July 2022 – Real 80s CCM

Lenny LeBlanc – Say A Prayer – 1983

Lenny LeBlanc is a very interesting story. He was actually quite a successful secular artist in the 70’s and was under contract by Capitol Records. He had recorded and released the first of that 2 record contract in 1981. However also 1981 he became saved after having a talk with his newly saved friend who was, and I quote here “… a big-time drug smuggler”. Lenny subsequently wanted to do Christian music which Capitol Records wasn’t much interested in. They did however agree to release him from his contract of he could find someone to buy it out. The Christian music labels were certainly not interested in this so he was stuck being unable to do music and actually made a living doing stained glass which was another one of his skills. In 1983 it became obvious to Capitol that no one was going to buy out his contract so they agreed to release him. He immediately signed with Heartland Records and recorded this album. The album is a relatively easy listening 80’s pop album but there are a few pretty good upbeat tracks of which the best is probably “Give Your Heart To The Lord”. The single for the album was “Say A Prayer” which reached #9 on the CCM charts.

Tracklist
1 – Say A Prayer – 3:51
2 – Have Mercy – 3:59
3 – Preacher Man – 3:53
4 – Give Your Heart To The Lord – 3:12
5 – New Tomorrow – 3:45
6 – Angel Of The Lord – 3:33
7 – Asleep In The Boat – 4:02
8 – I Don’t Understand – 3:41
9 – Soul Searching – 3:37
10 – I Believe In You – 3:58

Credits
Backing Vocals – Ava Aldridge, Cindy Richardson, Mac McAnally, Michele Pillar, Robert Byrne, Sherrie LeBlanc
Bass – David Hood, David Hungate, Mike Brignardello
Blues Harp – Bill Darnell
Drums – Larrie Londin, Roger Hawkins
Engineer – Gary Platt, Greg McNeily
Engineer [Mixdown] – Gary Platt
Guitar – Jon Goin, Wayne Perkins, Will McFarlane
Keyboards – Clayton Ivey, Shane Keister, Steve Nathan
Lacquer Cut By [JG in runouts] – Joe Gastwirt
Management – Rip Pelley
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Producer, Backing Vocals – Jon Phelps
Producer, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar – Lenny LeBlanc
Saxophone – Ronnie Eades

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Heartland Records
Copyright © – Heartland Records
Recorded At – The Full Sail Dream Machine
Recorded At – Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
Remixed At – Fifth Floor Recording Studios
Mastered At – JVC Cutting Center

Randy Rose – Healing – 1993

I think it’s safe to say that Randy was addicted to the recording studio. While recording with MATW he went into the studio in 1991 to do a solo album and then in 1993 to do this album with a version of the band he called simply Rose. For some of his fans this is their favourite album. I must admit that while not necessarily my style of music this album is very well done. Lyrically there are several tracks that are some of the best writing of the era in my opinion. As I said this album isn’t my style but I find myself liking it more and more every time I listen to it. This is one of those cases where the quality of the music outweighs my preferences for a different style.

Tracklist
1 – R.I.P. – 0:53
2 – Fallen – 3:08
3 – When I Let You In – 3:11
4 – Seeds Of Sorrow – 3:16
5 – My Lies – 3:41
6 – Hooked – 4:13
7 – Healing – 3:31
8 – D.O.P. – 4:11
9 – Demons – 2:58
10 – Never Enough – 3:30
11 – On My Knees – 5:14

Credits
A&R – Matthew Duffy
Art Direction – Brian Godawa
Bass – Mike Link
Drums – Don Richart
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Ben Jacobs, Steve Kumada
Mixed By – Randy Rose
Photography By – Patrick House
Producer – Randy Rose
Vocals – Randy Rose

Seventh Seal – Messengers Of Love – 1990

Seventh Seal is a Norway Metal band that actually started out as Revelation in 1985. They recorded a couple demo’s which lead to a contract with CNR records. The band hit the studio and started recording this album. Along the way it was discovered that there was another band on the label using the name Revelation so a name change was in order and they went with Seventh Seal. Now this is where this get a little odd. Apparently CNR records would not release the album and judging from the production quality it doesn’t look like they put any money into the album. I’m not saying the production is bad but it’s not record company funded good. That said I think I actually prefer the raw feel of the production, it really suits the band. So in the end the band released the album themselves but unfortunately all the drama took a toll on the band and they split before they were able to tour in support of the album.

