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Jesus Is Just Alright

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"Jesus Is Just Alright"
Song by The Art Reynolds Singers
from the album Tellin' It Like It Is
Released1966
Recorded1965
GenreGospel
Length1:55
LabelCapitol
SongwriterArthur Reid Reynolds
ProducerGary Paxton

"Jesus Is Just Alright" is a gospel song written by American singer Art Reynolds and first recorded by Reynolds' group, The Art Reynolds Singers, for their 1966 album, Tellin' It Like It Is.[1][2]

The song's title makes use of the American slang term "just alright", which during the 1960s was used to describe something that was considered cool or hip.[citation needed] The song has been covered by various bands and artists over the years, including the Byrds, Underground Sunshine, the Doobie Brothers, Alexis Korner, the Ventures, DC Talk, Stryper, Shelagh McDonald, and Robert Randolph (featuring Eric Clapton).[3]

The first cover version of the song was recorded by the Byrds on their 1969 album Ballad of Easy Rider.[4] The Doobie Brothers included their version on their 1972 album Toulouse Street.[5] Released as a single in November 1972, this version peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.[6] In 1973, American rock band Exile released their self titled debut album, which included a cover of the song.[7] In 1992, the Christian rock and hip hop group DC Talk released a version of "Jesus Is Just Alright" on their Free at Last album.[8] The song has also been covered by Robert Randolph on his Colorblind album, with guest artist Eric Clapton[9] and Stryper's 2013 release, No More Hell to Pay.[10]

The Byrds version

[edit]
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
side-A label
Side A of the Canadian single
Single by The Byrds
from the album Ballad of Easy Rider
B-side"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"
ReleasedDecember 15, 1969
RecordedJune 17, 1969
StudioColumbia Studios, Hollywood, CA
GenreRock, gospel
Length2:10
LabelColumbia
SongwriterArthur Reid Reynolds
ProducerTerry Melcher
The Byrds singles chronology
"Ballad of Easy Rider"
(1969)
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
(1969)
"Chestnut Mare"
(1970)
Official audio
"Jesus Is Just Alright" by the Byrds on YouTube

The Byrds' version of "Jesus Is Just Alright" was recorded on June 17, 1969, during the sessions for the band's eighth studio album, Ballad of Easy Rider.[11] It was first released as part of that album but was subsequently issued as a single on December 15, 1969.[12] The single stalled at No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and failed to chart in the United Kingdom.[13][14] Despite this lack of commercial success, the Doobie Brothers' later hit version of the song featured an arrangement that was heavily influenced by the Byrds' recording.[4]

The song was introduced to the Byrds by the band's drummer, Gene Parsons, who had been present in the studio when the Art Reynolds Singers had recorded it.[4] The Byrds had added the song to their live concert repertoire some months before the start of the Ballad of Easy Rider recording sessions, and it had quickly become an audience favorite.[15] In concert, the Byrds rendition of "Jesus Is Just Alright" began with a wordless vocal introduction that built up and led into the first iteration of the song's chorus.[4] This distinctive vocal arrangement had been devised by Parsons. Still, once the band was in the studio, record producer Terry Melcher dispensed with the extended intro, giving the song a more pop-oriented arrangement.[4]

Cash Box said, "dropping a good deal of their country trappings and accenting some blazing instrumental arrangements, the Byrds take flight with a marvel in the material department."[16] Record World called it an "out-of-sight driving rocker."[17] Billboard said that "the Terry Melcher production work is first rate."[18]

"Jesus Is Just Alright" became a staple of the Byrds' concert repertoire between 1969 and 1971, but appears to have been performed only rarely after that.[19] Additionally, the band performed the song on the U.S. television programs Memphis Talent Party and The Midnight Special in 1970 and 1972 respectively.[20]

Besides its appearance on the Ballad of Easy Rider album, "Jesus Is Just Alright" can also be found on several Byrds compilations, including The Best of The Byrds: Greatest Hits, Volume II, History of The Byrds, The Byrds, The Essential Byrds, and There Is a Season.[21] Live recordings of the song are included on the expanded edition of The Byrds' (Untitled) album as well as on Live at Royal Albert Hall 1971.[21]

