Barry McGuire – Lighten Up – 1974

In 1965 Barry McGuire, former member of the New Christy Minstrels, released the album “Eve of Destruction.” During that same year the single of the same name went to Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100. But it would be 6 years later that McGuire would claim was the greatest event of his life took place. After an encounter with traveling evangelist Arthur Blessitt McGuire became a Christian and started a Christian Music career that would span as many genres as it would decades. Rock, folk, pop, country and even children’s music would be used by McGuire to proclaim the Gospel and he would find success in all of those areas.

Most would remember the hit Eve of Destruction while others may remember the corny novelty country/spoken word song,”Cosmic Cowboy.” Some may even be more familiar with his work with the Agape Ministries children’s project, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.” But it would be his second Christian release, “Lighten Up,” that would remain the landmark project of his career.

One side note before launching into a discussion of this fantastic, classic album is that McGuire’s Christian debut release, “Seeds,” would be notable for the inclusion of a trio of siblings doing backing vocals. Those siblings would later be known as The Second Chapter of Acts. They would also tour together several years later and record one of the great, classic live albums in CCM history entitled, To the Bride.

As I was listening to this project recently I was surprised by just how much it rocks! McGuire is a big man with a voice to match. It is rough edged, gravelly while remaining warm and personable. The songs in this collection match his particular voice better than just about any other project in his illustrious career. Lighten Up also featured an amazing cast of supporting musicians including Second Chapter of Acts, Leland Sklar, Michael Omartian, Larry Knechtal and Michael Been.

The album starts off with a shortened version of his monster hit, “Eve of Destruction.” This version lasts less than two minutes and is a little less folk sounding as it builds and moves, without a break, into the following song, “Don’t Blame God.” Lyrically it follows on the heals of “Destruction” quite well with images a decaying culture, but prophetically rebuking American not to blame God for the sins of America. But unlike the original “Eve of Destruction” there is a presentation of hope as McGuire quotes 2 Chronicles 7:

“If My people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray. Seek My face and turn from their wicked ways. Then from Heaven will I hear. Forgive them of their sin. And heel their land.”

The song itself just flat out rocks! After a slow and quiet start, the song builds into a full fledged Southern Rock riff that Molly Hatchet or Thin Lizzy would be proud of. It is also here that were are introduced to young keyboardist named Michael Omartian as his piano work is just brilliant.

Larry Knechtal (Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel) stands out with an amazing piano performance on “Callin’ Me Home” a beautiful and haunting ballad that is by no means “pop” but rather sung in a melancholy and longing manner to match the content. This stark and limited instrumentation behind McGuire’s gravelly, monster voice would become a trademark. In fact, later albums with bigger production and more instrumentation would prove to be not nearly as compelling. McGuire is so believable and authentic that just a voice and piano delivers.

Another upbeat rocker follows called “Pay the Piper.” This songs adds instrumentation (though still stark and limited) and intensity as it moves along and McGuires edgier, bluesier vocals shine here. Musically it has a feeling like something closer to The Doors than anything else at the time.

One of the highlights from Lighten Up (and any other McGuire album for that matter) is “When the Mist Has Rolled Away.” Again the wonderful piano work of Knechtel shines with a groove closer to Lynard Skynard’s southern rock than country or folk and the backing vocal work of the Wards and Herrings really shine here. There is also a surprising twist with a horn section coming in just past the midway point. If this release wasn’t on Myrrh this could have been a secular radio favorite. It remains one of McGuire’s finest offerings.

McGuire’s ability to shift from melancholy and dark to upbeat, boisterous and joyful is really quite amazing as the first of several upbeat, poppy tunes, “Walk in the Sonshine” displays his brighter side. McGuire’s authenticity and joyful expressions keep the song from sounding like something from the Brady Kids.

This is immediately followed by “Hey! World,” a straight ahead rocker, heavier than just about anything available in mainstream Christian Music at the time. This song moves through differing time signatures and rhythms flawlessly. Both funky and bluesy it simply works! Tale note of the great bass and drum work on this one.

McGuire returns to a more simple, country rock vibe with “You’ve Heard His Voice.” Once again McGuire carries the song with his passion and clarity of mission. Fitting perfectly into the mid-70’s of darker, story-like anthems, the song reveals a more artistic side to McGuire’s musical palette.