Tracklist
1 – Messengers Of Love – 5:00
2 – Fantasy – 2:13
3 – Revelation – God Has The Power – 4:46
4 – Your Love – 6:00
5 – Free – 3:22
6 – Sparkling Diamond – 4:21
7 – The Seventh Seal – 1:28
8 – Visions Of Tomorrow – 4:22
9 – Born Again – 4:40
10 – Break Out – 4:39
11 – Eternal Love – 3:58
12 – The Calling – 4:41

Credits
Art Direction – Aud Vikor, Dynamo Krohg, Marianne Thulin
Backing Vocals – Trygve Hansen
Bass – Geir Knutsen, Per Elias Drabløs
Bass [Fretted & Fretless] – Geir T. Ugland
Concept By [Cover Concept] – Jan Rustad
Drums, Percussion – Trygve Hansen
Keyboards – Sjur Lundstein
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Geir Knutsen
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals – Geir T. Ugland
Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals – Mark Bjorvand
Photography By – Fin Serck-Hanssen
Producer – Jan Egil Løvbak
Remastered By [Digitally] – Rob Colwell
Voice – Roger Avenstrup

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Loud Level Studio
Published By – Frost Music

Daybreak – And Comes A Time – 1981

Here’s another 70’s band I can’t really find much info on. They were out of Hollywood PA and actually recorded 5 albums including this one. This was their last album and was not on a label. They are a very high quality 70’s band and I am again mystified by the lack of info about some bands from this era. It looks like they had a good run through the 70’s and even had a CCM single in 1979. But I think the title of this album summed up what they were feeling as they slipped out of the industry. As far as a favourite track goes it’s hands down “Lead On” which is a great 70’s rock tune that I wish I had heard back in 1981.

Tracklist
1 – Lead On – 3:57
2 – Jonathan – 4:15
3 – Pavilion – 5:45
4 – Feelings – 4:10
5 – Fear Not – 3:20
6 – Wrapped Up Tight – 3:45
7 – Because It’s True – 5:40
8 – And Comes A Time – 5:10

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Don Swartzentruber
Drums – Fred Miller
Engineer – Don Horst
Guitar, Vocals – Steve Walker
Horns – Mike Crotty
Keyboards, Vibraphone [Vibes], Vocals – Mark Adamy
Producer – Daybreak

Companies, etc.
Published By – Daybreak Inc.
Published By – Between The Lines Music
Recorded At – Atlantic Sound Productions
Mixed At – Atlantic Sound Productions

Agape Force – Within the Gate – 1978

This may actually be the first live Jesus music worship album ever. Agape Force and Candle came together to record this live worship album in the Agape Force gymnasium at their ranch in Garden Valley, Texas. As for the album it is exactly what you are expecting after reading after the first sentence. Not particularly my style of album but I wasn’t attending worship services in the south in 1978. For what it is it’s a pretty good album and gives us a little insight into what was happening in the southwest U.S. southwest Jesus music scene in the late 70’s. It should be noted that I have arranged the track in a slightly different way that the album presented them as I think it better represents the flow of the album.

Tracklist
1 – Soldiers Of The Army – 2:38
2 – Stay On The Battlefield – 2:23
3 – I Will Sing – 2:50
4 – Fill Me Now – 2:10
5 – Lord Of Hosts – 2:00
6 – Glory To God In The Highest – 1:51
7 – Glory, Jesus, Glory – 1:43
8 – I Want To Be In Service For Jesus – 3:48
9 – The Lord Is My Strength – 2:14
10 – Lay Hold – 2:33
11 – The Steadfast Love – 1:43
12 – Living Fire – 2:02
13 – Hallelujah Song – 2:14
14 – Worthy – 3:00
15 – The Greatest Thing – 4:16
16 – Higher, Higher – 3:38

Credits
Artwork By, Design – Mark Pendergrass
Bass – Frank Hernandez
Engineer – Paul Christensen
Executive Producer – Tony Salerno
Guitar [Acoustic] – Frank Atcheson, Frank Hernandez, Gabriel Arosemena, Mike Milligan
Piano – Kathy Salerno
Producer [& Musical Director], Liner Notes – Billy Ray Hearn
Voice – Betsy Jacobson, Mike Milligan

Companies, etc.
Mixed At – Martinsound
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records, Inc.

