Safety in Numbers by Crack the Sky

Safety in Numbers is the third studio album by American rock band Crack the Sky, released on LP in October 1978 (see 1978 in music) by Lifesong Records (catalog #JZ 35041). It is the band's highest charting release on the Billboard album chart, peaking at #126. This album is markedly different from the previous two Crack The Sky releases, being largely written by Rick Witkowski with Joe Macre and Rob Stevens. Keyboardist/vocalist John Palumbo, who had previously composed all of Crack The Sky's material, departed the band early in the recording process for Safety In Numbers. Consequently, Palumbo is not credited as a band member on the finished album, though the re-organized group did end up using three of his songs (one a co-write with several other Crack The Sky members). To replace Palumbo, the band recruited Gary Lee Chappell to sing, and producer Rob Stevens to play keyboards. However, only the original band members (Joey D'Amico, Joe Macre, Jim Griffiths, Rick Witkowski) are pictured on the back cover of the album, with Chappell and Stevens relegated to one small photo each on the inside sleeve. There was a tour in support of the album (documented on Live Sky and Alive and Kickin' Ass), after which the band folded. In 1980, Palumbo and guitarist Rick Witkowski started a new version of the band and released White Music. Crack The Sky has continued recording ever since; Safety In Numbers remains their only studio album that does not feature Palumbo as lead vocalist/chief songwriter.