This was one of the more boring Sparrow samplers. But in all honesty I was not the target market for this one. It was obviously more pointed at the worship crowd. Below I’ve listed the tracks and the album they came from;
1 – Steve Green – Lift Up A Song – Steve Green 2 – Debby Boone – Can You Reach My Friend – Surrender 3 – Wendell Burton – Spreading All Over The World – Closer 4 – Sheila Walsh – Surrendering – Triumph In The Air 5 – Terry Talbot – I Am He – Terry Talbot Sings Stories Of Jesus 6 – Phil Driscoll – I Exalt Thee – I Exalt Thee 7 – John Michael Talbot – Glory To Thee (O God Of Life) – The God Of Life 8 – Michele Pillar – Reign On Me – Reign On Me 9 – Dennis Agajanian – If You Say – Where Are The Heroes 10 – Steve Camp – Living In Laodicea – Fire And Ice
Tracklist 1 – Steve Green – Lift Up A Song – 2:29 2 – Debby Boone – Can You Reach My Friend – 4:07 3 – Wendell Burton – Spreading All Over The World – 3:06 4 – Sheila Walsh – Surrendering – 4:30 5 – Terry Talbot – I Am He – 5:01 6 – Phil Driscoll – I Exalt Thee – 4:05 7 – John Michael Talbot – Glory To Thee (O God Of Life) – 7:23 8 – Michele Pillar – Reign On Me – 3:05 9 – Dennis Agajanian – If You Say – 3:18 10 – Steve Camp – Living In Laodicea – 2:38
Though released in 2010 these tracks were originally recorded from 83 to 87 and they should not be confused with Scarlet Red. While the band never released an album “Stop Runnin’”, was actually a top four finalist on MTV’s Basement Tapes. Though they split in 1988 they had been able to record several demo tracks and FnA Records stepped up in 2010 to release them. The album has a bit of a commercial metal feel and has a couple great hook tracks including “Right Reason” and “We’re Gonna Rock”. The album closes out with a track from singer Darla Bernath and while it doesn’t really fit on the album it is very good.
Credits Jeff McDonald – Vocals & Guitars Michael Flake – Guitars Ronnie Lewis – Bass & Keyboards Jimmy Moore – Drums Darla Bernath – Lead Vocals & Piano Kip Thompson, Mark Busto & Jimmy Eggert – Drums
I find it so difficult to review Terry’s albums. To me they all sound very similar as I just don’t love his style of music. That said I have great respect for Terry as an artist. He put out an album almost every year through the 80’s which is a lot of work considering he writes almost all of his songs. HIs guitar work is also very good so I really hate saying “Here’s another Terry album ……” He really deserves more of my respect but I just struggle with his style but that’s a personal problem. There are a few upbeat tracks on this album that I thought were pretty good but his vocals just don’t suit them in my opinion. Anyway Here’s another Terry album for his fans and I know he has lots of them.
Tracklist 1 – Face To Face – 3:40 2 – Mighty Rushing Wind – 4:14 3 – So As You’ve Done – 4:18 4 – I Have Overcome – 4:17 5 – The Christ – 4:22 6 – Lay Down The Stones – 3:56 7 – Father’s House – 4:06 8 – Narrow Is The Gate – 4:20 9 – Greater Things – 4:49
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Terry Talbot Bass – Abraham Laboriel Design – Jim Shanman (tracks: Lyric Sheet), Stan Evenson (tracks: Album Jacket) Design [Album Jacket Design By] – Stan Evenson Design, Inc.* Drums – Bill Maxwell Dulcimer – Carol Koening Engineer – Mike Ross-Trevor, Ron Capone, Win Kutz Executive-Producer – John Michael Talbot Mastered By – Herb Melton, Steve Hall Orchestrated By – Denney Bouchard Percussion – Alex Acuña Photography By – Raul Vega Producer – Terry Talbot Songwriter – Terry Talbot Synthesizer – Denney Bouchard Twelve-String Guitar – John Michael Talbot (tracks: A1, B2), Terry Talbot Vocals – Howard Smith, Karla Thibodeau, Steve Amerson, Tata Vega, Terry Talbot, Wendy Talbot
