April 2025 – Real 80s CCM

Newsboys – Going Public – 1994

Going Public must be recognized for the important album that it is and the impact on the industry. But it must also be acknowledged for being a wonderful record with incredible music and stronger lyrical themes then many of its contemporaries. This is the second record produced by Steve Taylor and the influence in the “smartness” in the lyrics and depth shows more here than on the previous release. Most notably on the monster hit “Shine” that would assuredly be recognized as one of the great songs in Christian Rock history. The album also features the bands most consistently strong content. Newsboys tend to create three of four amazing songs per album and then a side full of filler. here every song is strong and there is more cohesion as to the order of the music. There is both a musical and lyrical force behind each song as they flow from one to another. Spirit Thing, Real Good Thing and the title track still rank among the best the band has ever recorded. One other note. the album does not contain many ballads and the ones that are there posses a more introspective content and atmospheric sound which made them great songs, but not radio friendly. I always respect a rock band that can create ballads without the focus being trying to break though on Christian AC radio.

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

Tracklist
1 – Real Good Thing – 2:53
2 – Shine – 3:42
3 – Spirit Thing – 3:27
4 – Let It Rain – 4:18
5 – Going Public – 3:31
6 – Truth And Consequences – 2:58
7 – Lights Out – 3:09
8 – Be Still – 3:19
9 – When You Called My Name – 4:03
10 – Elle G. – 5:13

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Kevin Mills
Booking – Scott Huie
Coordinator [Project] – Laura E. Cobble
Cover [Cover Concept] – Peter Furler, Steve Taylor
Creative Director – Toni Fitzpenn
Crew [Touring], Keyboards, Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Jeff Frankenstein
Design – Franke Design Co.
Engineer [Additional] – Lisa Miller, Martin Woodlee, Wayne Mehl
Engineer, Mixed By – Russ Long
Executive-Producer – Darrell A. Harris, Wes Campbell
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jody Davis
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Duncan Phillips
Lead Vocals – John James
Lead Vocals, Drums, Programmed By – Peter Furler
Management – Wes Campbell
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Performer [Additional Musician] – Blair Masters, Danny Duncan, Darrell A. Harris, Dave Perkins, Eric Darken, John Mark Painter, Kenny Greenberg, Kim Keyes, Phil Madeira, Russ Long, Steve Taylor, Vicki Hampton, Wade Jaynes
Photography By [Cover] – Dave Perkins Family Archives
Photography By [Group] – Norman Jean Roy
Producer – Peter Furler, Steve Taylor

Companies, etc.
Record Company – BMG Direct Marketing, Inc. – D 125474
Licensed To – BMG Direct Marketing, Inc.
Recorded At – The Dugout, The Saltmine, The Tube, The Carport, Quad Studios
Mixed At – The Carport
Mastered At – Gateway Mastering
Published By – Ariose Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song
Copyright © – Star Song

Jeff Fenholt – Hymns I – 1990

Jeff performs some his favourite hymns and worship songs. Some of these are traditional hymns and some are more cent worship songs most of us are familiar with. This was an interesting album idea from Jeff and I think many artists wanted to try this idea bout no way a record label would touch this idea. Jeff didn’t have those impediments as he was independent and really didn’t care about record labels. These are not Rock & Roll covers but just a contemporary arrangement. I’m not a big fan of the Heavy Metal versions of hymns so I’ll be honest I was a little concerned about listening to this album. Instead I love it. These are great arrangements and nowadays you could hear any of these arrangements in a regular Sunday service. Guitar work is handled by Charles Fearing (Raydio) and all the other instruments are handled by famed producer Freddie Perren who also produced the album. Jeff’s vocals are the real focal point of the album and I don’t think he ever got the credit he deserved as a vocalist. You probably missed this one back in the day so you should give it a listen now.

