“First Light: Scenes From the Restoration, Vol. 1,” by Brett Raymond, is a very nicely done musical look at the events of the early restoration. Brother Raymond does a fine job of taking us into the minds and hearts of various people, such as Palmyra townspeople (“Who Is This Joseph?,” “Insults”), the Prophet Joseph Smith himself (“How Is a Boy to Know?,” “Serious Reflection,” “I Can’t Deny It,” “Lost”) and even the Lord (“Still My Servant, Still My Friend”).

The portrayal of the Prophet is always completely respectful, while at the same time touchingly human. In “How Is a Boy to Know?” we see his confusion at the conflicting claims of the churches he looks at and his longing for the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. In “I Can’t Deny It,” he comments that it would probably make his life easier if he were to retract his statements about what he has witnessed and experienced, but that he can’t, even if no one else believes him.

“Lost,” while dealing with the loss of the first 116 pages of the translation of the Book of Mormon, could also be the lament of any of us who feel that our transgressions have cut us off from the love and forgiveness of God. This is wonderfully answered in “Still My Servant, Still My Friend,” in which the Lord expresses His love and willingness to forgive the repentant sinner in a way that offers comfort and hope to any of us who need that reassurance.

The overall album, with a variety of musical styles and points of view reminded me of “The Forgotten Carols,” which is a favorite of mine. This was definitely a rewarding and enjoyable album to listen to, especially for the look at the Prophet’s mortal concerns and struggles. Frequently, prophets seem somewhat super-human, and as a result, hard to relate to; but this entirely believable look at a prophet’s concerns and mistakes makes him seem less a remote figure above the rest of us, and more a human being doing a huge job with much divine aid. I highly recommend “First Light: Scenes From the Restoration, Vol. 1” by Brett Raymond, to anyone with an interest in the history of the Restoration or who simply enjoys good, uplifting music with a solid spiritual base.

Seanette B.
Sacramento, CA