This was the first solo album from Michael after leaving Stryper in 1992. He actually had a demo in 1992 and a few tracks from it made it onto this album. I was really surprised when I first listened to this album. I was expecting something much heavier but this is a rock/pop album and a damn good one. I have criticized Stryper in the past as I think they rode the “we’re heavy metal” horse a little too much. But after listening to this album I think I might have been wrong. This album shows some real talent by Michael and quite frankly the songwriting is excellent. The album was produced by Gregg Fulkerson (Blue Tears) and he also wrote 4 of the tracks. He also provided some guitar and keyboard work. All in all this is a really good album and while I shied away from it at first I’m really happy I took the time to listen to it. There’s a few tracks here that are going into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Together – 4:10 2 – Take Me Home – 4:40 3 – Tomorrow, Tonight – 4:37 4 – All This And Heaven Too – 4:07 5 – Someday – 4:52 6 – J.E.S.U.S. – 4:27 7 – All I Wanna Do (Is Love You) – 4:06 8 – Forever Yours – 4:24 9 – I Think You Hear Me Knockin’ – 3:56 10 – Ain’t No Safe Way – 3:14
Credits Art Direction – Connie Harrington Artwork By [Hair] – Debbie Frayer Artwork By [Make-up] – Kyle Sweet Backing Vocals, Organ [Additional], Keyboards, Programmed By – Doug Beiden Bass Guitar – Michael Spears Co-producer – Doug Beiden Design – The Riordon Design Group Inc. Drums, Percussion – Jamie Wollam Engineer, Mixed By – Doug Beiden Executive-Producer – Troy J. VanLiere Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Programmed By – Michael Sweet Management – Rendy Lovelady Artist Management Mastered By – Chris Bellman Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer – Gregg Fulkerson, Michael Sweet Rhythm Guitar, Organ, Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Gregg Fulkerson Written-By – Gregg Fulkerson, Michael Sweet
This is Eric’s first album and he came into CCM with a bang. Well not really a bang but more of a keyboard entrance. This was my first exposure to him and I really like this album. That said me liking this album is not really a good thing. I love this album because of it’s mid 80’s sound but the problem is that the album came out in 1990. Personally i feel it was a few years late but in CCM that’s not really a big deal. This album has a real mid 80’s pop feel with overtures of Prince. Some reviewers say there’s a feel of Michael Jackson which I can see musically but not vocally. In fact Eric owns his vocals and as such I’m going to stop comparing him to other artists.
Tracklist 1 – Forever Love – 4:38 2 – Brother, Brother – 5:20 3 – Peaceful – 6:16 4 – We Are The Young – 6:05 5 – River’s Edge – 5:32 6 – Everyday People – 7:29 7 – Heaven On Earth – 5:04 8 – Friends In High Places – 4:29 9 – Ready And Willing – 3:44 10 – Above It All – 4:21
Credits Art Direction [Associate Art Director] – Roz Art Direction, Design, Artwork [Logo] – F2 Design Engineer – Paul Salveson, Ronnie Brookshire Engineer [Overdub Engineer] – Jon Carey Executive-Producer, Mixed By, Keyboards – Chris Christian Guitar – Jerry McPherson Mastered By – Steve Hall Mixed By – Paul Salveson, Ronnie Brookshire Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer, Mixed By, Keyboards, Programmed By [Programming], Backing Vocals – Eric Champion Production Manager [Production Coordinaton] – Michelle Hodges Saxophone – Mark Douthit Snare [Snare Fills] – John Hammond Voice [Lord’s Prayer On] – Michelle Hodges Voice [People Yelling And Screaming At Each Other On] – Michelle Hodges, Ronnie Brookshire, Tim Craft
Originating from the fruitful music motherland of Ireland in the mid-1980’s, Split Level with a pop riven alternative band that fit right into the mold of British music of the day. For fans of The Baby’s, The Tubes, The Imitators et al, the band garnered a decent following in Europe, though struggled to really breakthrough in the states. After moving to England the band found itself releasing an independent project that sounded more like demos before releasing the highly coveted, “Sons of Liberty” on the British imprint of What? Records. The band would exist for nearly two decades, but only release albums occasionally. The album spotlighted here is their final studio project, “glo.bal.” Released through Pamplin Music (where artists went to die), the album was only a blip on the rock/alternative scene even in the US. Limited marketing and a sound that didn’t fit the accepted sound of Christian music at the time (acoustic folk or hardcore), this was the least “European” sounding album of their career. It is also ranks among their best. “Everything” kicks off the record with what should have been the biggest rock radio hit. Easily palatable to fans of The Elms, Smalltown Poets and Seven Day Jesus, the song has