The Misfit (1979)

The Misfit is a collaboration album by Erick Nelson and Michele Pillar. Released around October 1979 by Maranatha! Music's A&S label, The Misfit is a concept album where a common thread of concept of being an “outsider” or outcast weaves its way throughout each and every song. The different topics range from faith, love, loss, doubt and more, but all with a singular focus as coming from the outside looking in. Guests and musicians on the album include Kelly Willard, Hadley Hockensmith, Denny Correll, John Wickham (Phil Wickham's father), Keith Edwards and Alex MacDougall among others. The album was produced by Nelson and Jonathan David Brown.

Nelson at this point had a very good and lengthy Jesus Music career going as both a solo artist and as members of popular bands like Good News. Pillar was an up and coming and much talked about new female vocalist on the precipice of a wonderful career in the 1980’s.  Her sweet and smooth Karen Carpenter (ballads) or Kiki Dee (pop) like voice matched Nelson’s more soulful and, at times, rocky voice perfectly and the blend just worked. It shocked many at the time that this would be their only album together. Both Nelson and Pillar were associated with Maranatha! Music, particularly as members of The Maranatha Singers at the time.

The title song sets the tone for the entire project as we are introduced to "the misfit." Here the main character admits his distrust of those in his life, especially those who claim the name of Christ. Friends have deserted him and he's looking for hope somewhere, somehow. The pop piano hook is juxtaposed against a dark and longing lyric. Song highlights include "Carry Me Along," "Stand," "Take Me to the Light" and a cover of the Boudleaux Bryant composition "Love Hurts." Also included is the Randy Stonehill cover "First Prayer." The closing track "Martyr Song" was written about those that have gone before us to secure and build the Church. The freedom "the misfit" was longing for and searching out is found in Christ and helps one overcome all obstacles and challenges.

The Misfit debuted in April 1980 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart peaking at number 29. It was reissued on CD by Spare Room Productions in 2002. The album is not available on digital platforms. However, four selected tracks are available on digital platforms on Nelson's 1980 compilation release Picking Up the Pieces. A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article.

Track listing

All songs written by Erick Nelson, except where noted.

1. The Misfit -3:34

2. Carry Me Along -3:30

3. Stand -3:58

4. Sail On (Don Stalker, Steve Berg) -2:37

5. Can't Find My Way Home -3:19

6. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (Jimmy Webb) -2:00

7. He's Asleep (Tommy Wolf) -3:17

8. Hurting People (Kelly Willard) -3:42

9. Take Me to the Light -4:01

10. First Prayer (Randy Stonehill) -3:08

11. Love Hurts (Boudleaux Bryant) -2:52

12. He Gave Me Love -2:51

13. Martyr Song -3:39

Erick Nelson:

Previous release: Flow River Flow (1976)

Next release: Picking Up the Pieces (1980) (compilation album)

Michele Pillar:

Next release: Michele Pillar (1982)

Listen to the album The Misfit by Erick Nelson and Michele Pillar here: