What makes Shallow Water by Servant notable?

Shallow Water helped to define the sound of Canadian Christian rock, contributing to the genre's rise in popularity during the late '70s. The album received positive reviews and established Servant as a notable act within the movement, influencing subsequent artists who sought to merge rock music with spiritual messages. Released in January 1979, Shallow Water is Servant's debut album, marking their introduction to the burgeoning Christian rock scene. The band emerged during a time when the genre was gaining traction, blending rock sensibilities with spiritual themes that resonated with a growing audience seeking faith-infused music.

How many songs are on Shallow Water?

Shallow Water has 9 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Shallow Water

Servant · 1979

37 min · 9 tracks · Christian rock

A blend of uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of late '70s Christian rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shallow Water — The title track sets the tone for the album with its evocative imagery and reflective lyrics about faith and searching for deeper meaning.
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Holy Roller Blues — This track showcases a unique blend of blues influences and playful lyrics, reflecting the band's versatility while addressing themes of faith and community.
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Fly Away — With its soaring melodies and hopeful message, this song encapsulates the uplifting spirit of the album, making it a standout anthem of liberation and faith.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

38 /100

Lowland

Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout elements to elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a steady rock beat, establishing its uplifting tone.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of the genre.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Shallow Water 5:02
2 Rich Man 3:39
3 Here Comes David 3:36
4 Rejoice 4:24
5 Jesus Star 3:36
6 Watergrave 4:51
7 Cup of Water 4:53
8 Holy Roller Blues 3:33
9 Fly Away 3:52

What to play next

Listen next

Rockin' Revival

1981

Full Servant discography Artists like Servant

Christian rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata