The same year that Petra put out BEYOND BELIEF, Mylon and
Broken Heart released their final album CRANK IT UP (1990, Star Song
Records). Producers used on the album
are: Scott Allen, Joe Hardy, Mylon Le Fevre, and Cheryl Rogers. Michael Gleason contributes background
vocals.
The title track ‘Crank it Up’ is a killer rock song that
lyrically is a cry for spiritual revival: “I wanna live for Jesus and not just
survive/I need the power of God to kick me into overdrive/C’mon and crank it
up/There’s power in Your Name/C’mon and crank it up/Turn up the Holy
flame/Crank it up (2X)/When I need it the most/You crank it up.” ‘Denomination Demolition’ is a meaty,
punch-filled rocker. It is a plea for
unity in the Body of Christ: “One church, one heart/This was God’s intention
from the start/No fuss, no fight/We can walk together in the Light/It’s so
important that we catch the vision/Stand up for Jesus and renounce
religion/Denomination Demolition/Life shouldn’t be a competition/We can fulfill
the great commission/Denomination Demolition.”
‘New Attitude’ sounds like something out of DeGarmo and
Key’s catalogue. It speaks to the fact
that our relationship with God should transform us: “He’s the God of the chosen
few/He’s making everything brand new/We need a new attitude/This is no time to
play/New attitude/We need to do it God’s way/New attitude/We need it every
day/We need a new attitude.” ‘Letter
from the Front’ is a light pop song on which Stutz Wimmer plays saxophone. It is a song of exhortation: “Pastors and
teachers/Disciple His children/And tend to your flock/Prophets and
preachers/Keep sharing the Gospel/Of Jesus our Rock/And for all the
intercessors/Who deal with all the pressures/Don’t get discouraged/Cause His
love is keeping you strong.”
‘Give it Away’ is a mellow track that talks of sharing what
God has given us with others: “You can make a difference/You can lead the
way/Jesus is the Answer/So let’s give His love away/Give it away/When you find
a ray of hope/That shines like a priceless treasure/Give it away/When you find
the love of Jesus/Upon you without measure.”
A cover of James Taylor’s song of warmth ‘Shower the People’ follows:
“Shower the people you love with love/Show them the way you feel/Things are
gonna be much better/If you only will/Shower the people you love with love/Show
them the way you feel/Things are gonna work out fine/If you only will.”
‘Dancing in the Light’ is a forgettable number that includes
these words: “All my fears just fade away/When I’m dancing in the light/I feel
like a child today/Cause I’m dancing in the light.” ‘Heaven’ is a joyful rock song that
anticipates the jubilation awaiting us in heaven: “Seems like I finally caught
a glimpse of heaven/And what I see is blowing me away/Cause heaven’s gates are
open wide/And I can see myself inside/I’m gonna go to heaven/Gonna walk down
the streets of gold/I’m gonna go to heaven/Breaking away from horizontal
hold/I’m gonna go to heaven/And see where the living waters flow/I’m gonna go
to heaven/Don’t you want to go...well?”
‘World Changer’ is a catchy rocker. This song reveals that Mylon truly wants to
be sensitive to the Lord’s leading: “There’s always some place new to
go/Wearing a ministry disguise/Lord help me hear You if You tell me no/Help me
to be wise/Help me not to do more than I should/Even if it’s in the name of
doing good/I just need to know Your will today/And I don’t want to get in Your
way.” ‘Going Home’ includes these words
of encouragement: “Press on toward the goal/And keep on fighting the fight/With
Jesus in control/We’ll finally see the light.”
While on tour Mylon suffered a massive heart attack. This put an end to his rocking out days. CRANK IT UP is a very solid rock record with
great vocals and messages. It stands the
test of time. I’m rating it 87% just
like its predecessor BIG WORLD. Mylon Le
Fevre has since released a couple of much lighter Christian records
musically. 1992 brought FAITH, HOPE, AND
LOVE, and 2003 brought BOW DOWN. Mylon
and his wife Christi currently teach and preach. He has spoken at motorcycle rallies, NFL and
NBA chapel services, and NASCAR chapel services. He says: “I have never enjoyed anything as
much as ministering the gospel to people and watching it change their lives for
the better. It is the best news on this
planet!” He adds: “We believe our future
in the Lord is very bright and full of promise.” For more info visit www.mylon.org.