Another stand out on the project would becomes the signature song for McGuire for many years to follow. The fun and funky “Happy Road” works well in this set and is the perfect juxtaposition to the darker and heavier themes previously explored. This “life on the road” ditty could have been covered by any number of southern rock acts of the same era.

The record closes with “Anyone But Jesus,” another funk and blues driven tune and features the best and most passionate vocals from McGuire on the whole project. He appears pleasantly content and passionate about singing:

“I’m not gonna sing about anyone but Jesus…”

That defines Barry McGuire and his 40 year Christian Music ministry! This long out of print project still remains his definitive work and it’s albums like this that deserve to find a home on the shelf of all fans of Christian music and anyone who wants to have a sense of the great history of the genre.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Eve Of Destruction / Don’t Blame God / II Chronicles 7:14 – 6:07
2 – Callin’ Me Home – 2:45
3 – Pay The Piper – 3:18
4 – When The Mist Has Rolled Away – 3:10
5 – Walk In The Sonshine – 2:57
6 – Hey World! – 3:26
7 – You’ve Heard His Voice – 4:05
8 – Happy Road – 3:28
9 – How Many Times – 4:38
10 – Anyone But Jesus – 4:32

Credits
Arranged By [Horn] – Mike Melvoin
Backing Vocals – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Bass – Leland Sklar
Clavinet – Larry Knechtel
Drums – David Kemper
Engineer – Buck Herring
Guitar, Banjo – Mike Deasy
Harmonica – Ben Benay
Keyboards [Aarpvark] – Mike Omartian
Organ – Larry Knechtel
Photography By – Wally Duguid
Piano – Larry Knechtel
Producer – Buck Herring
Written-By – B. McGuire

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Published By – American Broadcasting Music, Inc.
Published By – Candle Company Music (2)
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Latter Rain Music
Published By – Shaunda Music
Published By – Shayne Music
Published By – Word Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Puget Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Sunwest Recording Studios
Mastered At – Artisan Sound Recorders

Eternity Express – The Way Out – 1985

This was the final album from the band using the name Eternity Express. They definitely put together a new look for this album but the sound was still Eternity Express. This is essentially the same lineup that would form Illustrator and under that name they would complete the new look and sound. While this may be a more subdued album I still quite like it. For some reason even though Eternity Express is essentially a easy listening band I have always has a soft spot for their work. Back in the 80’s this is definitely not the style of music my friends and I were listening to but we always had time on the mixed tape of the day for an Eternity Express track. These guys were actually underappreciated in my opinion but with so many albums obviously the record companies saw their talent.

Tracklist
1 – Better This Time – 3:34
2 – How Long – 4:11
3 – Wait On The Lord – 4:10
4 – Re-Ignited – 3:36
5 – Feels Like I’ve Never Been Loved – 3:43
6 – All You Need – 3:57
7 – One On One – 4:23
8 – Open Up Your Heart – 4:14
9 – I Surrender – 3:47

Credits
Drums – Daryl Sutherland
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals – Dan Gaub
Bass, Sax, Vocals – Mark Matthews
Vocals, Keyboards – Dawndee Gaub
Vocals, Keyboards – Nathan Gaub
Lacquer Cut By – Phil Austin
Photography – Peter Eisele

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Marock, Inc.
Manufactured By – Marock, Inc.
Copyright © – Marock Records
Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Richmond, IN
Published By – Stainless Music Co.
Lacquer Cut At – Trutone Mastering Labs

The Lifesavors – You And Me / The One – 1982

This is a relatively rare one off release from the band and is the first release from them after Michael Knott took over vocals from Mark Krischak. Side A You And Me is an excellent Rockabilly tune and you’ll be excused if you thought you’d stumbled on a Lifter’s track. Side B “The One” was later re-recorded with Brian Goins on vocals and released on Dream Life. This version is actually much better.

Tracklist
Side A – You And Me
Side B – The One

Credits
Michael Knott – Guitar, Vocals
Chris Wimber – Bass
Kevin Lee – Drums
Michael Stand – Lead Guitar on ‘You And Me’
Thom Roy – Producer, Engineer

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Greg Lee Processing

Michael Knott – Screaming Brittle Siren – 1992

This is Knott’s first official solo album and what an album it is. Michael was one of the hardest working people in the industry. At the time of this album he was still a member of L.S. Underground, he was helping produce several projects, and he was running his own record label. I will be honest and say that I didn’t really know much about him until he passed away earlier this year. Upon his death I read up and learned about his important contribution to the industry. There is an excellent website dedicated to his work which I will link below. As for this album it has a great 90’s sound and feel. Some might think it’s a little dark in spots but I believe for the main part it’s an upbeat positive great album.