a monster hook chorus and radio friendly vibe. Occasionally the melody got lost in questionable production, where the distortion of the guitar overplays its hand and distracts from the melody. Such is the case with “Twister,” which could have been a mainstream radio single in the early 90’s. The best chance for mainstream Christian radio airplay is the mid-tempo ballad, “Emily.” Touches of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Blind Melon, Dinosaur Jr. and other similar bands with a hooky chorus driven be bass and acoustic guitar. The order of songs is really interesting. Starting with more melodic pop rock, the album becomes much more experimental and introspective as it closes. And much mellower. The second half of the album could easily been released under the moniker, Smalltown Poets. Great acoustic rock with smart melodies. In a way, the band seemed to hit its stride in finding an identity that could have proven successful in the states, but it would unfortunately serve as the last studio project as only a live album would be released a few years later.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Everything – 3:58 2 – Twister – 3:58 3 – Emily – 3:54 4 – Healed – 4:40 5 – The Things I Do – 3:54 6 – Shrinking Brain – 3:38 7 – Circles – 5:45 8 – If I Should Leave – 4:46 9 – Fly – 2:53 10 – Pinlight – 4:25 11 – Got Your Number – 3:09
Credits $B Dash 3 – Musician David Bach – Art Direction Rob Craner – Drums, Percussion, Vocals Dan Donovan – Art Direction Rick Elias – Guitar, Harmonica, Piano, Producer, Vocals (Background) Chris Grainger – Mixing Assistant Russ Long – Engineer, Mixing, Percussion, Theremin Phil Madeira – Musician Trevor Michael – Studio Assistant Ben Pearson – Photography Gary Randall – Executive Producer Mark Roth – Cover Design, Photography Split Level – Primary Artist Hank Williams – Mastering
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Pila Music Manufactured By – Pila Music Record Company – Organic Records Distributed By – Pamplin Music
Phillip Sandifer wrote and recorded this album while a student at University Of Texas at Austin. It was recorded on a very tight budget and Phil retained the rights to the album. Retaining the rights to his music is something Phil was well known for and was due in part to his relationship with his godfather, Dallas lawyer Shannon Jones who helped bring the Buddy Holly bill. This effort to retain rights doesn’t appear to have hurt his career as he was very successful. This album was self released but some sort of deal was cut with Urgent records for it to be released on their label. This is a great easy listening album and was very popular for very good reason.
Tracklist 1 – Detour – 3:06 2 – Always Have The Time – 2:56 3 – You Are The Cause – 2:54 4 – Lessons – 3:54 5 – Given Back To You – 1:28 6 – Open Up – 2:59 7 – Another Day – 2:38 8 – Simply I Love You – 3:47 9 – Never Steal The Show – 2:49 10 – Purity – 4:18
Credits Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Backing Vocals, Conductor, Producer – Gary Powell Art Direction – Steve Freeman Backing Vocals – Chris Crawford, Mike Sandifer, Tom Cantrell Bass – Spencer Starnes Cello – Mary Ann Dresser Drums – John Treanor Guitar – Mark Lang Guitar, Backing Vocals, Engineer, Producer – Larry Seyer Guitar, Backing Vocals, Written-By, Composed By – Phillip Sandifer Keyboards – Bill Ginn, Neil Pederson, Tony Taliaferro Mastered By – Stan Ricker Percussion – James Fenner Photography By – Sandy Wilson Viola – Doug Tabony, Ed Lawrence, Shirley Blair Violin – Dorothy Goodenough Woodwind – John Mills
You may be familiar with the Compassion All Star Band album 1 By 1 Live! released in 1989 but somewhere on the interwebs is this 1987 recording using the same name. To be clear the “Compassion All-Star Band” wasn’t a set group. It was the name used when several artists would come together to raise funds for Compassion International. I have no idea where this was released but it was recorded in 1987 at Cornerstone. This album mostly consisted of secular tracks which is what made it very appealing to me. My favourite track is Rick Cua & Randy Stonehill’s version of I Still Believe which features some excellent guitar work by Phil Keaggy. Also cool is the Phil Madeira & Randy Stonehill cover of Dylan’s “Forever Young”.
