“Finally”
T.G. Sheppard
Written by Gary Chapman
Radio & Records
#1 (2 weeks)
May 28 – June 4, 1982
Billboard
#1 (1 week)
June 5, 1982
Gary Chapman was already a Dove Award-winning Contemporary Christian act when T.G. Sheppard took his song to the top of both country charts.
At first blush, it may seem an odd fit to have the lascivious Sheppard recording Chapman’s material, but given what actually goes on behind closed doors with the most loudly public Christians, it just might be the perfect fit.
And in one sense, it is. Sheppard’s overly dramatic vocal, paired with the antiseptic production of an eighties CCM hit, is like a Sunday morning televangelist show distilled into one record. It’s as phony as it is self-righteous. He’s going to fleece the rubes, cash the check, and go spend it on his harem.
Are we done with this guy yet?
“Finally” gets a D.
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I assumed it was “Finally” we are done with this guy. I guess not.
These are some of the best lyrics Sheppard has had to work with. Unfortunately, his limitations as a vocalist, combined with his surfeit of insincerity, leaves him nowhere to take this song.
Waylon Jennings’ recent number one was bouyed by his relationship with Willie Nelson and Nelson’s reputation.
Here, Sheppard can’t escape his own scummy reputation. He is his own worst musical enemy, and is betrayed by the bed he has made himself. He sinks himself.
Unfortunately, even with this sinking he hasn’t reached bottom. His worst is yet to come.