https://knottheads.com/

Tracklist
1 – Miles From Shame – 4:18
2 – Crash And Burn – 2:43
3 – Apocalypse Lips – 3:20
4 – Brittle Body – 5:06
5 – Blood On My Hands – 3:49
6 – Liar – 3:53
7 – Hang Me High – 3:18
8 – Draw The Line – 1:22
9 – Gold Silver Soup And Silk – 0:52
10 – I Am No Christ – 5:23
11 – What You Know Now – 4:40
12 – Barnacle – 2:39
13 – Shine A Light – 5:08
14 – G.S.S.S. – 5:10

Credits
Arranged By [Strings] – Michael Knott
Art Direction, Design – Greg Sylvester
Bass – Bob Wohler
Cello – Melisa Hasin
Drums [Pearl] – Chuck Cummings
Engineer – Chris Colbert, Dave Hackbarth, Phil O’Keefe
Guitar, Vocals – Michael Knott
Mixed By – Derri Daugherty
Musician [Additional], Backing Vocals – Debbie Devore
Musician [Additional], Guitar – Dave Koval
Musician [Additional], Noises [Feedback] – Chris Colbert
Photography By – Colleen Hammond
Producer – Michael Knott
Violin – Mirium Mayer
Written-By – Michael Knott

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Blonde Vinyl Records
Copyright © – Blonde Vinyl Records
Distributed By – Spectra Distribution
Published By – Ttonk Publishing
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia

Joni – Spirit Wings – 1982

Joni (Joni Eareckson Tada) is a very interesting story. Unfortunately she became a quadriplegic at the age of 17 due to a diving incident. However she didn’t let this slow her down and was able to record several popular albums over the years mostly on Word records. This is her first and it’s pretty good though it’s not really my style. It’s pretty easy listening and has a bit of a jazz feel in places. She is a very good vocalist though and the album is a very relaxing album and there’s a few good tracks you could consider for Sunday service. Joni has dedicated her life to helping the disabled especially children and for that she has my deepest respect.

Tracklist
1 – Spirit Wings – 4:43
2 – Hosanna – 2:13
3 – The Only Thing I Want – 3:51
4 – Portrait Of Jesus – 2:27
5 – My Jesus As Thou Wilt – 3:07
6 – Run That Race – 2:38
7 – When Pretty Things Get Broken – 2:23
8 – Take My Life – 2:59
9 – Heaven – 3:32
10 – He Careth For You – 2:44

Credits
Arranged By – Bill Pursell, David Diggs
Cover [Cover Design] – Dennis Hill
Engineer, Mixed By [Mixdown] – Chris Banninger
Photography By – Harry Langdon
Producer, Conductor – Kurt Kaiser

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Davlen Sound Studios
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Word Music
Printed By – Shorewood Packaging
Made By – Shorewood Packaging

The Technos – Songs For A Nervous World – 1988

The Technos actually started out as the Techno Twins in the secular market. They released their first album in 1982 with the single “Falling in love again” which did very well in the European market. The band is generally credited with being the origin of the term “techno” which is something to be proud of. It’s pretty cool when your band name becomes a international term for a style of music. Anyway, after a couple of fairly successful secular releases they put out this one and only Christian release. It is actually a little different in that the songs are social/political oriented and they touch on subjects that weren’t often touched on by Christian artists. I don’t know if this was a popular album or not but I really like it.

Tracklist
1 – Friends & Frontiers – 4:02
2 – Dare To Dance – 3:47
3 – Share Food Like The Bees – 3:29
4 – Beat The Wings – 3:37
5 – Mechanical Ballet – 4:23
6 – Half A Story – 3:39
7 – War: One Voice – 4:18
8 – Pioneer´s Song – 4:02
9 – Walk Into The Light – 4:27
10 – What You Believe – 3:33

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bev Sage, Carolyn Nieto, Cynthia Rizas, Martin Bass, Steve Fairnie
Drums – David Prater
Engineer – Doug Oberkirker
Engineer [Assistant] – Dan Rudin
Guitar – Ronnie Drayton
Keyboards, Arranged By – George Small
Photography By – David Rose
Producer – Joey Powers
Saxophone [Sax] – Sydell Carter

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Grand Slam Studios
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Refuge Records
Copyright © – Refuge Records
Distributed By – Mainroads Music Inc

