As the story goes Mike Stand was resting after a surgery and decided to break out his Tascam 4 track and listen to some recordings the band made in 91 & 93. For some reason back in the day the boys were unable to release these recordings. Mike decided to see if he could get these recordings released so he ran a kickstarter to raise funds for the album. They successfully raised over $23,000 so we are blessed with a new, old album. The sound of this album is classic Altar boys so any fan of them back then will be a fan of this album. It’s not that often a situation likes this comes so I found it to be a real treat.
Tracklist 1 – Rebel Rock – 4:37 2 – No Substitute – 4:00 3 – Let Me See Your Hands – 3:31 4 – Light Of Freedom – 4:01 5 – Outside In The Distance – 3:25 6 – History Comes Back – 5:18 7 – The Kids Cry – 3:58 8 – Surround Me – 4:33 9 – Thousand Miles – 4:27 10 – Devotion – 4:28 11 – Give Our Hearts – 4:16 12 – Revolution Of Love – 2:53
Credits Design [Artwork Design] – Ron Lara Mixed By, Mastered By – Keith Sorrells Performer [Altar Boys Are:] – Jeff Crandall, Mark Robertson, Mike Stand, Steve Pannier
Companies, etc. Mixed At – Project K Studios Copyright (c) – Lo-Fidelity Records Copyright (c) – Oh Oh Nancy Music
Brothers Dino and John Elefante returned with the other members of Mastedon to give us their second album in 1990. It was released on their own brand new label, Pakaderm Records. I’m a little unclear on their fascination with the elephant species but it’s kind of cute. The album actually has 4 lead vocalists, Dave Amato, Tom Bowes, John Elefante, and Dean Longacre. I don’t think I’ve seen 4 lead vocalists on an album before. As for the album it is somewhere in between metal and rock but I think it leans more metal so I’m categorizing it that way. You can actually hear Dino and John’s Kansas influence on a few tracks which is a nice bit of throwback.
Tracklist 1 – Holiest One – 4:50 2 – Life On The Line – 4:25 3 – Run To The Water – 4:30 4 – When It All Comes Down – 4:30 5 – Taken Down Below – 4:33 6 – Stampede – 2:27 7 – Living For You – 4:16 8 – Thief In The Night – 2:47 9 – People Of This Time – 4:54 10 – It Is Done – 3:43
Credits Arranged By – Dino Elefante, John Elefante Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, Dave Amato, John Elefante Bass – Dino Elefante, John Pierce Cover, Design, Illustration, Layout – Robert Fischer Drums – David Raven, Mac Jack, Phil Rowland Engineer – John Elefante, Mike Mireau Engineer [Additional] – Jeff Simmons Guitar – Dave Amato, Dino Elefante, Michael Thompson, Steph Burns, Tony Palacios Keyboards – John Andrew Schreiner, John Elefante Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante Vocals – Dave Amato, Dean Longacre, John Elefante, Tom Bowes
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Mastered At – Masterdisk Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Benny Hester’s classic “Nobody Knows me Like You” is the very best Adult Contemporary pop album in the history of Christian Music! Hyperbole much? Nay! There will be other album that are classified as AC or pop higher on this list, but most of the albums were not really “current,” commercial vehicles. They appealed to a pop market, but were not actually purely pop music for the day. But NKMLY was in a class all by itself. All the while the CCM market was discovering they had a treasure in Benny Hester the artist, who, over the years, has not only delivered memorable songs, but actual classics that changed and shaped the CCM landscape. Most artists would be honoured to have one song that could be listed among the greatest in the history of the genre, while Hester has a handful! Long before he made a mockery of radio chart records with “When God Ran,” has had made a very potent career of not just brilliant hits, but overwhelming good albums within his genre. Borrowing liberally from the hit music makes of the late 70’s and early 80’s (Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, Bee Gee’s, Elton John), Hester mastered his songwriting craft early and never slowed down. He was driven to be a recognized artist, all the while he was driven to express his faith in original and honest ways. Unlike the vast majority of his peers, Hester did not release an album every year like clockwork. Often there were a few years between releases and this gave him the opportunity to create great collections of well-written pop music. But no album would surpass his third (second CCM) album. With the album (and many albums like it) it is often the backstory that makes the album so intriguing and lasting. In the late 70’s Hester had record a series of songs and was getting nowhere with record labels. His debut (mainstream) release owns a tragic story and has become a collectors item of sorts. The label he was signed to folded and the warehouse holding the LP’s burned to the ground, destroying most known copies. Only a handful ever found there way into the hands of listeners. I am one those lucky few. Hester took those few songs and drove from Las Vegas to Canoga Park, CA and the then offices of Sparrow Records. Hester sat in the reception office until Bill Hearn (Sr.) finally agreed to meet with him. Hester played the songs for Hearn who signed him on