Cuts is the 18th studio release, and 16th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released on April 23, 2021. This album was funded by the band's Kickstarter campaign launched in February 2020, and was their first album of new material without contributions from long-time bassist Tim Chandler, who died in 2018; bass duties were split between session player Chris Donohue and bassist Steven Mason from Jars of Clay. The double-disc vinyl version includes five additional tracks that were previously released as digital singles in 2019 and 2020.
Footnotes
Bibliography