The Doobie Brothers version

[edit]
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
side-A label
US single of the Doobie Brothers recording
Single by The Doobie Brothers
from the album Toulouse Street
B-side"Rockin' Down the Highway"
ReleasedNovember 15, 1972
Recorded1972
StudioWarner Bros. Studios, Hollywood, CA
GenrePop, rock, funk
Length4:36 (Album version)
3:50 (Single edit)
LabelWarner Bros.
SongwriterArthur Reid Reynolds
ProducerTed Templeman
The Doobie Brothers singles chronology
"Listen to the Music"
(1972)
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
(1972)
"Long Train Runnin'"
(1973)
Audio
"Jesus Is Just Alright with Me" (2007 Remaster) on YouTube

The Doobie Brothers' version of "Jesus Is Just Alright" was first released on their second album, Toulouse Street, in 1972.[5] It was subsequently released in November 1972 as the second single from the album (b/w "Rockin' Down the Highway") and went on to become a U.S. hit, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1973.[6][22] On the New Zealand Listener charts it reached No.8.[23] The single featured a shorter, edited version of the song compared to the one included on the album.[5] The Doobie Brothers' version of "Jesus Is Just Alright" was one of several religiously themed songs to reach the U.S. charts between 1969 and 1973.[a] The song, along with its B-side, continues to be a staple of playlists on classic rock radio stations.[citation needed]

The band first became aware of "Jesus Is Just Alright" after hearing the Byrds' version. Before long, the song had been added to the Doobie Brothers' live repertoire. As a result, the Doobies' musical arrangement is very similar to the one used by the Byrds. However, the Doobie Brothers' rendition includes an extra bridge that the band added themselves.[28] In 2007, bassist Tiran Porter claimed that the idea of adding a slow bridge was his, including the lyrics "Jesus is my friend", but due to the high vocal range demanded, guitarist Patrick Simmons sang lead instead of him.[29] Although none of the individual band members were religiously inclined, the song went on to become very popular among Christians during the early 1970s, particularly those within the hippie counterculture that were involved with the Jesus movement.[30]

Record World said, "Vocally and musically, this is a strong record."[31]

In addition to its appearance on Toulouse Street, the song can also be found on several Doobie Brothers compilations, including Best of The Doobies, Listen to the Music: The Very Best of The Doobie Brothers, Long Train Runnin': 1970–2000, Greatest Hits, and The Very Best of The Doobie Brothers.[28] Live recordings of the song appear on the Farewell Tour, Rockin' down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert, and Live at Wolf Trap albums.[28]

Personnel

[edit]

Additional personnel

[edit]

DC Talk version

[edit]
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
Single by DC Talk
from the album Free at Last
Released1992
Recorded1992
GenreHip hop, Christian rock
Length4:41 (album version)
LabelForeFront
SongwriterArthur Reid Reynolds
ProducersToby McKeehan, Mark Heimermann
DC Talk singles chronology
"Can I Get a Witness"
(1992)
"Jesus Is Just Alright"
(1992)
"Lean on Me"
(1993)
Music video
"Jesus Is Just Alright" (Official Music Video) on YouTube

"Jesus Is Just Alright" is a Dove Award-winning single by Christian rock and hip hop band, DC Talk. It was the lead single for their 1992 platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning album, Free at Last.[8] The band's primary songwriter, TobyMac (Toby McKeehan), retained the song's chorus but added several new verses consisting of his lyrics. These lyrics were rapped, as was usual with DC Talk's songs of the period, with the lead vocal alternating between McKeehan's rapped verses and the sung chorus provided by Kevin Max (then known as Kevin Smith) and Michael Tait.[citation needed]

DC Talk's version also includes subtle lyric alterations by McKeehan, with the line "Jesus is just alright" being intermittently changed to "Jesus is still alright", which reflected the songwriter's feeling that Jesus was still alright with him, even if others did not share his beliefs. Thus, DC Talk's recording is an update on the previous version. The lyrics comment on the lack of acceptance and recognition faith-based music often receives from mainstream radio. In addition to being musically based upon the earlier Byrds and Doobie Brothers' recordings, DC Talk's version of the song also features samples of Madonna's hit single "Vogue" and the Snap! song "The Power".[citation needed]

In the audio commentary of the Free at Last – The Movie bonus DVD, Tait identified "Jesus Is Just Alright" as the song that DC Talk has performed most in their live shows.[32] It has been played at every concert since 1992 and is the only song to be played on each of their four major headlining tours: Free At Last (1994), Jesus Freak – The Tour (Spring 1996), The Supernatural Experience (Spring 1999), and An Evening with DC Talk (Spring 2001).[citation needed]

The song's music video was shot entirely in muted sepia-tone and featured DC Talk singing around three crosses in a desert, surrounded by musicians and dancers. It concludes with the band walking off into the desert sunset.

At the 24th GMA Dove Awards in 1994, "Jesus Is Just Alright" was awarded the Dove Award for Best Rock Recorded Song.[33] DC Talk also became one of the first contemporary Christian acts to perform on late-night television when, on November 12, 1993, the band performed "Jesus Is Just Alright" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.[citation needed]

"Jesus Is Just Alright" was also used in a Christian Television Association advertisement from 1994, which combined the music video with interview clips from their Rap, Rock, & Soul video. The ad ran for over a decade, and helped introduce DC Talk to Australian audiences.[34]

CD single track listing

[edit]

US radio promo

  1. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (album version) – 4:41
  2. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Funky, Wit Less Rap) – 4:08
  3. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Still Funky, Wit No Rap) – 3:38
  4. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (With Original Blues Bridge) – 4:51
  5. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Reprise) – 1:03
  6. "Yo! Ho Ho" – 4:14
  7. "Two Honks and a Negro" – 0:19
  8. "Free at Last Album Spot" – 1:01

Japanese radio promo

  1. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (album version) – 4:41
  2. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Funky, Wit Less Rap) – 4:08
  3. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Still Funky, Wit No Rap) – 3:38
  4. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (With Original Blues Bridge) – 4:51
  5. "Jesus Is Just Alright" (Reprise) – 1:03

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Jesus Is Just Alright" is a gospel song written by American singer and songwriter Arthur Reid Reynolds in the 1960s, originally recorded by his group, the Art Reynolds Singers, on their 1966 debut album Tellin' It Like It Is.[1] The track, which uses 1960s slang to express approval of Jesus in a casual, affirming manner, gained wider popularity through subsequent rock covers, most notably by the Byrds in 1969 and the Doobie Brothers in 1972, with the latter's version becoming a top-40 hit.[1] The song's origins trace back to Reynolds' work in the gospel music scene, where he composed it as a simple, uplifting expression of faith.[2] Released on Capitol Records, the Art Reynolds Singers' original version featured a soulful, choir-driven arrangement that stayed true to its gospel roots but received limited commercial attention at the time.[3] It was the Byrds' adaptation, included on their 1969 album Ballad of Easy Rider and released as a single, that first introduced the song to rock audiences, incorporating psychedelic elements and a shifting time signature; the single peaked at number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] The Byrds frequently performed it live from 1969 to 1971, helping to embed it in the counterculture repertoire.[1] The Doobie Brothers' rendition, featured on their 1972 breakthrough album Toulouse Street, marked the song's commercial peak and broader cultural impact.[4] Influenced by the Byrds' version, the band added an original bridge and a harder rock edge, transforming it into an anthem of the early 1970s Jesus movement while aligning with their blend of rock, soul, and country influences.[5] Released as a single in late 1972, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 97 and climbed to number 35 by February 1973, spending 11 weeks on the chart and contributing to the album's multi-platinum success.[6] This version's radio play and live performances solidified its status as one of the era's notable religiously themed rock tracks.[7] Over the decades, "Jesus Is Just Alright" has been covered by diverse artists, reflecting its enduring appeal across genres.[1] Notable renditions include the Underground Sunshine's 1970 pop version, Alexis Korner's blues interpretation, the Ventures' instrumental take, DC Talk's 1992 hip-hop-infused cover on Free at Last (which earned a 1994 Dove Award for Best Rock Recorded Song), Stryper's heavy metal adaptation in 2013, and Robert Randolph's collaboration with Eric Clapton.[1] These variations highlight the song's versatility, from gospel sincerity to rock energy and contemporary fusions, while maintaining its core message of straightforward faith affirmation.[8]