the spot. Those songs and a few others were released as Hester’s “debut,” the self-titled Spirit Label release that was later knows as “Be a Receiver.” Soon after the release of the album, Hester found himself driving across the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. By the time he had crossed the bridge he had written the chorus to the song “Nobody Knows Me Like” without an instrument. He spent the rest of the day in San Francisco writing the song that he would forever attached to and that would make Hester one of the most popular CCM artists at the time. Hester went into the studio with a who’s who collection of musicians and emerged several months later with his classic. But the album took longer to get going because his new label (Myrrh) wanted Hester to work with producer, Michael Omartian. No one could blame Hester and the label for waiting to work with Omartian. But the time off also allowed Hester to fine tune his craft. It also gave the industry just enough time to forget who he was, and Hester and the label would have to start all over again and making Hester a known commodity.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Come Back – 4:14 2 – No Man’s Land – 4:13 3 – Rubber Canoe – 4:09 4 – Nobody Knows Me Like You – 4:44 5 – Step By Step – 4:53 6 – One More Time – 4:07 7 – Goodbye Salty – 4:39 8 – Real Change – 4:22 9 – You Loved Me – 4:04 10 – Christ The Solid Rock – 2:22
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Benny Hester Art Direction – Dennis Hill Artwork [Special Logo Design] – Tim Barela Backing Vocals – Jeff Lams, Michael Omartian, Tommy Funderburk Bass – Abraham Laboriel Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Bobby LaKind Coordinator [Production Coordinator] – Yvonne Garcia Drums – Ron Tutt Electric Guitar – Martin K. Walsh Engineer [Second] – Ross Pallone, Steve Crimmel Engineer, Remix – John Guess Keyboards – Jeff Lams, Michael Omartian Mastered By – Ken Perry Photography By – Harry Langdon Producer – Michael Omartian Saxophone – Kim Hutchcroft
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Produced For – Rhema Productions Recorded At – Hollywood Sound Recorders Mastered At – Capitol Mastering Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
The third studio album from The Alarm came to us in 1987. It was very well received reaching number 23 in the UK secular charts and number 77 in the US secular charts. The band actually toured with Bob Dylan the same year in support of the album. They also played Greenbelt the same year giving the Christian festival attendees a sneak peek of the album. The first single was “Rain In The Summertime” and when asked about it Mike Peters said they wrote the song together as a band. He also had this to say “We had a huge battle and it tore us apart. To get to the end of the record and have that song, it felt like we’d weathered a massive storm. We’d come through the eye of the hurricane, and here was the rain at the end of this intense period just to wash away all the ill feeling and bad experiences that we had, to bring us together.” The album is actually a little difficult to categorize. On one hand it’s rock but on the other hand new wave and on the third hand pop. However you categorize it, it is very good and a must listen.
Tracklist 1 – Rain In The Summertime – 5:12 2 – Newtown Jericho – 4:05 3 – Hallowed Ground – 4:17 4 – One Step Closer To Home – 4:31 5 – Shelter – 3:08 6 – Rescue Me – 3:19 7 – Permanence In Change – 4:01 8 – Presence Of Love – 4:01 9 – Only Love Can Set Me Free – 4:22 10 – Eye Of The Hurricane – 3:38
Credits Bass Guitar, Synth [Bass Synth], Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Eddie MacDonald Design, Art Direction – Steve Stretton Drums, Drum Programming [Linn Programming], Backing Vocals – Twist Engineer – Tony Platt Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Dave Sharp Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harmonica – Mike Peters Management – Ian Wilson, Third Light Management Mastered By – Jay Willis Mixed By – David Leonard (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4), Tony Platt (tracks: A4, B5) Mixed By [Assistant] – Gary Wilkinson (tracks: A4, B5), Jim Champagne (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4), Nick Blundell (tracks: A4, B5), Ron DaSilva (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4) Musician [Additional], Piano, Organ [Hammond] – Chris Stanton* (tracks: A4, B4, B5) Musician [Additional], Piano, Synthesizer [Dx7] – Mark Taylor (tracks: A1 to A3, B1 to B3) Photography By – Spencer Rowell Producer – John Porter, The Alarm Programmed By – MacDonald, Porter, Twist Written-By – Sharp (tracks: A4), MacDonald (tracks: A2 to A4, B1 to B5), Peters (tracks: A2 to A4, B1 to B5), Twist (tracks: A4), The Alarm (tracks: A1, A5)
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – MCA Records, Inc. Distributed By – MCA Records, Inc. Pressed By – Europadisk Recorded At – Great Linford Manor Mixed At – Soundcastle Mixed At – Image Recording Studios Mixed At – Great Linford Manor Mastered At – Precision Lacquer Phonographic Copyright (p) – International Record Syndicate, Inc. Copyright (c) – International Record Syndicate, Inc. Published By – Illegal Songs, Inc.
