A Fool's Paradise

A Fool's Paradise

On its 1973 sophomore album, A Fool’s Paradise, Lazarus moves slightly away from the pristine acoustic sound and Christian outlook of its self-titled debut toward a more overtly commercial approach. Strings, horns, and a (soft) rock rhythm section appear on a number of tracks, giving songs by the Texas-bred trio a bit more heft. Fundamentally, though, Lazarus remains a thoughtfully melodic unit built around the soaring tenor vocals of guitarist Bill Hughes. “Ladyfriends II” (upbeat and funky) and “Ladyfriends I” (more subdued and reflective) find the band applying its benignly spiritual vision to romantic concerns. “When Will the Home of Me Begin?” and the title tune seek refuge from the fast-paced life, while “Take Me High” and “Thoughts of You” are prayerful without being preachy. Several tracks—most notably the Latin-tinged “Baby Baby"—have the bright, harmony-laden feel of Crosby, Stills & Nash in their prime. Clean-lined production by Phil Ramone and Peter Yarrow bring out the trio's exceptional vocal purity.

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