Long Way From Paradise

Long Way From Paradise is the fourth studio album by the Christian rock band Allies, released on February 21, 1989 by DaySpring/Word Records. The album was produced and arranged by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas.
It is their second album on Word's DaySpring label and Long Way From Paradise was considered Allies' best album and masterpiece. Starting with their previous release Shoulder to Shoulder, Allies would have much chart success with both Christian radio and Christian Rock charts. The album showcased Carlisle's strong vocals and Thomas' guitar solos on rock tracks like the title song and "Devil Is a Liar."
The album also balances with some pop ("All Day, All Night," "Trust in God"), ballads ("Take Me Back," "Walk With Me Silent") and blues ("Christian Man"). The final track is the much-covered ballad "Crying In the Chapel." Its most famous recording was made by Elvis Presley in his 1967 gospel album How Great Thou Art. A music video was made for the track. Both Carlisle and Thomas wrote the other 10 songs on the album. Long Way From Paradise peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In 2001, the album was named as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music by CCM Magazine and listed at number 69.
NOTE: While Long Way From Paradise was released, Carlisle and Thomas experienced some success on the mainstream country music charts as songwriters as they wrote the number one Billboard Country Songs hit "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" for Dolly Parton on her 1989 album White Limozeen.

Lineup

Bob Carlisle - Vocals/Guitars
Randy Thomas - Guitar/Synthesizer/Vocals
Matthew Chapman - Bass/Backing Vocals
Jim Erickson - Drums/Backing Vocals

Guest Artists

Tim Heintz - Keyboards
Glen Myerscough - Saxophone