CORRIDORS (1997; Contemporary Christian chart peak #17) - John Elefante’s sophomore follow up to "Windows of Heaven" is almost a complete 180 from the synth heavy styling of that album. Using a more organic sound, this intensely personal album really packs a punch. More importantly, the album heralds the reunion of John’s music and the violin, something his longtime fans have been yearning for. Produced by John and his brother Dino, this album features George Marinelli (Bruce Hornsby and the Range) on guitar. Notice how John uses the word “I” in every song except for one, giving the listener a real look into his life and beliefs.

1. Corridors (J&D Elefante) - This song finds John in a pretty confessional mood. The second verse speaks to all of us who have children and makes us realize how we must look in God’s eyes. This midtempo number is fairly uneventful musically, but thought provoking lyrics carry you through.

2. Treasures of Heaven (J&D Elefante, Paul Rogers) - Oh, man, hearing John Elefante with a violin again...”Treasures of Heaven” indeed! A moving ballad about looking too hard for what we should see right in front of us. The last two choruses are really powerful. Any Christian has probably asked themselves these questions at some time or another.

3. I Know You’re There (J&D Elefante, Paul Rogers) - This ballad with a waltz feel lets us know that God is always there when we open ourselves to Him. The acoustic guitar flourishes during the intro are a nice touch. Lushly arranged, but not busy at all. Drummer Dan Needham is instrumental in giving this track it’s feel. Just the right fills, but not overplayed.

4. Not Just Any Other Day (J&D Elefante) - A really cool twist on the day of the crucifixion. I had never really thought about the fact that there were lots of people in the world and even in that area that had no idea what was taking place that day. This song starts out slow, but the chorus kicks in nicely. Nice Hammond organ fills add a lot. Note the cool Beatlesque harmonies on the chorus. One of my favorites from this album.

5. Eyes of My Heart (J&D Elefante) - The opening riff is a direct lift from Sting’s The Hounds of Winter from Mercury Falling. This is one of the album’s weaker cuts (and, oddly enough, the first single from it), with pedestrian lyrical images such as “shoulder you can lean on” and “break the chains that bind you.” It wouldn’t be that big a deal from another artist, but I just expect more from the Elefantes.

6. Every Time You See Me Cry (J&D Elefante) - The album’s showcase, IMO. To cop the ole fishin’ and beer phrase, “It don’t get no better than this.” This song has such a cool groove during the verses, which then smoothes out for the chorus. The vocals are impeccably arranged, each one being exactly where it needs to be. John has rarely sung more powerfully and emotionally than on this track. There’s no solo as such, but check out the great break that begins at 2:37 and goes through 3:18...talk about communicating an emotion!! Once again, special mention should go to Dan Needham’s ultra tasteful drum work.

7. Fall (J&D Elefante) - Touching on how we should depend on God instead of ourselves, this song flows along nicely. Cool sax riffs help set the mood nicely. The circular drum pattern is a nice touch as well.

8. I’ll Love You Forever (J&D Elefante, Paul Rogers) - A reminder that God will always love us, even when we stray. Bass by Tim Smith is awesome...tricky but tasteful. Produced a little differently, this would have fit "Windows of Heaven" like a glove.

9. Talk To Me (J&D Elefante) - A reminder that God wants fellowship with us...we can tell him anything. He’s lived as a man before, and knows the challenges we face. This, too, would have easily worked on Windows of Heaven. The music is a little jazzy for my taste, but again, that has a lot to do with the arrangement.

10. Where Does Our Love Go (J&D Elefante) - Once again, John closes the album proper with a keyboard heavy anthem. The only guitar work is a brief solo that answers the vocal melody. This is the one song on the album that isn’t necessarily Christian in it’s message. It’s more about two people who feel they’ve reached some sort of impasse in their relationship and ask the title question. His vocals are very impassioned. He has never said as much, but you get the feeling that he’s been down this particular road before.

11. Reprise (J&D Elefante) - I was under the impression that a reprise had to follow up the original theme of something, but this is just a snippet of music that has nothing to do with anything. Pleasant, but falls very much into the “and the point is...” category.

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