Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Jon Gibson, 'Body & Soul'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Jon Gibson
Body & Soul



Genre(s): Pop / Soul
Album length: 9 tracks: 37 minutes, 5 seconds
Street Date: 1989


READER RATING:   


Okay, yes, Jon Gibson has an eerily similar vocal delivery to a non-one-hit-wonder in Stevie, it's true. However, this blue-eyed soul singer had/has more than enough chops to stand on his own. Body & Soul is his fourth album, and it finds him dropping late 80s pop earworms like the Beatlesque "Heart of Gold," the choir-backed "In the Name of the Lord," and "Everyone Needs the Lord."

Not to mention stellar songs like "Father, Father," and "God Will Find Ya." Lastly of note are the ballad "Merry-Go-Round" and his cover of Wonder's "Have a Talk with God," featuring an excellent harmonica solo from the song originator himself.

The main drawback of the album is that it is undeniably tied to the sound of its era. This is 80s music with drum machines and instrumentation that fit the decade. Whether that bothers you or not will go a long way toward your enjoyment or lack thereof. Other than that, songs "Long Ago" and "Us Now" are nearly a disappointing way to end the album with "Everyone Needs the Lord" stepping in to save the day. They are both examples of a decent try, but are missing the stellar qualities of their track mates. In the former, the island groove sticks out like a sore thumb, while the latter treads too closely to melodrama.

Ultimately, over half the album is a hit with this reviewer and easily makes it my favorite record from this fantastic artist. If you're unfamiliar with Gibson and his work, he's certainly worthy of some streams if Stevie Wonder, and other fine piano-centric songs with great vocal chops, are your jam. I also highly recommend his albums Forever Friends and Love Education, the latter of which can sadly only be heard on YouTube for some reason. All in all, Jon Gibson is one of my all-time favorite vocalists and I hope this review piques your interest enough for you to give him a shot.

- Review date: 2/5/23, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Frontline Records
. Album length: 9 tracks: 37 minutes, 5 seconds
. Street Date: 1989
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)

  1. Heart Of Gold (2:59)
  2. In The Name Of The Lord (4:41)
  3. Merry-Go-Round (4:46)
  4. God Will Find Ya (4:37)
  5. Father, Father (3:51)
  6. Have A Talk With God (4:22)
  7. Long Ago (4:43)
  8. Us Now (3:08)
  9. Everyone Needs The Lord (3:58)

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, August 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Burial Extraction Rotting Flesh - EP [Charon Collective]
Jenn Chenoweth Out To Get Me - EP (independent)
Faith Child When Faith Feels Far [Wings]
Gaither Vocal Band Then Came the Morning [Gaither]
Paul and Hannah McClure After Your Heart (Live) [Bethel]
Naomi Raine Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas) [Tribl]
Saints In Exile Becoming the Villain Remix EP [Syntax]

SINGLES
Alphen & Rmc Beatz SEVEN - Single [Syntax]
Ashes Awaken A Better Way - Single [MTS]
Elan Brio Life Savers - Single (independent)
CAIN Jesus Lifted Me (feat. Brooke Ligertwood) - Single [Provident]
Chris Caro Trauma Room - Single [Syntax]
CarriedOn My Way - Single (independent)
CRC Music 4 Love - Single (independent)
Eighteen Mile Above The Clouds - Single [Mountain Home]
goodwill. The Love I Need - Single [Syntax]
Grace Graber Everything You Ever Wanted (feat. Audiophile) - Single (independent)
Kashh Kade FREEDOM - Single [Syntax]
MATTHEWS Don't Stop 'Til - Single [Curb]
Jonathan McReynolds Still (feat. Jamal Roberts) - Single [Motown Gospel]
OnBeatMusic & Dillon Chase Breathe (ft. Saint James) - Single [Syntax]
Sæle Joy - Single (independent)
Silent Reflection Eyes - Single [Syntax]
Sleeping At Last Tell Me The Truth And I'll Believe It - Single (independent)
Thrive Worship Prison Break - Single [Integrity]
Vineyard Worship Joy In Obedience - Single [Vineyard UK]
Solachi Voz Undefeated (ft. Aurrie Janelle) - Single [Syntax]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - Single [DREAM]
Denison Witmer Which Way - Double Single [Asthmatic Kitty]

Next Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End [Artist Garden]

SINGLES
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images