Diamonds And Rain

Diamonds and Rain is the third release, and second full-length album, from Christian alternative rock band The Choir, released in 1986. It is the first release under the band’s new moniker after dropping “Youth” from their name. Charlie Peacock was the band’s first choice as producer, and although many songs benefit from his perfectionist work ethic, some critics at the time pointed out that Peacock’s musical style overwhelmed the record, especially with songs like “Kingston Road,” which would have been more appropriate for one of his solo releases. To that end, the sound of the album edges closer to pop than anything The Choir ever recorded. However, Steve Hindalong’s lyrics are far more complex than what was typical for Christian radio at the time, given the dark imagery in “Black Cloud” and “(You Do That) Triangle,” which addresses alcoholism. Myrrh Records promoted this album heavily with ads that loudly proclaimed, “The Youth Choir has grown up!” As a result, “Fear Only You” generated another hit single for the band on Christian radio, although “Render Love” is arguably the band’s most enduring composition from this album.