Back in the early ’80s, Rick Cua took his bass and left the southern rock band The Outlaws to embark on not only a new career but a mission—as a solo contemporary Christian artist. In 1982, he had his first hit on Christian radio with You Can Still Rock ‘N Roll from his debut solo album, the aptly (and phonetically) titled Koo-Ah.

Fast-forward about seven years, and I was fourteen, watching him take the stage for the second time in my young life. I had already seen him perform solo at a local church outside of Milwaukee, but this night was different—he was headlining the Rock, Rhythm, and Rap tour, along with Morgan Cryer and rapper Michael Peace.

As Rick introduced the next song from his newest album, Fifteen (that’s right, Rick did it before Taylor) he shared that he wrote the song for his daughter, who had reached the age when boys were starting to appear on his doorstep. As a father of teenage daughters now myself, I get it, Rick. But that night, he looked right down at me—front row, obviously—and said, “Like this guy right here!”

It was, at that moment, the thrill of my life. But I couldn’t have guessed what he’d say next. He reached down to shake my hand and added, “I’m just kidding around. I remember you from last time. It’s good to see you.”

That was it—fan for life. But truth be told, I already was. And I have remained one ever since. Even now, sitting at my laptop listening to Message of Love from 1991’s Within Reach, I’ve got chills running up my arms. Rick wasn’t content to make it a simple pop anthem—the song weaves in funk, R&B, and gospel, all carried by the deep, driving locomotive rhythm of his bassline. You don’t just listen to the song—you feel it.

Now, Rick Cua has just released a new double album greatest hits collection—Rick Cua: The Ultimate Collection. This two-CD set comes with a collector’s booklet stocked with memories, attempting to encapsulate a 40-year career in contemporary Christian music. It includes all the classics fans would expect, from You’re My Road, No Man Will Know, and For the Love of God to the poignant Don’t Say Suicide—a track that remains as timely as ever in an era when mental health is at the forefront of so many conversations.

And of course, no Rick Cua collection would be complete without Can’t Stand Too Tall—a throw-your-fists-in-the-air anthem about boldly proclaiming the gospel. Many of Rick’s songs have been calls to action and evangelism, from I Can I Will and Wear Your Colors to the spiritually charged battle cry Let Me At ‘Em.

In an age where praise music has taken center stage in Christian music—, especially among young believers—it’s good to know there’s still a place for good ol’ faith-based rock & roll. Anyone who has followed Rick Cua knows how seriously he takes his roles as both rocker and evangelist, as if his only directives were to make great music and save souls. The Ultimate Collection is proof of a mission accomplished—though, hopefully, far from finished.

The reality is, Rick Cua could have had a very successful career in secular music. But he felt the call to use his talents for something greater. As Rick put it:

“As Creative’s, God made you that way because people need what you’ve been given. The enemy will try to convince you otherwise but don’t listen. Keep moving forward and don’t hide what he’s given you under a bushel.”

Sage words from the man that wrote Something You’ve Got.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of catching Rick at a showcase of well-known Christian artists in Nashville. The moment the drums started pounding and he struck that first bass note to kick off I Can I Will, I was transported back nearly 40 years. He was still that same cool, compassionate rocker in black, commanding the stage, and I was still that geeky kid in the front row that left that show feeling like I had the strength to change the world.

Diving back into his body of work, I feel that way again.

Get over to rickcua.com and order your set today.

Leave a Reply