Song origins

Composition and writing

"Jesus Is Just Alright" was composed by Art Reynolds in 1966 as a gospel song intended to convey a positive affirmation of Christian faith through contemporary language.[1] Reynolds, a gospel musician and choir director based in the Los Angeles area, drew from his experience leading church choirs in Long Beach, California, where he formed The Art Reynolds Singers from talented vocalists at St. Vestal CME Church.[9] The track was crafted as an uplifting piece for his choir, emphasizing Jesus' role as sufficient and reliable in everyday life without aggressive proselytizing, instead opting for a relaxed, accessible tone reflective of 1960s youth culture.[1] The song's structure centers on a simple, repetitive chorus—"Jesus is just alright with me"—repeated for emphasis and singability, which uses the slang "alright" to signify something cool and affirming, thereby making the gospel message feel casual and relatable.[1] Supporting verses explore themes of personal devotion, including lines like "I don't care what they may say" and "Sometimes I try to understand / But I'm just a simple man," portraying a search for guidance and companionship in faith amid skepticism. This chorus-driven format aligned with Reynolds' goal of creating music that his choir could perform energetically to inspire listeners subtly.[9]

Original recording

"Jesus Is Just Alright" was first recorded by the Art Reynolds Singers and released in October 1966 on the album Tellin' It Like It Is by Capitol Records.[10] The track, produced by Gary S. Paxton, was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with Art Reynolds serving as the lead arranger and performer alongside the choir formed from members of the St. Vestal CME Church.[11][12] The original version features a traditional gospel arrangement highlighted by soaring choir vocals, rhythmic handclaps, and organ accompaniment, clocking in at a runtime of 1:55.[10] As one of the first recordings by a Black gospel group on Capitol Records, it exemplified the label's early foray into the genre.[12] Despite its energetic and uplifting style, the track experienced limited commercial success upon release, failing to chart on major pop or R&B lists but finding appreciation and traction within gospel music circles. This modest initial reception contrasted with its later influence, notably inspiring rock adaptations such as The Byrds' 1969 cover.[1]

Notable cover versions

The Byrds' version

The Byrds recorded their adaptation of "Jesus Is Just Alright" during sessions in 1969 for their eighth studio album, Ballad of Easy Rider, which was released on November 10, 1969, by Columbia Records.[13] The track, originally a gospel song written by Art Reynolds and first recorded by his group, the Art Reynolds Singers, in 1966, was introduced to the band by drummer Gene Parsons from a previous session he had played on.[14] The version features a folk-rock arrangement highlighted by Roger McGuinn's prominent 12-string Rickenbacker guitar riffs, providing the signature jangly timbre, alongside the band's characteristic layered vocal harmonies and an uplifting beat that incorporates instrumental breaks.[15] Produced by Terry Melcher with associate producer and engineer Jerry Hochman, the recording runs 2:10 in length and captures the group's energetic studio process, with McGuinn handling lead vocals and guitar.[16] This secular rock transformation shifts the original's pure gospel format into a more accessible, roots-oriented sound. The inclusion of "Jesus Is Just Alright" on Ballad of Easy Rider reflected The Byrds' ongoing evolution toward country-rock influences, blending folk elements with rock energy as the band returned to its acoustic-leaning origins amid lineup changes and creative shifts in the late 1960s.[14] McGuinn and the group selected the song for its positive, feel-good quality, which aligned with the album's thematic focus on simpler, narrative-driven material inspired by the Easy Rider film soundtrack.[14] Upon release as a single in December 1969, the track received modest initial attention but grew into a fan favorite, later appearing on compilations such as The Byrds' Greatest Hits Volume II in 1971, where it helped showcase the band's later-period highlights.[17]