David Meece – Everybody Needs A Little Help – 1978

This was David’s 3rd album and really it was his breakthrough album as it had his first 2 CCM singles. “I Can’t Believe It’s True” made it to #2 and “Never Gonna Serve Anyone Else” made it to #9. The album relies a little less on David’s piano and uses quite a lot of keyboards with Bobby Ogdin, and Shane Keister joining David on keyboards. While having a little less piano makes the album more likeable for me I have to admit that his piano is so good I found myself missing it. Strangely the UK release of the album had a completely different and better cover in my opinion.

Tracklist
1 – I Can’t Believe It’s True – 2:59
2 – God Holds The Future – 3:56
3 – Never Gonna Serve Anyone Else – 3:16
4 – Everybody Needs A Little Help – 3:52
5 – All The Time – 4:26
6 – Love Is The Reason (We’re Here Tonight) – 3:58
7 – All I Can Do – 3:00
8 – Sunshine Jesus – 2:53
9 – Oh So Wonderful – 3:42
10 – He’ll Take Care Of You – 2:55

Credits
Arranged By [Horns] – Buddy Skipper
Arranged By [Strings] – Bergen White
Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer
Drums – Kenny Buttrey, Kenny Malone, Roger Clark
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton
Guitar – Chris Smith, Jon Goin, Larry Byram
Keyboards – Bobby Ogdin, David Meece, Shane Keister
Percussion – Farrell Morris, Terry McMillian
Producer – Brown Bannister
Saxophone – Quittman Dennis

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Chris Christian Productions
Published By – Word Music
Published By – Bug & Bear Music
Mastered At – Masterfonics

Michele Wagner – Michele Wagner – 1989

Michele grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Nashville in 1984 to begin her music career. She was signed as a staff songwriter with Meadowgreen Music Publishers in 1985 and in 1989 Benson signed Michele to a recording contract and this is the first album from that contract. It goes without saying that I missed this album back in the 80’s so this was the first time I heard this album. Quite frankly it didn’t sound that great to me. I just found it a little dull. But when I looked up how well the album did and I was surprised that it actually had 5 charting CCM singles with “Love’s On The Other Side” making it to #4. I re-listened to that track and it is a good track but I think it’s just too easy listening for my taste. One thing I will give Michele credit for is that she actually wrote her songs. This is a rare thing for a lot of female CCM artists of the era as usually the writing was left to songwriters. Interestingly the track “Psalm 1” had been written for Kim Hill and was a #1 hit for her a year earlier.

Tracklist
1 – I Care For You – 3:45
2 – In The Quiet – 3:52
3 – You’re Beautiful – 3:59
4 – Love’s On The Other Side – 3:59
5 – Holy One – 4:23
6 – Psalm 1 – 3:55
7 – Whatever You Ask – 5:01
8 – Simple Devoted And True – 3:03
9 – You Are So Good To Me – 3:03
10 – Patiently – 4:14

Credits
Arranged By – Bret Teegarden, Jonathan David Brown, Michele Wagner
Art Direction, Design – Jackson Design
Backing Vocals – Joe Hogue, JDB, Michael James Murphy, Michele Wagner
Bass – Gary Lunn, Jonathan David Brown
Drums – Jonathan David Brown
Executive-Producer – Dan Cleary
Guitar – Jerry McPherson, Mark Baldwin, Paul Brannon, Tom Hemby
Keyboards – Bret Teegarden, Michele Wagner
Keyboards [Additional Overdubs] – Jonathan David Brown
Keyboards [Overdubs], Strings [Overdubs] – Carl Marsh
Mastered By – Ken Love
Percussion – Eric Darken
Photography By – Peter Nash
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The Benson Company, Inc.
Copyright © – The Benson Company, Inc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Made By – Discovery Systems
Recorded At – Johnny dB’s Basement
Mixed At – Johnny dB’s Basement
Mastered At – Mastermix

Cascade – Taken by Surprise – 1979

This was the first of 2 albums from Australian band Cascade. It’s a solid seventies effort and one of very few examples of Australian Jesus music. I can’t really find much on the band but guitarist Mark Punch did go one to be Musician of The Year at the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) Awards in 2011. The album is a little heavy on the flute for my liking and they even actually credit 2 flute players. That said the album is pretty good and I look forward to hearing their second album.

