On the Fritz


On the Fritz is the title of the third release and second full-length album by Christian rock singer-songwriter Steve Taylor. It was released in 1985 on Sparrow Records. Produced by musician Ian McDonald, Taylor arranged and wrote all of the tracks on the album.
After its release, the album peaked at the No. 8 slot on Billboards Top Contemporary Christian album chart.

Track listing

Written and arranged by Steve Taylor.
; Side one
  1. "This Disco " – 4:06
  2. "On the Fritz" – 3:56
  3. "It's a Personal Thing" – 2:58
  4. "To Forgive" – 3:54
  5. "You've Been Bought" – 2:45
; Side two
  1. "You Don't Owe Me Nothing" – 3:22
  2. "I Manipulate" – 5:07
  3. "Lifeboat" – 4:35
  4. "Drive, He Said" – 4:30
  5. "I Just Wanna Know" – 4:40

Song details

"To Forgive" was inspired by the 1981 [Pope John Paul II assassination attempt#Relationship with Pope John Paul|personal appearance] of Pope [John Paul II] with his attempted assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, and the Pope's message.
"This Disco " was inspired by the Limelight, which was in operation from 1983 to 2003. It was once known as the "Church of the [Holy Communion and Buildings|Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion]."
Track "This Disco " later appeared on the Taylor releases Limelight, The Best We Could Find , and Now the Truth Can Be Told, which came out in 1986, 1988, and 1994 respectively.
"I Manipulate" is a criticism of the controversial teachings of Bill Gothard, which were considered to be legalistic, if not abusive.

Personnel