If ever the added artist inclusion of “friends” even meant anything it was on Paul Clark’s classic rock and roll album “Good to Be Home.” The Phil Keaggy factor is HUGE here including his inclusion as the lead vocalist on the opening track. Keaggy’s guitar work is also all over the album. And it’s some of Phil’s rockier work as in comparison to his own albums released at the same time. For 1975 this was pretty progressive. Hammond organ riffs jettisoning back and forth with Keaggy’s fantastic fret work. Also included amongst the friends are Jay Truax and John Mehler from Love Song. They all collaborated on this album and the “band” feel really shows. “Unveiling” may be one of Clark’s most impressive and compelling songs. Clocking in at just under seven minutes this song truly allows Keaggy to shine, not just in the fancier fret work or scorching leads but in creating ambiance and atmosphere for this epic. This may have been CCM’s earliest foray into progressive rock sounding like a more jazz influenced Kansas number. I once asked several “Jesus Music” experts if they could only own one of Paul Clark’s classic albums, which one would it be. The response was unique in that many stated that though they didn’t believe “Good to Be Home” to be Clark’s finest work, the majority stated it would be the one to own. That says a lot about how often in Jesus Music and CCM the heart of an album can impact ones perception as much as the artistic value.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Holding On To You – 2:30 2 – Which One Are You? – 4:11 3 – All Your Ways – 3:51 4 – Unveiling – 6:42 5 – For My Children – 3:15 6 – It’s All Waiting – 3:25 7 – Good To Be Home – 2:51 8 – Under His Grace – 3:15 9 – Abide – 3:05
Credits Artwork By [Cover Design] – Ted Stone Artwork By [Cover Illustration] – Gary Pycior Backing Vocals – Sandy Dryden Bass, Vocals – Jay Truax Engineer – Bob Cotton Guitar, Vocals – Phil Keaggy Organ – Stew Langer Percussion – John Mehler, Lanny Hansen Photography – Eben Fowler Piano, Guitar [Acoustic], Vocals – Paul Clark Piano, Vocals – Bill Speer Producer – Paul Clark, Phil Keaggy Saxophone, Flute – Barry Kelsey Written-By – Paul Clark, Phil Keaggy
One of the best debut albums in CCM history, Out of the Gery’s self-titled released was so “out of the ordinary” for mainstream CCM as to make one wonder how why they signed to such a major label as Sparrow. Husband and wife duo Christine and Scott Dente made a great career of thoughtful, intelligent and stirring music. Scott is a very underrated guitar player (acoustic or electric) and Christine’s voice is both diverse and consistent. I saw Scott play with Phil Keaggy and Scott did more than just hold his own with the legend. Christine’s voice will sometimes (especially here) draw comparisons to Over the Rhine and The Innocence Mission, with less lilt and more punch. The pop and radio friendly songs are very good, but it is on the more adventurous tunes that the depth and creativity really shows. “Write My Life” has the previously mentioned Innocence Mission feel and matches vocal and music perfectly. Remember this continues to sound fresh and He Is Not Silent is nothing short of brilliant. Literally one could make a mention of every song here and find something worthy to discuss. there is not one forgettable song with only “Dance” not quit fitting with the rest of the album, though it is a good song on its own. Their career has not kept up the steam the debut built up and there has not been a new recording in several years, but one should not think they are not making music or out of the industry. Both continue to appear of friends’ albums and Scott’s guitar work can still be heard on occasional releases. That all should not discount just how great an initial release this album is.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Wishes – 4:58 2 – Write My Life – 4:11 3 – Remember This – 4:31 4 – The Dance – 3:36 5 – He Is Not Silent – 4:00 6 – Better Way To Fall – 4:31 7 – Time Will Tell – 3:21 8 – Perfect Circle – 5:00 9 – The Only Moment – 3:15 10 – The Deep – 3:21
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals – Scott Denté Art Direction, Design – Heather Horne Backing Vocals – Vicki Hampton, Vince Ebo Bass – Tommy Sims Booking – Jeff Roberts & Associates Drums – Chris McHugh, Steve Grossman Electric Guitar – Jerry McPherson Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Kevin Twit Engineer [Assistant] – Buzz Leffler, Garrett Rockey, Jonathan Beach Executive-Producer – Peter York Mastered By – Ken Love Mixed By – Bill Deaton, Craig Hansen, Rick Will Mixed By [Assisted By] – Graham Lewis Percussion – Eric Darken Performer [Out Of The Grey] – Christine Denté, Scott Denté Photography By – Chris Carroll Piano, Keyboards, Programmed By – Charlie Peacock Producer, Arranged By – Charlie Peacock Programmed By [Additional Programming], Engineer – Craig Hansen Programmed By [Sampling] – Blair Masters Tambourine – Rick Will Vocals – Christine Denté Written-By – Charlie Peacock, Christine Denté, Scott Denté
Before this album Then there was four years of silence from Krikorian. He continued to write songs for others and had begun building friendships with many of the “disenfranchised” Christian artists who did not fit the mold of popular CCM like Leslie Phillips, T-Bone Burnett and Mark Heard. He had songs placed on mainstream Christian artists albums like Benny Hester and Burnett and Heard recorded some of his music. In 1985 some close friends of these artist that were working at the Myrrh Los Angeles offices started a sub-label in connection with A&M Records called What? Records. The label’s purpose was to be a home to artist who did not fit the CCM mold and would be a haven for more commercial, mainstream oriented artists with spiritual messages. The label was short-lived but released four of the greatest albums in Christian music including two from Tonio K, Mark Heard’s “iDEoLa” and Dave Perkins’ “The Innocence.” The theme of loves lost and found is not new. But in those silent four years a change took place in Krikorian. The beliefs he had for years became faith. According to the interview I had with him right after of the release of “Romeo Unchained” he had discovered grace for the first time in his life. He had also found love. The real kind. And rather than songs of frustration, anger and revenge, there are songs of grace, commitment and hope. That does not mean that he pushed aside the caustic wit and smart and stinging lyrics. Here the pen is pointed against a world that wants to tear down and destroy the love God has provided. The victim of Tonio K’s previous work are now the ones he defends. The whole album appears to be a picture of the juxtaposition of true love and the facade the world offers. I should also note that “Romeo Unchained” may have one of the best album covers ever. The images of half a man as mannequin, the made up attractive woman and iron display the struggles of modern women and the battle for the real and eternal they seek. All with K-9 (Tonio K.) observing this turmoil. There is a little story about K-9 I will mention later. The album was highly praised in both secular and Christian circles. Rolling Stone Magazine would even rave that it was the best Bob Dylan album since Bob Dylan lost interest in pop music. T-Bone Burnett handled much of the production and cast of LA heavyweights lent their talents in the studio including David Mansfield (Dylan) and David Miner (T-Bone Burnett) and David Raven and Tim Chandler of DA/Swirling Eddies.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – True Confessions – 3:40 2 – Perfect World – 4:12 3 – Romeo And Jane – 3:46 4 – You Belong With Me – 4:50 5 – Impressed – 4:24 6 – I Handle Snakes – 3:36 7 – Emotional War Games – 3:53 8 – Living Doll – 3:44 9 – You Don’t Belong Here – 5:51 10 – You Will Go Free – 6:37
Credits Art Direction, Layout – Tim Alderson Backing Vocals – Rick Neigher, T-Bone Burnett Bass – David Miner, Eric Gotthelf, Phil Chen, Rick Neigher, Tim Chandler Coordinator [Production Coordinator] – Penny Payne Design Concept [Visual Concepts], Photography By – Linda Myers Drum Programming – Rick Neigher, T-Bone Burnett Drums – Burleigh Drummond, Freddy Alwag, Ron Aston Engineer – Billy Taylor, Joe Chiccarelli, Larold Rebhun, Mark Heard, Nick Van Maarth, Rick Neigher Engineer [Assistant Engineering] – Carolyn Collins, Joe Borja, Judy Clapp, Peter Doell, Steve Himelfarb Guitar – Billy Steele, Charlie Sexton, Daryl Caraco, Nick Van Maarth, Peter Banks, Rick Neigher, T-Bone Burnett, Tonio K. Horns – Little Effort, Phil Kenzie Management – Gary Heaton Management Mandocello, Violin – David Mansfield Mandolin [Mandocello], Violin – David Mansfield Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Mixed By – Ed Thacker (tracks: A5, B3, B4), Joe Chiccarelli (tracks: A1 to A4, B1, B2) Other [Assistant Engineering] – Milton Other [Cover Girl] – Lisa Taylor Percussion – Burleigh Drummond, Efrain Toro Synthesizer – Bob Rose, Dave Aston, David Lewis, Rick Neigher Technician [Productive Trouble-Shooting] – T-Bone Burnett Vocals [Featured Vocalist] – Tonio K.