Tracklist
1 – Danielle – 2:30
2 – Emmanuel – 4:23
3 – Born A Man – 3:12
4 – Sometimes I Feel I Could Say – 4:24
5 – The Bay – 4:34
6 – Rainbows – 3:34
7 – Taken By Surprise – 4:28
8 – The Room – 3:23
9 – Living In A Fallen World – 4:43
10 – A Taste Of Heaven (For Keith Gowan) – 3:15

Credits
Bass Guitar – Al Freeman
Drums – Nick Lister
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Mark Punch
Electric Piano, Synthesizer – Steve Wyatt
Engineer – Paul Rich
Flute – Doug Foskett
Flute, Blues Harp – Peter (Sid) Sinclair
Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Malcolm Barnett
Percussion – Doug Gallagher
Producer, Arranged By, Mixed By – Steve Wyatt
Songwriter – Malcolm Barnett
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – John Uebel

Companies, etc.
Pressed By – EMI Custom Records – YPRX 1619
Recorded At – Unison Studios, Rozelle
Mixed At – Unison Studios, Rozelle

Sea Stone – Mirrored Dreams – 1978

I really couldn’t find out much about Sea Stone and I actually only stumbled across them because this was Simon Law’s (Fresh Claim) first band. I have discovered that they had a bit of a cult following and re-released the album on CD in 2010. As for the album it has a pretty good seventies sound and has some excellent guitar work. All in all it’s a pretty good 70’s album and I’m pretty sure of you like that era of Christian music you’ll like this album.

Tracklist
1 – Brand New Day – 4:37
2 – Rolling Stone – 3:24
3 – Helping Hand – 5:53
4 – Waves Of Loneliness – 5:56
5 – Foolish Hero – 4:20
6 – Unborn Child – 4:40
7 – Precious Dream – 7:37
8 – Wake Up – 6:23

Credits
Bass – Nigel Gibbons
Composed By – Eric Lives
Drums – Paul Reynolds
Engineer, Mixed By, Producer – Brook Trickett
Guitar, Vocals, Composed By – Simon Law
Keyboards, Vocals, Design – Mags Parry
Mastered By – Pete Norman
Photography – Elwin Cockett, Eric Lives
Producer – Sea Stone

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Soundtree Studios
Mastered At – RCA Studios, London

David Edwards – The Collected Archives – 2001 – Bonus Material

Most of us who loved David Edwards first 2 albums were left wanting for more. In 2001 David re-released his first 2 albums along with 11 bonus tracks on 2 CDs. These are those bonus tracks. They are a mix of demo’s, unmixed tracks, and 2 live tracks. Of the unreleased tracks the winner is “You Got Me Now” which I would have loved to hear on an album. One thing about this album is when you listen to the rough unmixed tracks you can really appreciated what mixing and production does for an album. I have to admit that most of the bonus tracks are pretty rough but it’s nice to have them anyway. The real treat on the album is the 2 live tracks which are better produced.

Tracklist
1 – Part Of Yesterday (Unmixed Demo) – 3:54
2 – You Got Me Now (Unmixed Demo) – 3:58
3 – Disposable Love (Unmixed Rough Track) – 2:31
4 – Nagging Optimism (Unmixed Rough Track) – 2:45
5 – Tongue Is A Fire (Unmixed Disco Version) – 3:59
6 – The Feeling Part (Live At Greenbelt) – 3:00
7 – Commercial Suicide (Live At Calvary Chapel) – 4:35
8 – Befriended (2-Track Demo) – 3:21
9 – Hope Lies Still (2-Track Demo) – 3:30
10 – Friend Of Old (Demo) – 4:28
11 – By The Way Of The Sea (A “New” Christmas Song) – 5:20