Tracklist
1 – The Old Rugged Cross – 4:32
2 – The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power – 4:54
3 – Goin Up Yonder – 5:56
4 – Holy Ground – 6:05
5 – Amazing Grace – 5:19
6 – Sometimes Alleluia – 5:45
7 – He touched Me – 5:35
8 – Blessed Assurance – 4:30

Credits
Art Direction, Design, Layout – Ben Bull, Walter Ebrahimzadeh
Backing Vocals – Carmen Twilley, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters
Engineer – Freddie Perren, Jack Rouben
Guitar – Charles Fearing
Instruments – Freddie Perren
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography – Ron Blanchard
Producer, Arranged By – Freddie Perren
Programmed By, Engineer – Ran Ballard
Vocals – Jeff Fenholt

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Mom & Pop’s Happy House Studio
Mixed At – Mom & Pop’s Happy House Studio
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Produced For – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Messiah Records
Copyright © – Messiah Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Copyright © – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Pressed By – Disctronics USA – 114576

Scott Wesley Brown – Live In Concert Songs and Stories – 1978

Here’s a great but also a little odd album from Scott Wesley Brown. Odd in that it was self released while he was under contract with Sparrow records but it obviously had the blessing of the record company and SWB actually thanked them for their help with the album. Anyway this is a live album recorded at Christ Church in Washington D.C. Unlike many live albums this isn’t the best performances from many concerts but just a recording of one concert. SWB had only had 3 albums released at this point but he was making a big splash on the industry. This concert is a great representation of his concerts in the late 80’s. SWB’s concerts were very intimate and a great representation of who SWB was/is. Backing him up on this album was the band GLAD who did a great job. I absolutely love SWB’s tongue in cheek version of “We Need A Whole Lot More Of Jesus (And A Lot Less Rock And Roll)” originally by Wayne Raney and covered by mediocre gospel bands everywhere in the 70’s. Luckily by the late 70’s Rock & Roll as a whole claimed this song for themselves. Great historic album here and an absolute must listen.

Tracklist
1 – I’m Not Religious, I Just Love The Lord – 4:16
2 – You Make Me Feel – 2:35
3 – We Need A Whole Lot More Of Jesus – 6:53
4 – Harrison – 9:08
5 – Lords Prayer – 3:11
6 – Dance – 0:56
7 – Jesus Is The Lord Of My Life – 2:25
8 – Learning – 3:26
9 – Trees (Monologue) – 3:00
10 – How Can I Say I Love You – 3:42
11 – Alphabet Prayers (Monologue) – 6:36
12 – I Wish You Jesus – 5:05

Credits
John Bolles – Guitars, Background Vocals
Scott Wesley Brown – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Brad Currie – Drums, Percussion
Debbie Halverson – Background Vocals
Bob Kauflin – Keyboards, Background Vocals
Don Nalle – Bass, Background Vocals
Ed Nalle – Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocals
Tom Willett – Background Vocals

Crystal Lewis – La Esposa – 1993

This is a Spanish language version of Crystal’s “The Bride” album. The music appears to be just direct copies of the English version and “Little Jackie” and “Amazing Grace live version appear in their original English versions. The song “Holy Place” didn’t make it on to the album probably because they would have had to find a Spanish Choir for the chorus. Probabvly just too much hassle but I don’t know why they just didn’t include the English version.

English listing – https://real80sccm.com/?p=8177

Tracklist
1 – La Madre Y La Esposa – 5:50
2 – Necesitas A Cristo – 5:30
3 – Angeles – 4:36
4 – No Te Afanes – 4:01
5 – Mi Redentor Vive – 5:21
6 – Regresaras Por Mi – 4:31
7 – Sublime Gracia – 4:40
8 – Little Jackie – 4:08
9 – Amazing Grace (Live At Harvest Crusade) – 3:39

Credits
Acoustic Bass – Ernie Nunez
Arranged By – John David
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drum Programming – Chris Cooper
Drums – Dave Spurr, Jon Knox
Engineer – Chris Wimber, Gene Eugene, Scott Osborne
Guitar, Arranged By – Shawn Tubbs
Keyboards, Arranged By – John Andrew Schreiner
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Crystal Lewis
Mixed By – Doug Ryder
Percussion – Brian Kilgor
Producer – Brian Ray
Trumpet – Andrew Carney

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Diamante Music Group
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Metro One Recordings
Copyright © – Metro One Recordings

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Crystal Lewis – The Bride – 1993

Though it would be three more years before Crystal Lewis became one of the biggest names in CCM with her best-selling “Beauty For Ashes” album, it was in 1993 with the release of The Bride that Lewis achieved her artistic triumph. Following the very cool and funky “Remember,” The Bride was a genre shifting work of artistic merit that expanded Lewis’ musical palette and vocal prowess. The musicians on the album read like a who’s who and their playing is true and authentic. Abraham Laboriel, Shawn Tubbs, Dave Spurr, John Knox and John Andrew Schreiner. The production was more stark and “band” sounding than any in her career and this live band feel creating a vocal urgency and attitude that some earlier releases may have lacked. This is not the same Lewis who simply sang Bill Baumgart porcelain produced pop songs. This was confident and forceful woman with something to say. This is more evident on the stark and funky “Little Jackie.” The groove of “The Mother and The Bride” is just so smooth and cool while “Don’t Worry” is more progressive jazz influenced with amazing sax work. “You’ll Be back For Me” rocks with a power that would be seen later on her “Fearless” release but works best here. The centerpiece of the album is the tremendous “My Redeemer Lives.” This worship song shows Lewis’ vocal powers more than just about any other in her career. Lewis holds her own against backing vocal crew that included Alfie Silas, Debbie McClendon and Linda McCrary that accompanies her and leads to several spine tingling moments. The album also contains a wonderful version of “Amazing Grace” that would point toward the several hymns projects she has been involved with as well as being a nod to her traditional church upbringing the appreciation for the hymns in provided to her. Many fans that discovered her with “Beauty for Ashes” have little appreciation for this album. It is much more raw and edgy and nothing like the soft AC artists that sold hundreds of thousands of copies. But for those that watched her progress as an artist from “Hi Tops” through Beyond the Charade, The Bride marks a step of maturity and artistic confidence that is unmatched on any other release.

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

Tracklist
1 – Don’t Worry – 4:00
2 – Little Jackie – 4:08
3 – The Mother And The Bride – 5:48
4 – Angels – 4:36
5 – My Redeemer Lives – 5:20
6 – You’ll Be Back For Me – 4:35
7 – Holy Place – 5:12
8 – Amazing Grace – 4:40
9 – Jesus Belongs In Your Heart – 5:32
10 – Amazing Grace (Live) – 3:39

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Diamante Music Group
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Metro One Recordings
Copyright © – Metro One Recordings

Jamboree – Independence Day – 1987

Jamboree are back with their 2nd EP and this one is even better than their first one. If you don’t know Jamboree is an early version of Hoi Polloi without Jenny on vocals. The title track of this EP is actually a cover of a 1980 The Comsat Angels track that didn’t chart. Quite frankly this version is much better. Anyway, the other 2 tracks are equally good and this is an EP I would have loved in 1987 but alas it was only released in New Zealand so there’s no way I would have heard it. Strange printing error on the album, the cover calls track 3 “Cloak & Sickle” but the vinyl label says “Hammer & Sickle”.

Tracklist
1 – Independence Day – 3:47
2 – The Longing – 4:49
3 – Cloak And Sickle – 4:18

Credits
Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals – Andrew Horst
Drums – Josef Fityus
Guitar, Synthesizer – David Steunebrink, David Ball
Vocals – Brent Tasker

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Hit Singles
Recorded At – Mandrill Studios

Mark Heard – Acoustic: The Best Of Mark Heard – 1985

I’ll be honest I’m a little confused by this compilation album. It’s a collection of songs from Mark’s 5 albums on the Home Sweet Home label. I am confused because generally one doesn’t put out a compilation album in the same year as one releases one of the albums featured. I am wondering if this album was a legal matter as it was released as he was completed his deal with Home Sweet Home and actually moved on to create his own record label. Another thing that confuses me is why include “Acoustic” in the title. It’s not an acoustic album it’s just regular cuts from his albums. Personally I think it was a little disingenuous to use the word acoustic in the title as it could have fooled people into thinking they were getting new acoustic versions of these songs. The album does feature one new track, “Family Name”, which is a new song written by Bill Batstone and is really good but it’s inclusion on the album makes me even a little more suspect to the whole thing. Anyway all that aside I am positive this had nothing to do with Mark and we have a great compilation album here.

Tracklist
1 – Family Name – 4:06
2 – Eye Of The Storm – 3:00
3 – Castaway – 3:16
4 – In The Gaze Of The Spotlight’s Eye – 3:57
5 – Call Me The Fool – 3:12
6 – To See Your Face – 3:35
7 – I’m Crying Again – 3:29
8 – Some Folks’ World – 4:35
9 – Can’t See Light – 4:58
10 – True Confessions – 3:30
11 – Well-Worn Pages – 2:44
12 – In Spite Of Himself – 3:09

Wayne Watson – The Fine Line – 1988

This is Wayne’s 7th studio album and the follow up to his wildly successful “Watercolour Ponies” album. It had 3 top 10 singles on the CCM charts. “Untouched By Human Hands” #6, “The Long Arm Of The Lord” #9, and “We Belong To Him #9. It might as well have had 4 as “That’s Not Jesus” made it to #11. As for the album it is what you would expect from Wayne Watson. Mainly easy listening and somewhat dull in spots for me. That said just because it’s not my style doesn’t mean it’s a bad album and if you are a fan of your CCM a little on the mellow side then this one is for you.

Tracklist
1 – The Long Arm Of The Lord – 4:40
2 – That’s Not Jesus – 4:45
3 – The Fine Line – 6:02
4 – Yesterday’s News – 5:59
5 – Every Now And Again – 5:20
6 – Untouched By Human Hands – 4:28
7 – Before My Very Eyes – 5:52
8 – No Other Gods – 6:53
9 – We Belong To Him – 4:49
10 – I Could Live Without You – 3:41
11 – The Fine Line (Reprise) – 1:15

Credits
Acoustic Guitar [Additional], Percussion – Wayne Watson
Arranged By – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson
Art Direction – Bill Brunt Designs
Artwork [Art Coordination] – Terri Short
Backing Vocals – Susan Rae Hill, Toni Raider, Wayne Watson
Bass Guitar – Gary Lunn
Choir – Adam Watson, Alan Carpenter, Ann Barbor, Biff Adam, Callie Sills, Carol Snipes, Carolyn Christian, Claude Hand, Jere Luck, Jim Pruitt, John Armor, Kara McGee, Linda Hudgins, Lois Chambliss, Michael Burt, Mike Hudgins, Neal Watson, Paul Farrington, Phil Beck, Sallie Sills
Drums, Electronic Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Mark Hammond
Electric Guitar – Jerry McPherson, Mark Baldwin
Engineer – Paul Mills, Smitty Price, Carry Summers, Steve Dady, Mike Clute
Executive-Producer – Lynn Keesecker
Harmonica – Buddy Greene
Keyboards – Mark Heimermann, Smitty Price
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Mixed By – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson
Photography By – Larry Dixon
Producer – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson
Steel Guitar, Guitar [Gut String] – Mark Baldwin
Synthesizer – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson
Vocals [Duet] – Toni Raider
Words By, Music By – Jeff Nelson, Wayne Watson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Rivendell Recorders, OmniSound Studios, The Bennett House, BDR Sound
Mixed At – Rivendell Recorders
Mastered At – Mastermix

Kemper Crabb – The Vigil – 1982

Kemper Crabb’s own biography states that he may have been born 700 years too late. That is nor more correct than on his classic Celtic/progressive/folk rock classic, The Vigil. Inspired by the Crusades and the music from nearly that same era, The Vigil is a masterpiece that is admittedly not for everyone. He has played with Caedmon’s Call and Atomic Opera. He fronted the amazing Progressive Rock band, Arkangel (reviewed later) and has a list of credits a mile long. He is also an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and lectures on a diverse selection of theological and sociological subjects. How truly magnificent is this work? Consider that every review on Amazon is 5 stars and that sealed original copies can go for as much as $200 without a problem of finding a buyer. The combination of worshipful baroque, Celtic hymns, classical instrumentals and brilliantly conceived and crafted lyrics make this beyond anything resembling an AYSO. Litanies and liturgies are not the normal fair for Christian rockers and many may stumble through upon first listening. But as these brilliant works swirl and envelope an initial appreciation may soon become an obsession. Crabb’s stunningly beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” is utterly captivating. “The Danse” would later appear on the first Caedmon’s Call worship album.

