David Meece's 1993 follow-up to Learning To Trust offered another helping of Meece's signature brand of classically inspired pop/rock. Sometimes considered the lesser younger brother of the aforementioned album, Once In A Lifetime has enough merit to stand on its own two legs as a worthy entry into Meece's catalog.

 

The album opens up with a pair of quintessential Meece songs in "Inside Out" and "Over You." These songs are exactly what you'd expect from Meece given his previous discography. "Going Home" is musically reminiscent of "The Man With The Nail Scared Hands" from Meece's previous album, but it's different enough to merit its inclusion here.

 

The album kicks up quite a bit in the second half. "Early in the Morning" is an exciting and energetic anthem celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It's an Easter classic that can appeal to all ages with a passionate and rocking delivery but faithful and praising lyrics glorifying the risen King. It's one of the finer songs of Meece's career and is an immediate highlight of the album.

 

Next up is what is perhaps Meece's most personal and vulnerable song ever, "My Father's Chair." Meece often gives an extended testimony about his troubled relationship with his father in concert before this song. He has the testimony on CD and on his website, I believe. It's truly an amazing and riveting story, delivered intensely by Meece. While it's not short on humor, the monologue is as intense a spoken word delivery as I've ever heard. I first heard it when I was probably not much younger than Meece was when his father told him that he was worthless, and that moment in the speech has stayed in my mind ever since. Meece's journey to forgiveness is a powerful testament to what Christ's presence in our lives can do.

 

The song uses the image of a chair to discuss three kinds of fathers in Meece's life: his earthly father, the kind of father he hopes his children will see him as, and his heavenly Father. The brilliant and touching comparisons combined with the emotional piano-driven melody help to make this ballad one of the most memorable songs Meece has done yet. The paralleling lyrics are haunting, so much so that I cannot possibly include any of them here without using them all. The lyrics form such a powerful story that you simply have to sit, listen, and be amazed at what Meece has accomplished.

 

The title track follows and is a classic Meece hit, standing up well next to other hits such as "The Rest of My Life" from previous releases. The album closes strong with "Living in the Shadows." After the 3 previous masterpieces, this one feels a bit of a letdown, but it's definitely a strong track and a good way to close out a fine album.

 

Like with his last release, the 9-song track list makes for a fairly short album, leaving the listener wanting a lot more. Still, the quality of the music is top-notch. There's very little to not be happy with.

 

Meece has crafted another fine album of personal and memorable tunes. While the album's highlights shine so bright that some of the other songs may get overlooked, this is from start to finish a solid release well worth digging up for a few listens.

 

"Early in the Morning"  (get it on iTunes here) and "My Father's Chair" (get it on iTunes here).