Though this was Glenn’s 4th solo album it is one of the most important. At this point Resurrection Band was done creating new music so Glenn was free to dedicate more time on his solo work. This album almost has a 70’s big band feel and is very heavy on horns. You would swear you’re hearing the Tower Of Power but we don’t really know who the horn section was as they went uncredited. Come on Glenn, let’s support your supporting artists by making sure they’re on the credits list. Anyway, I quite liked this album. It’s certainly not the hard rock sound we’re perhaps expecting from Glenn but instead it’s fun late 70’s feel pop album.
Tracklist 1 – More And More – 3:22 2 – Diggin’ My Own Grave – 5:16 3 – Evidence – 3:26 4 – Faith, Hope, And Love – 4:41 5 – Troubled World – 4:29 6 – Self-Control – 3:59 7 – Wind Me Up – 3:46 8 – Marry Me – 4:49 9 – Nothin’ But Love – 3:47 10 – I Would Choose You – 3:49 11 – You Make Me Happy – 4:56 12 – It’s A Beautiful Thing – 4:16
Credits Art Direction, Layout, Design – Noah Benjamin Krogh Bass – Steve Huff Drums – Oscar Seaton Electric Guitar – Stu Heiss Engineer – Roger Heiss Guitar – Keith Henderson Organ – Richard Gibbs Photography – Terry Wheeler Piano, Clavinet – Chris Cameron Producer – Tom Cameron Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica – Glenn Kaiser Written-By – Glenn Kaiser
The 3rd album from Xalt really turns up the production value. I was actually surprised at the quality of production on this album. When I checked to see who produced it I discovered that he (Tony Miceli) is an unknown in the industry. This in fact was his first production job and he only had a few more after this. He is best known as a vibraphone artist though he did help on keyboards on this album. This album has a very commercial metal sound that I’m sure took some of their fans by surprise. My fav track is “Unconditional Love” which is a rock ballad in the feel of the mid 80’s. It has a real Bon Jovi feel but I do think the vocals are a little weak. That said I believe the talent was there, it just needed a few more takes and a little more effort. All in all a pretty good album here but a little late as it has a mid 80’s feel to me.
Tracklist 1 – Standing – 4:01 2 – Heart Of Stone – 4:31 3 – Babel Again – 3:44 4 – Walk Away – 3:06 5 – Unconditional Love – 5:01 6 – History – 2:57 7 – Build My World – 4:28 8 – The Tree – 4:29 9 – Reflection – 4:16 10 – Lord, Lord – 1:25
Credits Art Direction – Toni Thigpen Backing Vocals – John Heald, Scott Doerfler, Tony Miceli Bass – Randy Carlson Co-producer, Engineer – Paul Orofino Design – Dale Wehlacz Drums – Steve Luongo Executive-Producer – Dez Dickerson Guitar – James Erdman Keyboards – Tony Miceli Lead Vocals – Scott Doerfler Mastered By – Roger Seibel Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer – Tony Miceli
Companies, etc. Glass Mastered at – Nimbus, Virginia Recorded At – Millbrook Sound Studios Mixed At – Millbrook Sound Studios Mastered At – SAE Mastering
This is Phillip’s second album and it was on the same label as his first. At this point in history Phillip was the only person on Urgent Records with his two albums being the only 2 on the label. That said Urgent had a distribution deal with Sparrow and it must have been a good relationship because this album did very well. It had 2 charting singles with “On My Way” made it to #18 and “More Than A Moment” snuck onto the charts at #35. The standout track that didn’t single is “Listen To The Children” which features The Texas Boys Choir. While the track isn’t my cup of tea it is a very good song and deserved to be on the charts too. To sum up this is an easy listening album and is one that should be listened to if you’re looking for something new for Sunday worship tracks.
Tracklist 1 – More Than A Moment – 3:23 2 – Let Her Dance – 3:37 3 – Who Will Be There – 3:43 4 – Don’t Shoot The Wounded – 3:06 5 – Listen To The Children – 4:10 6 – On My Way – 2:55 7 – This Side Of Heaven – 2:46 8 – Should It Ever Rain Again – 2:52 9 – I Am Everyman – 2:54 10 – Brian – 3:32
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Mitch Watkins, Phillip Sandifer Concertmaster – Edward Lawrence Design [Cover] – Steve Freeman Drums, Percussion – John Treanor Electric Bass – Spencer Starnes Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Overdubs] – Brian Green Engineer, Mixed By – Larry Seyer Management – Ronald Lee Deutschendorf Mastered By – Steve Hall Photography By – Tomas Pantin Piano, Synthesizer [Overdubs] – Bill Ginn Producer, Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – Gary Powell Written-By – P. Sandifer
How great of a band is The 77’s? Well, how many bands could release a collection of rejects, B-sides, cast-offs, demos and throw-aways and still have it be one of the best album released for that year and one of the best albums of all time? Pretty much only The 77’s. After the dissolving of Exit Records and the greatest shame in the history of CCM rock music (the Island 77’s not becoming the biggest album at the time), Mike Roe and mates moved to Broken Records, headed by Ojo Taylor of Undercover, released a bunch of demos and rejects and made one of the most enjoyable and listenable albums in their storied career. It is actually one of the most commercially pleasing and accessible albums Roe has been involved with. Great alternative pop with killer hooks and a ton of memorable songs. In fact, the lead track (MT) made its way onto popular teen television show, Beverly Hills, 90210. But that was not the only hit song from the album. Christian rock radio jumped all over Nowhere Else and the reworked “This Is the Way Love Is.” But it is the more self-indulgent songs that became long standing concert favorites and true 77’s classics. Perfect Blues had been a long standing live favorite that finally saw the light of day on this album and shows Roe’s mastery of guitar in all styles. “Don’t, This Way” is one of the most haunting and beautiful songs of Roe’s career and is also one of the best live songs the band performs. Here, it’s Roe’s subtlety as a musician that shines. Just stunning and mesmerizing. God Sends Quails is anything but subtle and shows Roe’s appreciation for the 60’s and 70’s psychedelic blues, jam bands and would even appeal to fans of Glass Harp and Blind Faith.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – MT – 3:57 2 – Nowhere Else – 4:13 3 – This Is The Way Love Is – 5:11 4 – Perfect Blues – 6:10 5 – Don’t. This Way – 7:31 6 – You Walked In The Room – 4:23 7 – The Days To Come – 4:25 8 – The Loop – 3:54 9 – God Sends Quails – 6:34 10 – Love Without Dreams – 4:52 11 – Do It For Love – 3:14 12 – The Lust, The Flesh, The Eyes & The Pride Of Life – 3:23 13 – Pearls Before Swine – 8:18 14 – Bottom Line – 5:48
Credits Bass – Jan Eric Drums [Still More Pounding & Thrashing] – Aaron Smith Guitar – Mark Toole, Michael Roe Keyboards – Mark Toole Mastered By – David Houston Mixed By – Daryl Zachman, Steve Griffith Producer – Michael Roe, Steve Griffith Recorded By – Daryl Zachman, Steve Griffith Voice – Jan Eric, Michael Roe
One of the many amazing bands to come out of the Orange County Christian Music scene and the spearheading label, Frontline Records, Common Bond was unfortunately much overlooked. They released two nationally recognized releases and the much sought after “White Album,” and independent project I still own. In fact, the white album will rank much higher as it remains quite possible the finest independent releases of that time period. A trio that consisted of three amazing musicians; Kenny Samuels (bass, vocals), Steve Durham (guitars) and Chuck Cummings (drums). Cummings was later replaced by the amazing Terl Bryant. And an unheralded part of this project is producer Doug Doyle. His studio cranked out many great Frontline albums and the industry is indebted to his vision and greatness in the studio. The first project “Heaven is Calling” hinted at what was to follow in “Anger Into Passion,” an amazing record that would unfortunately be the last. The style is difficult to pin down with Samuel’s higher pitched voice that is reminiscent of Ian Cussick, Geddy Lee (without all the annoying whining) and former Love Song drummer John Mehler. Musically it falls into the world of later Police and the more progressive and smart alternative music of the late 80’s. The title track kicks off the album with a sound reminiscent of something from Vector’s “Mannequin Virtue.” Great groove and atmospheric like vocals that draw you into a more passionate chorus. My favorite cut is the following track, “In My Youth.” Another track comparable to the Vector sound is “Smile and a Tear.” The song builds and builds and ultimately driven by the drumming of Chuck Cummings. In fact, the drumming is so strong throughout. Lyrically very smart and creative. Musically astute. There is a rare combination. One special note of interest, the album contains a very cool cover Daniel Amos’ “Wall of Doubt.”
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Anger Into Passion – 4:12 2 – In My Youth – 3:28 3 – The Great Divide – 3:18 4 – Smile And A Tear – 3:26 5 – See The World – 4:25 6 – Tarry – 3:41 7 – Free From Me – 3:33 8 – Face To Face – 3:42 9 – Walls Of Doubt – 2:24 10 – The Promise – 4:06
Credits Art Direction, Layout – Ed McTaggart Backing Vocals – Bobbi White, Maxayne Moriguchi, Walter S. Harrah Backing Vocals, Written-By – Terry Taylor Bass, Lead Vocals – Ken Samuels Design Concept [Cover Concept], Music By – Common Bond Drums, Percussion – Chuck Cummings Graphics [Photographics] – Ken Baley Guitar – Steve Durham Illustration [Cover Stamp Illustration] – John Fraze Lyrics By – Ken Samuels Mastered By – John Matousek Photography By – Linda Dillon Baley Producer, Engineer, Keyboards [Supplemental Keyboards] – Doug Doyle
Actually recorded by “Anthem the ROCK Band,” but most commonly referred to as simply Anthem, “Cuttin’ Thru” was quite a groundbreaking release for its time, as many of the Tunesmith releases were. A female led rock band at a time when only Servant and Resurrection Band (partially) were female led bands. For the history behind the band, please check out the interview with guitarist Michael Manthei on the Legacy podcast. The album breaks ground immediately by kicking the album off with an instrumental rock track, “Spiritual Warfare.” This was actually a bit controversial for the time given that most albums in Christian bookstores were purchased by parents and were “previewed” at listening centers. At a time when rock music was still taboo in many circles and the popularity of anti-rock critics and “backwards masking” investigators, leading off with screaming guitars and no “Jesus message” was virtually unheard of, especially for a debut project. But the song does kick off the album quite nicely. But when the title track kicks we get to hear the powerful and soulful voice of female lead vocalist, Mary Pinkley. Big, strong and aggressive, Pinkley’s voice reminds me of a edgier Pauline Wilson (Seawind) more than a Janice Joplin or Grace Slick. It doesn’t have the growl of the aforementioned, but rather rests on the power it possesses. The vocal description fits best in the following track, “Word.” More soulful and bluesly, this song easily would fit on an early Petra album or Servant’s “Shallow Water.” Here the guitar takes center stage with a great blues riff throughout. “Cheap Thrill” shifts to a more Southern Rock flair with a warning message regarding playing with sin. It may be the one song on the album that Pinkley shows a more raspy, gutsy vocal style. Possibly “Doctor” would fall into this descriptor, with a more bluesy direction. One of the things that really separates this album from many of its contemporaries is that it doesn’t bounce between rockers and ballads and give some sort of 50/50 representation. The first 9 songs are straight ahead rockers, with even the slower songs being full throated blues rockers. The only ballad is the worshipful closer, “Morning Star.” Original vinyl copies can be difficult top find as the label was beginning its financial struggles and would close up shop before this band could release a sophomore album. Production ended up being relatively limited, so it is seen as somewhat of a rarity.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Spiritual Warfare – 3:19 2 – Cuttin’ Thru – 2:09 3 – Word – 3:13 4 – Cheap Thrill – 2:32 5 – Free You – 3:47 6 – Winners – 3:51 7 – On Your Knees – 3:19 8 – Doctor – 3:11 9 – Don’t Be Deceived – 4:01 10 – Morning Star – 2:56
Credits Drum – Gene M. Grammatico Electric Bass – Kent Vander Weide Engineer – Alan Schuman, Tom Russell Guitar – Doug Cordell, Michael Manthei Lead Vocals – Mary Pinkley Producer – Eddie Everitt
I only became aware of this artist after it was requested. After listening to the album and reading up on Geoff I am very surprised I haven’t heard of him. This is exactly the style of music I was listening to right when this album came out. As far as I can tell the album was only released in the UK so this might be why but I really think I would have found this one on the import shelf. Geoff was a member of Twelfth Night in the late 70’s and early 80’s and did several albums with them. This is Geoff’s first solo album and wow what an album it is. Strangely it was released on a secular label but is an obviously Christian album. This is not unheard of but was relatively rare at that time. Geoff’s previous work was not Christian so I don’t know when in his career he became a Christian. Of course there will be disagreement of what I mean by “Christian” as it does not appear that Geoff was an Evangelical Christian as he was ordained as a Priest in the Church of England in 1990. Anyway we have a great New Wave album here and when you see Howard Jones in the credits it’s not that Howard Jones but instead a different but equally talented one.
