Artist: Randy Stonehill
Album: Welcome To Paradise
Country: US
Genre: AOR/Melodic Rock, Classic Rock, Christian, Folk Rock, Pop Rock, Roots Rock
Release: 1976 (2002)
Quality: FLAC | lossless
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Almost the most significant Christian album of the 70s. There were many big names in Christian rock during those years, but Stonehill was among the most influential. Mixed the album
Andy Jones, who at that time had already worked with artists like LZ and the Rolling Stones, and the producer was the grandfather of Christian rock - Larry Norman. And all this was done within the walls of the Sunset Sound Recorders studio, where Janis Joplin, the Doors and the Beach Boys worked. The production is good for 1976, and the lyrics are heartfelt and have subtle humor. There are some influences from James Taylor and others, but overall it's strictly Stonehill. Randy Stonehill created a work of art that is preserved in Christian music archives. It will always remain a deserved classic of extremely talented composition and production. It wasn't his first album, but it launched a career that spanned over 30 years, countless concerts, multiple record labels, an equal number of producers and a catalog of brilliant and enduring albums. Despite a legacy that few, if any, can rival, this is the first truly nationally released album that demands our attention. "Welcome to Heaven" would remain the definitive work for Stonehill over a 30-year career. He combined the genuine innocence of a convert with the songwriting of a skilled craftsman. Walking bravely between James Taylor-esque ballads and Eagles-oriented AOR, this "debut" serves as a turning point between the carefree days of Jesus Music in the early '70s and more industry-oriented AOR. The album is also the best work of Larry Norman's career. Larry may have made better albums, but he never created the kind of great music that sounds good now, 30+ years later.
Perhaps today, while Larry is no longer with us, Randy Stonehill is the living father of “Christian music.” Part comedian, part musician, part street preacher, Randy Stonehill was and remains completely unique in the music business, Christian or not.

Tracklist:
(Paradise Lost)
A1. King Of Hearts 4:53
A2. Keep Me Runnin' 5:57
A3. The Winner (High Card) 3:43
A4. Lung Cancer 3:31
A5. Puppet Strings 4:25
(Paradise Regained)
B1. First Prayer 3:08
B2. I've Got News For You 3:49
B3. Song For Sarah 3:28
B4. Christmas Song For All Year 'Round 3:56
B5. Good News 3:18

Personnel:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Randy Stonehill
Bass – The Mighty T-Bone
Drums – Mark Walker
Electric Guitar, Piano, Harmony Vocals – Larry Norman
Lead Guitar – Jon "Wonderfingers" Linn