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

Tracklist
1 – Sunset Before The Vigil – 1:21
2 – The Vigil – 2:03
3 – They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships – 4:12
4 – Tannin – 3:03
5 – Doulos – 3:32
6 – All Father Litany – 2:09
7 – Be Thou My Vision – 2:45
8 – Outremer – 1:16
9 – Salarello – 1:16
10 – The Danse – 4:50
11 – Thigpen’s Wedding – 2:00
12 – Taking The Cross – 1:35
13 – Candle Flame – 2:34
14 – Te Deum – 1:47
15 – Fairest Lord Jesus (Crusader’s Hymn) – 2:59
16 – The Vigil – 2:04
17 – Sunrise After The Vigil – 2:13

Credits
Art Direction – Dave Rogers
Bagpipes – Andy White
Engineer [Assistant] – Cathy Mills
Engineer [Assistant], Backing Vocals – Rick Thigpen
Guitar – Lee Ann Turner*
Harp [Troubador] – Barbara Goodrich
Illustration – Randy Rogers
Mandolin – Jerry McPherson
Mastered By – Greg Calbi
Mixed By – Paul Mills
Mixed By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Recorder, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Dulcimer, Bells, Psaltery – Kemper Crabb
Percussion – John Witte, Russell Dunlap
Photography – Frank White
Photography [Front Photo Concept], Backing Vocals – Bekah Crabb
Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Organ – Paul Mills
Written-By – David Marshall, K. Crabb, P. Mills
Written-By, Timpani – C. Mills

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Engineered At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Mixed At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song Records
Copyright © – Star Song Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company
Manufactured By – Star Song Records
Pressed By – Europadisk
Published By – StraightWay Music, Dawn Treader Music

Geri Baird – Cool Age – 1980

Geri Baird (Karlstrom) was a PK from British Columbia Canada. She was drawn to the performing world at young age and started performing in pop bands at the age of 16. She has a video on YouTube with her band “The Next” performing “Accuser” and it’s actually pretty good. In 1980 she went into the studio with Canadian musician Donnie Gossett (Salvation Air Force) to record this album. Donnie produced and performed on the album as did his brother Michael. The track “Backside of the Desert” actually had some success but unfortunately my memory fails me and I can’t remember what that was. Personally I think the best track is “Taking Baby for a Ride” which has a fun 50’s feel. The album was released in Canada with limited distribution in the U.S. so it is relatively unknown. This is one that I really enjoyed in the 80’s and still enjoy listening to today. Geri pursued a career in the tech industry but always took time to make music. She had 3 self released albums and was heavily involved with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa recovery and much of her later music was centered on this topic. Unfortunately Geri passed away in early 2025 but her musical legacy is something she will be remembered for.

Tracklist
1 – Super Heroes – 3:41
2 – Backside of the Desert – 3:59
3 – Cool Age – 3:02
4 – Somebody Loves Me – 3:21
5 – Family – 2:36
6 – Taking Baby for a Ride – 2:50
7 – Living on Broken Hearts – 3:07
8 – Visions – 3:30
9 – Just a Heart – 2:26
10 – I Know – 4:39

Credits
Alto Saxophone – Garth Kent
Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar, Drums, Lead Guitar, Synthesizer – Donnie Gossett
Backing Vocals – Judy Gossett
Bass Guitar – Rick Adams
Bass Guitar – Michael Gossett
Drums – Ron Stelting
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Geri Baird
Piano – Gary Schellenberg
Producer, Engineer, Arranged By – Donnie Gossett

Companies, etc.
Recorded at – The Gossett Brothers Studio, Blaine, WA