Perry & The Poor Boys – No Fear In Love – 1992

Depending on your definition of first this is the first album from Perry & The Poor Boys. Now that said they had 3 demo’s and an album released in Estonia before this one. While this album was released on the Spark label in Europe it was a self release in the U.S.A. Apparently the album did quite well for a self release which doesn’t surprise me as the quality of this album is fantastic. The album was produced by Mike Roe and he helped out on a few tracks on guitar and background vocals. The album is a mix of reworked previous tracks and some new ones. The re-recorded tracks really improved with some proper production. Lead vocalist Perry Springman when asked about the bands influences said “It’s like Elvis Costello meets REM meets God!” Personally I don’t hear the Costello influence but I can hear the REM influence. To some extent this band was kind of an urban legend but they did exist and they were great. Be sure to give this one a listen if you missed it back then.

Tracklist
1 – Guns – 3:23
2 – LADA – 4:04
3 – Live Like You Mean It – 5:23
4 – The Picture Of Laura – 5:01
5 – Where Can I Hide From You – 3:31
6 – Winter – 4:30
7 – It Must Be Hard For God – 4:04
8 – No Fear In Love – 4:01
9 – I Am Where You Stand – 3:41
10 – Ransom – 5:55

Credits
Arranged By – The Poor Boys
Artwork By – Mark Stay
Backing Vocals – Mike Roe
Bass – Stef Loy
Bass, Recorder, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Magnus Sjölander
Drums – James D. Orvis
Engineer – Craig Long, Kirt Shearer
Guitar [Additional] – Mike Roe
Guitar [Guitar Abuse], Harmonica, Backing Vocals – Bo Hallbeck
Keyboards, Accordion, Vocals – Stef Loy
Layout, Photography By – Olli Tuomola
Photography By – Paul Markert
Producer – Mike Roe
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Electric Guitar –

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Poor Boys Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Oy Finngospel Ab
Copyright © – Oy Finngospel Ab

Michael And Stormie Omartian – Seasons Of The Soul – 1978

This was Michael And Stormie’s first release using both of their names. Stormie had appeared on Michael’s previous albums but this is the first album she did lead vocals on. They actually married the same year they released this album so I guess we could consider this album a celebration of their partnership. If you hear a bit of darkness in some of Stormie’s writings she has previously shared that before Michael she was actually in a disastrous marriage and that her childhood wasn’t that great either. As such she wrote many songs reflecting her life experiences. While Michael was the musical driving force of the marriage without a doubt Stormie was the lyricist. Together they made a great musical couple from whom we would enjoy many more albums. Nice to see Matthew Ward and Phil Keaggy helping out with the album, I’ve been told they were all great friends.

Tracklist
1 – Ms. Past – 4:09
2 – Travel On With Me – 5:27
3 – Gonna Write Me A Song – 2:39
4 – More Like You – 3:19
5 – Where I Been – 4:08
6 – It All Comes Down To You – 3:46
7 – Heaven Will Wait For Me – 4:15
8 – Seasons Of The Soul – 6:47

Credits
Backing Vocals – Matthew Ward, Myrna Matthews
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drums, Congas – Paul Leim
Engineer – Buck Herring, Wally Duguid
Engineer [Mixdown] – Jay Graydon
Lead Guitar – Phil Keaggy
Lyrics By, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Stormie Omartian
Music By – Stormie Omartian (tracks: A3)
Photography By [Back Cover & Sleeve] – Harry Langdon
Photography By [Front Cover] – Bob Anderson
Producer, Arranged By, Music By, Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion [Tuned] – Michael Omartian
Rhythm Guitar – Bud Nuanez
Saxophone, Flute – Larry Wilson
Saxophone, Flute, Horn [Solos] – Kim Hutchcroft
Trumpet – Jerry Hey

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Published By – See This House Music
Recorded At – Buckskin Studio
Recorded At – Garden Rake Studio
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

Guardian – Nunca Te Dire Adios – 1995

Apparently Jamie Rowe and some of the rest of the band were fluent in Spanish and decided to release a few albums in Spanish for the Mexican and South American market. One of the things I have learnt through this project is that CCM music was huge in South America. In fact Brazil has the 3rd most listeners on our YouTube channel followed by Mexico placing them above The U.K. and Australia. Most of these tracks are actually just Spanish covers of previous tracks but the went back into the studio to re-cut the music. I really like Spanish music and was delighted to discover these Spanish Guardian releases. The quality is fantastic and these tracks do not come off as just a new language cover.

