Again within the early ’80s, Rick Cua took his bass and left the southern rock band The Outlaws to embark on not solely a brand new profession however a mission—as a solo up to date Christian artist. In 1982, he had his first hit on Christian radio with You Can Nonetheless Rock ‘N Roll from his debut solo album, the aptly (and phonetically) titled Koo-Ah.
Quick-forward about seven years, and I used to be fourteen, watching him take the stage for the second time in my younger life. I had already seen him carry out solo at an area church exterior of Milwaukee, however this evening was totally different—he was headlining the Rock, Rhythm, and Rap tour, together with Morgan Cryer and rapper Michael Peace.
As Rick launched the subsequent tune from his latest album, Fifteen (that’s proper, Rick did it earlier than Taylor) he shared that he wrote the tune for his daughter, who had reached the age when boys have been beginning to seem on his doorstep. As a father of teenage daughters now myself, I get it, Rick. However that evening, he appeared proper down at me—entrance row, clearly—and stated, “Like this man proper right here!”
It was, at that second, the joys of my life. However I couldn’t have guessed what he’d say subsequent. He reached right down to shake my hand and added, “I’m simply kidding round. I bear in mind you from final time. It’s good to see you.”
That was it—fan for all times. However reality be informed, I already was. And I’ve remained one ever since. Even now, sitting at my laptop computer listening to Message of Love from 1991’s Inside Attain, I’ve received chills operating up my arms. Rick wasn’t content material to make it a easy pop anthem—the tune weaves in funk, R&B, and gospel, all carried by the deep, driving locomotive rhythm of his bassline. You don’t simply hearken to the tune—you are feeling it.
Now, Rick Cua has simply launched a brand new double album biggest hits assortment—Rick Cua: The Final Assortment. This two-CD set comes with a collector’s booklet stocked with recollections, trying to encapsulate a 40-year profession in up to date Christian music. It contains all of the classics followers would count on, from You’re My Street, No Man Will Know, and For the Love of God to the poignant Don’t Say Suicide—a monitor that is still as well timed as ever in an period when psychological well being is on the forefront of so many conversations.
And naturally, no Rick Cua assortment can be full with out Can’t Stand Too Tall—a throw-your-fists-in-the-air anthem about boldly proclaiming the gospel. Lots of Rick’s songs have been calls to motion and evangelism, from I Can I Will and Put on Your Colours to the spiritually charged battle cry Let Me At ‘Em.
In an age the place reward music has taken heart stage in Christian music—, particularly amongst younger believers—it’s good to know there’s nonetheless a spot for good ol’ faith-based rock & roll. Anybody who has adopted Rick Cua is aware of how severely he takes his roles as each rocker and evangelist, as if his solely directives have been to make nice music and save souls. The Final Assortment is proof of a mission completed—although, hopefully, removed from completed.
The truth is, Rick Cua might have had a really profitable profession in secular music. However he felt the decision to make use of his skills for one thing better. As Rick put it:
“As Inventive’s, God made you that manner as a result of individuals want what you’ve been given. The enemy will attempt to persuade you in any other case however don’t hear. Maintain shifting ahead and don’t cover what he’s given you beneath a bushel.”
Sage phrases from the person that wrote One thing You’ve Bought.
A couple of years in the past, I had the privilege of catching Rick at a showcase of well-known Christian artists in Nashville. The second the drums began pounding and he struck that first bass notice to kick off I Can I Will, I used to be transported again almost 40 years. He was nonetheless that very same cool, compassionate rocker in black, commanding the stage, and I used to be nonetheless that geeky child within the entrance row that left that present feeling like I had the power to alter the world.
Diving again into his physique of labor, I really feel that manner once more.
Recover from to rickcua.com and order your set immediately.
