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

JFH Music Review




Steve Taylor
I Predict 1990



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 43 Minutes, 42 Seconds
Street Date: 1987


In barely three years, Steve Taylor had cut an EP, two full-length albums, and a short live album. He was known throughout the Christian community (and to some degree, outside of it) as a young, witty rock star who combined clever lyrics with an ability to turn his satire on targets within and outside the church.

However, by 1986, Steve was ready to take a slightly darker approach to his music and recorded the album I Predict 1990. However, his record company at the time, Sparrow, decided that the album was not exactly what they wanted out of Steve and graciously let him out of the contract. Finally, after a year's delay, I Predict 1990 was released by Myrrh Records in 1987.

The album starts off with one of the most controversial songs in Christian music history, "I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good," where Steve sings from the point of the view of a disgruntled ice cream truck driver who wants to bomb an abortion clinic because he is afraid a lack of kids will eventually push him out a job. The song was misunderstood and hated by almost everyone. Many (who probably did not listen to the lyrics), thought that Steve was advocating bombing abortion clinics. Apparently these critics missed the crucial line "the end don't justify the means anytime." The song and the surrounding controversy caused Steve to take a few years off from the music business.

The rest of the album, while not as controversial, is just as stellar. "What is the Measure of Your Success?" and "Since I Gave Up Hope, I Feel a lot Better" criticize the contemporary attitude of business and academia. WARNING: many of the songs are sarcastic, that is written from someone's point of view in order to discredit that point of view. For instance, the song "Since I Gave Up Hope, I Feel A Lot Better" contains lines like, "Ideals? Uncouth! / Fatalism needs youth. And don't forget the best advice / Everybody's got a price." Personally, I find the satire and humor a quite refreshing alternative to most CCM lyrics, but it might not be for everyone.

The final song on the record, "Harder to Believe Than Not To," takes a shot at those who discard faith as soon as they begin to doubt, and reminds the listeners that discipleship is not easy; there is a price to paid for following Christ, but in the end, it's worth it.

Musically, the album is steeped in the 80's synthesizer rock, but incorporates horns, punk, and elements of alternative rock that would define the albums Chagall Guevara and Squint. While it may sound a little dated, it is certainly more accessible than I Want to Be a Clone or On the Fritz. It is out of print, but Steve has said in public that he has no problem with people getting his stuff off the internet, so a quick search should turn up quite a few links.

JFH Reader Review: Review date: 2/24/05, written by Robert Gibbs for Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Myrrh Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 43 Minutes and 42 Seconds
. Street Date: 1987
. Buy It: Amazon.com
  1. I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good
  2. What Is the Measure of Your Success?
  3. Since I Gave Up Hope I Feel a Lot Better
  4. Babylon
  5. Jim Morrison's Grave
  6. Svengali
  7. Jung and the Restless
  8. Innocence Lost
  9. A Principled Man
  10. Harder to Believe than Not To

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Tuesday, September 9, 2025
DC3 Bake Off - A COLORS SHOW - Single (independent)
Former Ruins In Your Field - Single (independent)
John Van Deusen Hallelujah Story - Single [Anotherland]

This Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)

Next Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Joel Vaughn TBA [DREAM]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]


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