The Doobie Brothers' version

The Doobie Brothers recorded their version of "Jesus Is Just Alright" in 1972 for their second studio album, Toulouse Street, which was released on July 1, 1972, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Ted Templeman at Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, California, the album marked a significant evolution for the band, incorporating a mix of rock and soul influences that propelled their commercial breakthrough. The track itself transformed the original gospel song into a high-energy boogie-rock number, clocking in at 4:32—longer than prior recordings—and featuring layered harmonies, a rhythmic groove, and an extended instrumental breakdown.[4][18][8] The arrangement highlighted driving guitar riffs from Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston, with Johnston delivering the lead vocals in his characteristic gritty style, complemented by prominent Hammond B3 organ work from session musician Bill Payne, who also contributed to the song's distinctive breakdown section. Backing vocals and harmonies were provided by Simmons, Johnston, and bassist Tiran Porter, adding to the track's communal, uplifting feel. Key personnel on the recording included Tom Johnston (lead vocals, guitar), Patrick Simmons (guitar, backing vocals), Tiran Porter (bass, backing vocals), John Hartman (drums, percussion), and Michael Hossack (drums), with additional contributions from Bill Payne (organ) and Ted Templeman (percussion).[8][19] Released as the album's second single on November 15, 1972 (backed with "Rockin' Down the Highway"), "Jesus Is Just Alright" peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1973, marking the band's first significant chart success and helping Toulouse Street achieve platinum status. The Doobie Brothers drew inspiration from the Byrds' 1969 cover, adapting its folk-rock structure into a more propulsive rock format that resonated with mainstream audiences while attracting Christian listeners due to the song's spiritual lyrics. This version solidified the band's reputation for blending rock energy with gospel elements, contributing to their rise as a major act in the 1970s rock scene.[4][8][18]

DC Talk's version

DC Talk, the Christian rap and rock trio consisting of Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max, covered "Jesus Is Just Alright" on their third studio album, Free at Last, released on November 18, 1992, by ForeFront Records. The recording marked a shift in the group's sound toward a more polished fusion of hip-hop and rock, incorporating contemporary production techniques to appeal to younger Christian audiences. Produced by Mark Heimermann and Toby McKeehan, the track features rapped verses delivered by the group members—Toby McKeehan leading the primary rap sections, with contributions from Tait and Max—over hip-hop beats, transitioning into an energetic gospel-style chorus that emphasizes the song's affirming lyrics about faith.[20] The album version runs 4:37, blending the original gospel roots with 1990s urban influences to create an accessible, youth-oriented anthem for ministry and contemporary worship settings.[21] A promotional CD maxi-single was issued by ForeFront Records in 1992, including the full album version, a radio edit, a version with the original blues bridge (4:47), and a reprise (0:54), alongside other tracks like "Yo! Ho! Ho! (Christmas Rap)."[21] This release highlighted the song's versatility, with later international singles in 1994 featuring edited versions (3:50) paired with tracks like "That Kinda Girl," further extending its reach in the Christian music market.[22] The cover's innovative style helped bridge traditional gospel themes with modern rap-rock, targeting youth ministry contexts by integrating explicit faith declarations into popular musical formats.[23]

