at the same facility. Shades of Gray would be the first release that the band produced themselves, and with this EP, drummer Steve Hindalong took over lyrical responsibilities to become the poetic voice of the Choir moving forward. In addition, Hindalong's work was finally heard on an official studio release for the first time with "15 Doors." Two members of Daniel Amos, Jerry Chamberlain and Rob Watson, contributed vocals and synths, respectively, and Bill Batstone, who co-produced the EP, would continue to work with the band on their next two albums. With Tim Chandler's bass guitar and Dan Michaels' saxophone and Lyricon, the band finally got on tape the musical voice that they had envisioned. Critical response Unlike its dismissive reception to Youth Choir’s debut release, CCM Magazine (during its brief run as the retitled Contemporary Christian Magazine) gave high praise to Shades of Gray, calling the EP "musically sustaining and thoughtful." Reviewer Brian Quincy Newcomb wrote that Daugherty's "heartfelt vocals and uniquely arresting guitar sound are driven to new heights of expression" by Hindalong's "propulsive drum attack." Newcomb singled out "15 Doors" as the highlight of the EP, saying that the Good Samaritan message was "driven home with punchy acumen in the memorable refrain." Retrospective critical reaction also has been highly positive. Mark Allender from AllMusic called Shades of Gray "brooding, melancholy, exciting—this wonderful sound transcends the time of its release." He added that there was "no filler here; all the songs are winners." In a review of the 2000 CD reissue of Voices in Shadows and Shades of Gray, Michial Farmer at The Phantom Tollbooth said that "Fade Into You" [is an] excellent early worship [song], and "All Night Long" may well be the band’s first 'twisted love song.'" In a track-by-track breakdown of the EP, Wayne Myatt from Jesus Freak Hideout also praised these opening and closing songs, calling "Fade Into You" "distinguished" and added that "All Night Long" "has a very catchy rhythm that will recall the listener of Glass Tiger or Yes." Mark Allan Powell in the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music called Shades of Gray "a marked improvement beyond the earlier full length. All five songs are compelling (and distinctive)." Track listing All songs written by Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong. Personnel Youth Choir Derri Daugherty – lead vocals, guitars, acoustic piano Steve Hindalong – drums, percussion Tim Chandler – bass guitar Dan Michaels