Tracklist 1 – October (Glen Kaiser) – 1:14 2 – Eminence Front (Phil Madeira) – 7:14 3 – We Can Work It Out (Phil Keaggy/Randy Stonehill) – 2:51 4 – Presence Of The Lord (Glen Kaiser) – 4:46 5 – Rick Cua Rap – 2:14 6 – I Still Believe (Rick Cua/Randy Stonehill) – 6:07 7 – Randy Stonehill Rap – 10:25 8 – Who Will Save The Children (Randy Stonehill/Phil Keaggy) – 6:45 9 – Help (Randy Stonehill/Phil Keaggy) – 2:20 10 – Phil Madeira Rap – 2:19 11 – Forever Young (Phil Madeira/Randy Stonehill) – 6:03 12 – Darrell Mansfield Intro – 1:31 13 – Walkin’ Chicago Blues (Darrell Mansfield) – 9:43
Credits Phil Keaggy- Guitar, Vocals Randy Stonehill- Guitar, Vocals Glen Kaiser- Guitar, Vocals Joe English- Drums, Vocals Rick Cua- Bass, Vocals Phil Madeira- Keys, Vocals Darrell Mansfield- harmonica, Vocals
This is the second and last album from Crystavox as they broke up shortly after it was released. I was quite surprised while I was researching this album that most reviews were either very positive or very negative. Personally I think it’s a pretty good album. It has a nice commercial metal feel and sits nicely amongst the metal albums of the day and I would rank it above average for the time. Luckily for their fans the band reunited and signed with Roxx Productions, who released a compilation album and DVD, “The 20 Year Mix”. In 2018 this album was reissued on a limited vinyl run of 500 pieces. 350 in black vinyl and 150 in translucent red.
Tracklist 1 – The Big Picture – 3:33 2 – Break Down The Wall – 4:41 3 – Rise Up – 4:59 4 – Snakes In The Grass – 3:44 5 – Stick To Your Guns – 3:34 6 – Paradise – 4:45 7 – Cry Out – 2:57 8 – Shame – 4:40 9 – Rockin’ A Hard Place – 5:46 10 – No Boundaries – 3:57
Credits Bass Guitar – Brent Ford Design, Layout – Fred Helm Drums, Percussion – Fred Helm Engineer – Loren Holmquist, Michael Geiser Lead Guitar – George Ochoa Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Tony Lopez Mastered By – Doug Doyle Mixed By – Adam Lee Kemp, John Sarappo, Loren Holmquist Music By – Crystavox Photography By – Andrew Watrous Producer – Adam Lee Kemp, Loren Holmquist Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Keyboards – Loren Holmquist Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Jamie Rowe Vocals, Keyboards, Lyrics By – Adam Lee Kemp
This is Steve’s second solo album and it follows along with his previous album. Quite frankly it’s hard to believe he was a member of White Heart at one point. I say this because Steve turned to a very Easy Listening style. Now let’s be fair, he’s very good at this style and he was very popular in that genre. This is the album that made him very well know and he actually received the Dove Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in the CCM category. So if you like your CCM music in the worship style this album is for you.
Tracklist 1 – Praise To The King – 2:30 2 – Celebrate His Good Life – 3:18 3 – He Holds The Keys – 5:25 4 – The Lord Is Lifted Up – 3:11 5 – That’s Where The Joy Comes From – 3:12 6 – I Can See (On The Emmaus Road) – 5:30 7 – Honor The Lord – 2:26 8 – When His Kingdom Comes – 5:42 9 – Touch Your People Once Again – 3:58
Credits Bass – Craig E. Nelson Conductor [Strings] – Alan Moore, Greg Nelson Drums – James Stroud, Mark Hammond Engineer – Ed Seay Engineer [Assistant] – Tom Harding Guitar – Jon Goin, Pete Bordonali Keyboards [Synthesizers] – David Innis, Shane Keister Mastered By – Herb Melton, Steve Hall Orchestrated By – Alan Moore Percussion – Farrell Morris Piano – Bill George, David Huntsinger Producer – Greg Nelson Strings – Carl Gorodetzky, The Nashville String Machine