Tracklist 1 – Piccadilly Square – 4:51 2 – I Wouldn’t Lie (To You) – 4:46 3 – Kingdom Come – 3:48 4 – Afterwards – 5:35 5 – For God’s Sake – 4:33 6 – Green Paper Snow – 6:15 7 – For More Than A Day – 6:18 8 – My Soul – 5:47 9 – Slow One – 4:58
Credits Bass – Keith Gould Drums, Percussion – Howard Jones Guitar – Dave Mortimer Guitar, Mandolin, Keyboards – The Still Owl Percussion – Andy Mason Vocals, Guitar, Percussion – Geoff Mann
This is one of the real rule breakers. A glorified EP and live album to boot. But given that it is the only distributed output from the band, and it is so exceptional, there was no way to leave it off the list. It is also one those very rare 10 inch vinyl releases. Fowler practiced one day with the band (as he was going to just perform solo) and then recorded live at a Calvary Chapel concert night. Fowler, though, has had a very good career as a songwriter with songs having been recorded by Martina McBride, Bob Bennett, Cindy Cruse, Dion and others. This is blues! Straight ahead honking freakin’ blues! Fowler and his band possess, hands down, the best blues guitar work I have ever heard on a Christian album, albeit six songs may not be a large enough sample size. He also plays a mean harmonica. Fans of Larry Howard, Glenn Kaiser and definitely Ed Raetzloff will have much here to enjoy. I remember seeing them once at a Calvary Chapel concert and, who knows, that could be where this was recorded. I really very limited information on the group and google searches only bring up a few short reviews with limited information. The placement is based solely on the amazing musicianship, great songwriting, smoking hot vocals and sheer rocking passion. Fowler has commented on the original countdown blog. As a traditional rock and blues project the point here is not the lyrical content as most of the songs are simple blues fair with repetitive lines and big hooks in the choruses. It’s about the blues. Does it feel real? Fans of Bad Company, Eric Clapton and the previously mentioned Ed Raetzloff will love this.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – B.C. Blues – 3:42 2 – You Only Go Round Once – 3:26 3 – 51st Street Blues – 5:06 4 – Lookin’ Back – 3:03 5 – Faithful – 6:43 6 – Liar! – 3:37
This Creed should not be confused with the mainstream Creed of the late 90’s. This Creed came out of Germany in the mid 80’s. They actually had a demo and 12″ in the mid 80’s both of which are very good. This however is the only proper album we got from them. I love that the opening track is a live cut that sets the pace for the whole album. I used to love back in the 80’s when bands would occasionally toss a live track onto an album. It always felt like a bonus. This album is quality metal and I am a little surprised we didn’t hear more from them. I understand they were not that well known in The U.S. but were very popular in Germany. For some reason the drumming on this album stands out to me as being above average. Drumming never really stands out to me on a Metal album but it did this time. This album deserves to be listened to and it deserved to be more popular when it came out.
Tracklist 1 – Sign Of Victory – 4:03 2 – Taken By Storm – 4:18 3 – Meet Again (Farewell) – 4:35 4 – Broken Heart – 4:23 5 – Child – 0:35 6 – Prayer Of Praise – 2:59 7 – Tonite – 3:56 8 – Break The Chainz – 4:15 9 – Forever On Fire – 4:01 10 – In The Dark – 3:53
Credits Bass – Tichy Casni Drums – Stefan Schütz Engineer – Olaf Ritter Guitar – Udo Libutzkij Lead Vocals – Jessy Baron Mixed By – Manfred Lohse, Olaf Ritter Producer – Norman Barratt
This is David’s second album and I totally missed this one back when it came out. I wasn’t the biggest fan of David but I thought I had heard all his work but somehow I had no knowledge of this album. It might be in part because this album didn’t have a charting single. His streak of singles did not start until his next album. The reason I keep pointing out I haven’t heard this album is because it is so good. Again I am not the biggest fan of Meece but I know good music when I hear it. I find his piano work on this album to be some of his best. There certainly isn’t any spectacular orchestral movements here but there are excellent piano melodies. How this album didn’t have a charting single is beyond me. Yet another example of CCM magazine being on another planet at times. The album is strongly easy listening and there’s very little hint of David’s future pop offerings but if you missed this album like I did, take the time to give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – It’s Gonna Be So Lovely – 2:46 2 – I Just Call On You – 2:37 3 – With Tears In My Eyes – 4:05 4 – God’s Love – 3:01 5 – The Man Who Saved The Fool – 2:45 6 – Follow Me (I’ll Lead You Home) – 3:10 7 – In The Morning – 3:20 8 – Cold October Rain – 3:10 9 – Love Your Brother – 2:33 10 – Do You Know What It’s Like? – 2:50
Credits Arranged By – Archie P. “Buggs” Jordan Artwork [Cover] – Dennis Hill Backing Vocals – Gary Pigg, Gwen Moore, Marty McCall Bass – Jerry Carrigan, Steve Schaffer Drums – Jerry Carrigan, Jimmy Isbell Electric Guitar – Steve Gibson Illustration [Back Cover] – Charles Wallis Inc., Pat Pollei Keyboards – Bobby Ogdin, David Meece, Shane Keister Mastered By – Denny Purcell Photography By – J. T. Morrow Producer, Recorded By, Remix, Electric Guitar, Drums, Backing Vocals – Chris Christian Recorded By, Remix, Backing Vocals – Brown Bannister Saxophone – Denis Solee Strings – The Shelly Kurland Strings
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Remixed At – Gold Mine Studio Mastered At – Woodland Studios
