Larry Norman - Collaborator: The Essential

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The sleeve explains this project fairly succinctly, “When Charles Norman was 13 he put down his skateboard and picked up his first musical instrument. He began writing songs and recording them in the same bedroom his older brother had written in. When Larry turned 18 he had moved out. By the time Charles was 18 he had already played in groups of his own, gotten radio play and was ready for anything. These songs represent the combined efforts of Charles and Larry from lyrics and melodies to arrangements and production.” There’s much to delight here. The searing “I Want It All – Bonus Track” is blisteringly gutsy rock while the apocalyptic “Turn” and the hugely challenging “Feed The Poor” have never sounded more challenging. The collectors will want to check out the Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks “Perfect World”, “Don’t Wanna Be Like You” and “Jesus Is God” while even the most jaded listener will be delighted by the breadth and quality of this ‘80s and ‘90s rock.