Other covers

Beyond the more prominent renditions, "Jesus Is Just Alright" has inspired a range of covers across genres, demonstrating its enduring appeal from psychedelic rock to metal and beyond. In 1970, Underground Sunshine delivered a psych-rock interpretation as a single on Intrepid Records, infusing the track with hazy, garage-inflected energy that echoed the era's countercultural vibe.[24][25] Stryper, the Christian glam metal band, revisited the song in a hard-rocking style on their 2013 album No More Hell to Pay, where frontman Michael Sweet's soaring vocals and the group's signature shredding guitar work updated it for heavy metal audiences while retaining its gospel roots.[26][27] The Ventures provided an instrumental surf-rock take on the song in 1971, featured on their album New Desires. British blues musician Alexis Korner recorded a blues-infused version in the 1970s, emphasizing gritty guitar and harmonica to reinterpret the gospel original. Robert Randolph and the Family Band offered a sacred steel vocal cover featuring pedal steel guitar and collaboration with Eric Clapton on guitar and vocals, appearing on their 2006 album Colorblind and in various live sets, blending gospel traditions with modern blues-rock.[28][29] More recent interpretations include Eric McFadden's 2010 acoustic version on his tribute album Pull a Rabbit Out of His Hat, Vol. 2, which stripped the song to intimate fingerpicking and raw vocals for a folk-leaning introspection.[30][31] In the 2020s, Larkin Poe provided a blues-rock rendition in 2018, with sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell's slide guitar and harmonies delivering a gritty, rootsy energy in a video performance that highlighted the song's rhythmic drive.[32][33] The Doobie Brothers themselves have frequently performed the track live in concerts since their 1972 hit release, incorporating it into setlists for tours in the 1980s, 2010s, and as recently as 2024, often extending it with improvisational flair to engage audiences.[34][35] These versions underscore the song's versatility, influenced by the Doobie Brothers' mainstream success in sustaining its popularity across decades and styles.[36]

Reception and legacy

Chart performance and awards

The Doobie Brothers' 1972 recording of "Jesus Is Just Alright," released as a single from their album Toulouse Street, peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1973. The track also reached number 35 on the Cash Box Top 100 singles chart during the same period. The parent album Toulouse Street climbed to number 21 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. The Byrds' version, included on their 1969 album Ballad of Easy Rider, saw limited commercial success as a single, debuting at number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1970 before quickly dropping off the chart. However, the album itself performed better, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard 200. In 1992, DC Talk covered the song on their album Free at Last, where it became a major hit within Christian music circles, topping the Christian contemporary radio airplay charts and winning Rock Recorded Song of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1994.[37] The album Free at Last achieved significant commercial milestones, reaching number 58 on the Billboard 200 and earning RIAA platinum certification for over one million units sold in the United States. The original 1966 recording by the Art Reynolds Singers did not enter mainstream charts but gained recognition in gospel music communities. No major industry awards were bestowed directly on the song's various versions, though the Doobie Brothers' rendition contributed to the band's rising profile without specific Grammy recognition for the track or its album. Other covers, such as Underground Sunshine's 1970 release, failed to chart.

Cultural impact

The covers of "Jesus Is Just Alright" significantly contributed to bridging gospel traditions with secular rock music amid the 1960s and 1970s counterculture, resonating with hippie Christian communities in the Jesus Movement by presenting faith in an accessible, non-traditional format. This integration allowed the song to serve as a cultural touchstone, blending spiritual lyrics with rock instrumentation to appeal to youth disillusioned with established churches and drawn to alternative expressions of spirituality.[38] The Doobie Brothers' 1972 version, in particular, gained prominence within the Jesus Movement, embodying the era's fusion of countercultural energy and evangelical zeal, the track underscored the song's role in the broader narrative of contemporary Christian music's emergence from grassroots movements.[39] DC Talk's 1992 reinterpretation revitalized the song during the 1990s surge in Christian hip-hop, incorporating rap elements that influenced the evolution of contemporary Christian music (CCM) toward more diverse and urban styles.[40] As part of their album Free at Last, the cover exemplified CCM's push for innovation, advancing the genre's artistic and commercial boundaries. The song's lasting appeal is evident in its continued use during worship services and adaptations by varied artists, including gospel-soul performer Robert Randolph & the Family Band in 2006, which reinforced its symbolism of relaxed, personal affirmations of faith across musical boundaries. This versatility has sustained its presence in church settings, where it fosters communal expressions of belief in informal, contemporary liturgies.[41]

References

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