Tracklist
1 – Que El Mundo De Su Gloria Llene – 5:02
2 – Todos Vamos Ja – 4:52
3 – Te Veo en el Cielo – 4:39
4 – El Capitán – 4:21
5 – ¿Sabes Que Es El Amor? – 4:51
6 – Nunca Te Diré Adiós – 4:54
7 – Toma Tu Cruz – 4:49
8 – Uno Para el Otro – 4:03
9 – Como el Sol – 5:24
10 – Creo en Ti – 5:10

Bethlehem – Bethlehem – 1978

I am full convinced that more than even the Beatles, the most influential band on Jesus Music was The Eagles. The Way, Parable, Daniel Amos and countless others always seem to be compared to The Eagles. My thesis is that they country/folk/rock was considered “safer” within Church walls than the Beatles, Beach Boys and Rolling Stones. That being said the band that pulled off the comparison best was easily Bethlehem. The songwriting seems legitimate and band leader, Danny Daniels, had the perfect voice for the job. The band released one album on Maranatha Music in 1978 and disbanded shortly after. One reviewer noted that “Desert Song” was a dead ringer for “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” and he was right on. The band separated itself during its short tenure by incredible musicianship, wonderful harmonies and very memorable songs. The album also sported some of the finest production for the time with Jonathan Brown, Tom Stipe and Al Perkins. Side One is more melodic and pop/country influenced while side two demonstrates a bit more rock and creative influence. This is most notable on the album closer, Pilgrim, which features lengthy instrumental breaks, a wall of backing vocals and a more progressive arrangement. Side two also contain a personal and fan favorite, Night Rider, which has more in common with The Outlaws than the Eagles with a great story telling vocal and big chorus. Themes on the album are very consistent with music from the era with songs of repentance, community and more than a few obligatory “end times” songs. Of all of the bands from that era, Bethlehem was a notch above most on nearly all fronts from songwriting and production to musicianship and performance. Daniels went on to a great solo career as many of his solo albums are worth owning.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Think It Over – 3:50
2 – Lover – 4:02
3 – Desert Song – 3:41
4 – Holy Ghost Blues – 2:39
5 – Dead Reckoning – 3:47
6 – Night Rider – 3:04
7 – This Road – 3:16
8 – No Good Excuses – 4:02
9 – Just A Prayer Away – 3:57
10 – Pilgrims – 4:43

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Danny Daniels
Artwork [Leather Tooling] – Al Dugas
Backing Vocals – Bethlehem, Bob Bennett, Cindy Simmons, Dan McCleery, Danny Daniels, Dom Franco, Gary Arthur, Jerry Chamberlain, John Falcone, John Wickham, Julie Paulsen, Kelly Willard, Lewis McVay, Lisa Irwin, Perry Hildebrant, Richie Furay, Sharon McLaughlin, Tom Coomes
Banjo – Don Gerber
Bass – John Falcone
Clavinet – Randy Rigby
Cowbell – Dan McCleery
Design [Album], Art Direction, Layout – Neal Buchanan
Dobro – Dom Franco
Drums – Dan McCleery
Electric Guitar – Danny Daniels, Randy Rigby
Electric Piano – Randy Rigby
Engineer – Al Perkins, Jonathan Brown, Peter Gregg
Guitar [Pull-String Guitar] – Al Perkins
Harmonica – Frank Loomis
Keyboards – Randy Rigby
Lead Guitar – Randy Rigby, Randy Rigby
Lead Vocals – Danny Daniel, Dom Franco
Mastered By – Bob Carbone
Mixed By – Al Perkins, Jonathan Brown
Percussion – Dan McCleery
Photography By – Sam Emerson
Photography By [Insert] – Mike Shoup
Photography By [Tinting] – Neal*
Piano [Acoustic Piano] – Randy Rigby
Producer – Al Perkins, Tom Stipe
Steel Guitar – Dom Franco
Vocals – Dan McCleery, Danny Daniels, Dom Franco, John Falcone, Randy Rigby

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – North Star Studios
Recorded At – Buddy King Studios, Huntington Beach, CA
Recorded At – Sound Castle Recorders, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Maranatha! Studio
Mixed At – Maranatha! Studio
Mastered At – A&M Records
Copyright © – Maranatha Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Maranatha Music
Published By – Maranatha Music