This Means War! is the ninth studio album from Petra. The album was the start of a shift from their better known pop sound to a more guitar driven rock sound though the keyboards did remain and still dominated some tracks. The album was produced by the Elefante brothers and this is the style of music they excelled in producing. It is said that the title track “This Means War!” was a rebuke to those who criticized Christian Rock especially Jimmy Swaggart who had actually singled out Petra on his ridiculous rants against Christian rock. Personally I don’t really hear it but it’s an interesting side note to the album. The album garnered Petra their fourth Grammy Nomination in the Best Performance by a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus category but alas they did not win the Grammy for the fourth time. The album released 2 singles. Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened made it to #1 and I Am Available made it to #4.
Tracklist 1 – This Means War! – 3:30 2 – He Came, He Saw, He Conquered – 4:10 3 – Get On Your Knees And Fight Like A Man – 4:32 4 – I Am Available – 4:27 5 – Kenaniah – 3:43 6 – You Are My Rock – 4:21 7 – The Water Is Alive – 3:48 8 – Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened – 3:41 9 – Dead Reckoning – 3:23 10 – All The King’s Horses – 4:17
Credits Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Mark Kelly (8) Bass Guitar – Mark Kelly Booking [Concert Bookings] – William Morris Agency Booking [Ministry Dates] – Ambassador Artist Agency Drums – Louie Weaver Drums [Drum Section] – Tom Hrbacek (tracks: 1) Engineer [Engineered By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau Illustration – Chris Hopkins Keyboards – John Lawry Lead Guitar – Bob Hartman Lead Vocals – John Schlitt Management [Management By] – FirstBorne Productions, Inc. Mastered By – Steve Hall Producer [Produced By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Bob Hartman, John Elefante, Louie Weaver, Tim Heitz Programmed By [Computer Programming] – John Lawry Promotion [Newsletter & Band Information] – Petra
Companies, etc. Copyright (c) – Star Song Records Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc. Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution Pressed By – CTA Co. Ltd. – X-733 Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios Mastered At – Future Disc Published By – Dawn Treader Music Published By – Gaither Music Published By – Petsong Publishing Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing Published By – Stop Shakin Publishing
It is not very often that an artist has the privilege of writing and recording a song that would one day be considered a classic. Even less often does that same artist write and record two or three such songs. Almost never do those three songs all appear on one album. After a sweet but neglected debut release, Knowing You’re Around, Twila released the popular Keepin’ My Eyes On You in 1982. That album showed the promise that would be realized on The Warrior is a Child. The album would contain several Top 10 singles and a few Number One singles. The most notable is the title track which went on to win several awards, own the radio charts and be the definitive song for an artist that has recorded over 20 albums and charted over 30 number one singles! Many songs have been added to recent editions of Church Hymnals while others have become modern worship classic. “Do I Trust You,” written after the death of Keith Green remained a radio favorite for years and one of the top selling accompany tapes ever sold. The beautiful and memorable melody has been added to hymnals and worship playlists. The song of God’s sovereignty has hit home with millions as a reminder of God’s role in our lives, even and especially during the difficult times. “We Bow Down” has also found it’s way into many modern hymnals and remains one of the most popular praise and worship songs of all time. It’s important to note that she was writing “pop” music for the masses that became worship classics well before the modern worship phenomenon. Very few MOR/Inspo albums have made there way on to this list, but one must recognize that when someone excels even in an area or style that is not a personal favorite, there is deserved recognition. Such is the case here as The Warrior is a Child remains a classic for the genre and genuinely great album with lasting impact and implications.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Warrior Is A Child – 4:05 2 – Forever Eyes – 3:32 3 – Clearer Vision – 4:13 4 – Do I Trust You – 4:11 5 – Covenant Keeper – 2:43 6 – The Battle Is The Lord’s – 2:55 7 – We Bow Down – 2:41 8 – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – 4:18 9 – To Do Your Will – 2:40 10 – Come On In – 3:58 11 – Praise Him – 3:36
