Upon This Rock

iTunes Review

It’s hard to overestimate the importance of Larry Norman’s Upon This Rock in the history of Christian music. This album is arguably the first overtly Christian rock album — and it’s also a collection of compelling, superbly-crafted songs. Norman brought a mixture of reverence and rebellion to his solo debut, spreading word of an impending Judgment Day in the midst of war and moral decadence. He depicts this theme most eloquently in “I Wish We’d All Been Ready,” an intentionally frightening look at the coming apocalypse that went on to become a Christian music standard. The album has its moments of comic relief as well — “Moses in the Wilderness” tells a Bible story in hipster slang, while “Ha Ha World” matches a wry routine to a propulsive groove. Sunny gospel-pop ditties like “Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation” and cautionary offerings like “Forget Your Hexagram” speak to the psychedelic generation without sacrificing their spiritual gravity. Norman shifts between orchestral arrangements and stripped-down acoustic settings to present these songs of warning, joy, and hope. Upon This Rock was the departure point for the ‘70s Jesus Music movement, and it remains a transcendently powerful work.