Man in the Middle
Wayne Watson
Milk & Honey
CCM Magazine, April, 1984

Quality could be defined as that which grabs a person right from the start and remains consistent throughout. This quality could take the form of a beautifully crafted sculpture or the tight, clean sound of a well-produced album. Wayne Watson's third release on Milk & Honey, Man in the Middle, typifies this kind of quality. Watson utilizes both a creative and coy lyrical style. He then balances it with some beautifully choreographed arrangements that put the listener in the front row of a concert hall. His sound reflects that of the late Keith Green, a pioneer of refined, contemporary Christian music. Watson also has an unusual knack for timing in his arrangements. He creates an ebb and flow that highlights the lyrical emphasis, then retreats and tenderizes the moment without exploiting it.

"Jack and Jill" parallels the children's fable with the creation story, then links it with the Resurrection. It could have been very easy to sensationalize this catchy, thought-provoking tune with high-powered background vocals and string arrangements. But Watson recognized the delicacy and subtleties, and the result is very effective. Man in the Middle does have its weak dimension - occasionally spotty lyrics. Watson and contributing songwritings exhibit cliché's offering verbatim accounts of particular biblical stories and/or scriptures. What happens is that the listener is being told a story that he has heard many times in much the same way. It's a lyricist's obligation to tell the story in a different way - even in Christian music. However, to Watson's credit - whether intentionally or accidentally - when his lyrics tend to become thin, he beefs up the musical score. Watson creates a harmonious balance, often lacking in today's Christian music. Todd Frimoth

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