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JFH Music Review




Steve Taylor
I Predict 1990



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 43 Minutes, 42 Seconds
Street Date: 1987


In barely three years, Steve Taylor had cut an EP, two full-length albums, and a short live album. He was known throughout the Christian community (and to some degree, outside of it) as a young, witty rock star who combined clever lyrics with an ability to turn his satire on targets within and outside the church.

However, by 1986, Steve was ready to take a slightly darker approach to his music and recorded the album I Predict 1990. However, his record company at the time, Sparrow, decided that the album was not exactly what they wanted out of Steve and graciously let him out of the contract. Finally, after a year's delay, I Predict 1990 was released by Myrrh Records in 1987.

The album starts off with one of the most controversial songs in Christian music history, "I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good," where Steve sings from the point of the view of a disgruntled ice cream truck driver who wants to bomb an abortion clinic because he is afraid a lack of kids will eventually push him out a job. The song was misunderstood and hated by almost everyone. Many (who probably did not listen to the lyrics), thought that Steve was advocating bombing abortion clinics. Apparently these critics missed the crucial line "the end don't justify the means anytime." The song and the surrounding controversy caused Steve to take a few years off from the music business.

The rest of the album, while not as controversial, is just as stellar. "What is the Measure of Your Success?" and "Since I Gave Up Hope, I Feel a lot Better" criticize the contemporary attitude of business and academia. WARNING: many of the songs are sarcastic, that is written from someone's point of view in order to discredit that point of view. For instance, the song "Since I Gave Up Hope, I Feel A Lot Better" contains lines like, "Ideals? Uncouth! / Fatalism needs youth. And don't forget the best advice / Everybody's got a price." Personally, I find the satire and humor a quite refreshing alternative to most CCM lyrics, but it might not be for everyone.

The final song on the record, "Harder to Believe Than Not To," takes a shot at those who discard faith as soon as they begin to doubt, and reminds the listeners that discipleship is not easy; there is a price to paid for following Christ, but in the end, it's worth it.

Musically, the album is steeped in the 80's synthesizer rock, but incorporates horns, punk, and elements of alternative rock that would define the albums Chagall Guevara and Squint. While it may sound a little dated, it is certainly more accessible than I Want to Be a Clone or On the Fritz. It is out of print, but Steve has said in public that he has no problem with people getting his stuff off the internet, so a quick search should turn up quite a few links.

JFH Reader Review: Review date: 2/24/05, written by Robert Gibbs for Jesusfreakhideout.com



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. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Myrrh Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 43 Minutes and 42 Seconds
. Street Date: 1987
. Buy It: Amazon.com
  1. I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good
  2. What Is the Measure of Your Success?
  3. Since I Gave Up Hope I Feel a Lot Better
  4. Babylon
  5. Jim Morrison's Grave
  6. Svengali
  7. Jung and the Restless
  8. Innocence Lost
  9. A Principled Man
  10. Harder to Believe than Not To

 

 

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This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


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