Credits Arranged By – Jonathan David Brown, George (Smitty) Price Art Direction, Design – Joan Tankersley Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Jamie Owens Collins, Jonathan David Brown, Kelly Willard, Starla Paris, Twila Paris Bass Guitar – Jim Johnson, John Patitucci Drums – Cactus Moser Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith Engineer – Jonathan David Brown Engineer [Assisted By] – Steven Ford, Todd VanEtten Executive-Producer – Phil Brower Layout – Lori Cooper Mastered By – Steve Hall Percussion – Victor Feldman Photography By – Craig Stewart Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano [Rhodes] – George (Smitty) Price Piano [Acoustic], Organ [B-3] – Harlan Rogers Producer – Jonathan David Brown Synthesizer – John Schreiner Written-By – Twila Paris (tracks: A1 to B2, B4 to B6)
Companies, etc. Record Company – The Zondervan Corporation Phonographic Copyright (p) – Singspiration Copyright (c) – Singspiration Published By – Singspiration Music Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – Future Disc Designed At – The Cover Story
David Martin was am aspiring lyricist it the early 80’s and was having some success. In 1985 it was decided it was time for him to release his first album. Growing up in Atlanta he grew up listening to Southern Rock, Soul, and Gospel. That said this album is decidedly AOR and it will come as no surprise that Chris Christian produced the album. The musicians were mainly session musicians but were some of the best Nashville had to offer at the time. The album had 3 singles, Stronger Than The Weight made it to #5, Take Him To Heart made it to #13, and Adonai made it to #34. Not too shabby for a first album. There is a follow up album to this one which is a little more upbeat but we’ll get to it in due time.
Tracklist 1 – Take Him To Heart – 3:22 2 – Stronger Than The Weight – 3:54 3 – Adonai – 3:12 4 – Lookin’ For The Light – 4:16 5 – Miracle Man – 3:46 6 – Let The Wind Blow – 4:05 7 – How Can I Repay? – 3:20 8 – The Carpenter – 3:44 9 – Heart Of The Shepherd – 3:33 10 – He Holds Tomorrow – 3:32
Credits Arranged By [Rhythm Track] – Jeff Balding, Phil Naish Art Direction [Direction], Design – Kent Hunter Backing Vocals – Denny Henson (tracks: 4, 8), Greg Guidry (tracks: 4, 8) Bass – Mike Brignardello Drum Programming [Overdubs] – Dennis Holt Engineer [Recording], Mixed By – Jeff Balding Engineer [Second] – David Pierce Executive Producer – Chris Christian Guitar – Jon Goin Keyboards – Phil Naish Percussion – Farrell Morris Photography By – Scott Bonner Producer, Written-By – Phil Naish (tracks: 6, 8) Programmed By [Linn, Dmx And Simmons] – David Martin*, Phil Naish Saxophone – Sam Levine (tracks: 2, 3) Vocals, Written-By – David Martin
Companies, etc. Distributed By – LCS Music Group, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Home Sweet Home Records Copyright (c) – Home Sweet Home Records Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio East
Manna started out as a successful secular band called The Wilton Brothers but in 1981 they changed genre to Christian music and changed their name to Manna. Though original the band consisted of the 4 Wilton brothers they were joined by Wilf Truchon on guitar and Jeff Chaignon on bass to round out Manna. Out of Edmonton Alberta Canada they stated touring the local Alberta and British Columbia area. In 1982 or 83 they went into the studio and recorded this album. I have spoken with lead singer Dennis Wilton and he wasn’t really that impressed with the engineering/production on the album. He feels that the album didn’t truly capture the sound of the band. I would have to agree after listening to some of their live recordings which are available on Dennis’s soundcloud’s channel. The band was far more Rock oriented than this album represents and I think we can blame this on Tunesmith Records who unfortunately often thought they knew better than the band. Unfortunately this was all we got from the band which was also fairly common with Tunesmith records. Pity really as I feel they were headed in a good direction judging from their live work.
Tracklist 1 – Calling You – 4:33 2 – Eyes To See – 3:10 3 – Stand Up – 5:00 4 – Worthy Is The Lamb – 5:49 5 – Choose Today – 4:31 6 – Devotion Song – 3:00 7 – Open Your Heart – 4:36 8 – Greater Is He – 3:37 9 – Be Still…Be Silent – 3:20
Credits Lead Vocals – Dennis Wilton Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Vocals – Wilf Truchon Keyboards, Vocals – Rick Wilton Keyboards, Vocals – John Wilton Drums, Vocals, Birdcalls – Paul Wilton Bass Guitar, Co-Producer – Jeff Chaignon Concert Engineer – Kevin Phelps Executive Producer Charles H. Clements II Producer – Rob Hewes Engineers – Dean McElwaine, Rob Hewes Mixed & Remixed – Dean McElwaine
Companies Recorded At – Zone Five Studio, Edmonton Record Company – Tunesmith
I actually read a few reviews of this album before I listened to it and they weren’t that great. In fact they were all bad. Most of you are aware that metal is not my chosen style of music but I buckled down, got a soda and started listening. My first surprise was that all the songs were mislabeled. Turns out the album and the CD had different track orders but the CD used the back of the vinyl jacket for it’s track listings meaning they were all in the wrong order. As a result the software I use immediately mislabeled all of the tracks. On the upside I actually had to listen to the album to pick out the tracks properly. I really don’t know why this album was disliked as much as it was. Yea the vocals aren’t stunning but I don’t expect every metal singer to have a 5 octave range. I found the vocals to be adequate and the guitar was very very good. Bass was…. well it was bass and the drums sounded pretty good to me. Now I do agree that the album could have had better production quality. It was produced by Randy Thomas (Sweet Comfort Band) and maybe production isn’t his strong suit or maybe he just wasn’t familiar enough with this style of music. Personally I found the album to be OK but again this is not my favored style of music so my opinion might be completely wrong.
Tracklist 1 – Free Indeed – 4:03 2 – Fighting The Good Fight – 4:09 3 – Backslider – 4:15 4 – Building On The Rock – 4:46 5 – The Provider – 2:56 6 – Hebrews 13:8 – 3:33 7 – Turn – 3:11 8 – To The King – 3:03 9 – Children Of The Father – 5:18
Credits Backing Vocals – Thomas Mitchell III Bass [Fretless] – Mark Lewis (tracks: 8) Drums, Backing Vocals – Ryan Crampton Executive-Producer – Contagious Keyboards – Mark Lewis (tracks: 3), Ryan Crampton (tracks: 8) Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Scott Sifton Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Bass – Mark Lewis Producer – Randy Thomas
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Allies Recording Studio Mixed At – Allies Recording Studio
This is the album that wrapped it all up for The Archers after a twenty year run. It was also a return after a five year hiatus during which most of the band were working on solo projects. This albums appears to be a one album deal with Reunion Records and a part of me thinks there is a story behind this rather weird timeline. Furthermore the album only has 1 song written by Steve and Tim with the rest being penned by other songwriters. All in all this album has a rather odd story but I searched to find the story as it’s not out there so I’ll just be happy with the album, which brings me to the album. Most of the songs are standard Archers ware but there a couple good pop songs on the album if you prefer your music a little more upbeat. The album spawned 3 radio singles. “Be Our Guest” made it to #6, “I Love You Lord” made it to #10 as did “Run To You.”
Tracklist 1 – All Things – 3:34 2 – I Love You Lord – 4:32 3 – All Because You Love Me – 4:52 4 – The Colors Of Your Love – 4:37 5 – Run To You – 4:04 6 – Music (All Around The World) – 4:53 7 – Back On Track – 4:49 8 – Be Our Guest – 4:34 9 – Beneath Your Blood – 4:09 10 – We Need Each Other – 4:58
Credits Arranged By – Smitty Price Arranged By [Vocals] – Jonathan David Brown, The Archers Art Direction – Buddy Jackson, D. Rhodes Bass – Gary Lunn, John Patitucci, Spencer Campbell Design – Sam Knight Drums – Keith Edwards, Mark Hammond Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton, Richard Headen, Terry Hemmings Guitar – Marty Walsh Guitar [Additional] – Jerry McPherson Keyboards – Smitty Price Keyboards [Additional] – Carl Marsh, Phil Kristianson Mastered By – Ken Love Percussion – Eric Darden, Johnny dB Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown Saxophone – Mark Douthit
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Reunion Records, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – 41B Studios Overdubbed At – Eagle Mountain Studios Overdubbed At – Digital Recorders Mixed At – Johnny dB’s Basement Mastered At – Mastermix Designed At – Jackson Design