Companies, etc. Produced For – Vogue Productions (2) Recorded At – Lawrence Welk’s Champagne Recorders, Hollywood, CA. Recorded At – Baby’O Recorders Recorded At – Eldorado Recording Studios Recorded At – Cherokee Studios Recorded At – Hitman Studios Recorded At – Fingerprint Recorders Recorded At – Redwing Studios Mixed At – Capitol Studios Mastered At – Masterdisk Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc. Record Company – What? Records Manufactured By – A&M Records, Inc. Distributed By – A&M Records, Inc.
I remember hearing about this blond with a monster voice that had appeared on “everybody’s” albums, and regularly with one of my musical heroes, John Hiatt had signed a mainstream record deal with Atlantic. But nothing prepared me for the pushing play on my CD players and the a capella vocal strains of “Soon and Very Soon” busted through the clutter of modern music with sledge hammer. Damn, what a voice! Then i was even more pleasantly surprised to discover an album rich in textures, loaded with incredible talent and filled with brilliantly conceived and produced songs. There is really not a dud on the entire project. Of course Cleveland could also sing Presbyterian Book of Church Order and make it sound like Maggies Farm. I soon discovered Cleveland was an artist and not just a voice; a singer-songwriter with credentials to spare. But still I come back to that voice. Throwing out comparisons and superlatives will do her pipes no justice. A wonderful combination of Joplin passion, Slick rock cred and a bluesy, smokey vibe that is unmatched. In all honesty this should not have been the only album of hers to make list and that oversight is purely mine. That notwithstanding her debut here stands out heads and shoulders above most of her contemporaries and like nothing else in CCM at the time. I highly recommend her recent traditional blues and Gospel projects as well.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Soon And Very Soon / Big Town – 5:10 2 – Love On The Mainline – 4:59 3 – Willy – 4:40 4 – I Could Learn To Love You – 7:14 5 – Tentative Man – 4:00 6 – Angel – 4:41 7 – Up From The Ether – 5:31 8 – We Can Dance – 4:40 9 – I’ll Call You – 5:41 10 – Walk To The Well – 5:22 11 – Rebecca – 5:19
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Ashley Cleveland Bass – Glenn Worf Drums, Percussion – Craig Krampf Electric Guitar – Kenny Greenberg Keyboards – Bill Cuomo Mastered By – Doug Sax Mixed By – Craig Krampf, Niko Bolas Producer – Craig Krampf, Niko Bolas Recorded By – Niko Bolas
I have written extensively elsewhere regarding the sad and sudden death of Michael Been of The Call. He was a brilliant, amazing, passionate, powerful artist. His work with The Call will be discussed several times throughout this countdown and his impact on CCM and the music world at large cannot be overstated. The call was simply the most underrated band in history…period! Much hyperbole? Nope. He also created an amazing solo project here that unfortunately went overlooked both in mainstream and CCM circles. The lead track, Us, is so good, so very, very good, that if it was the good song on the whole album it would still make this list! But fortunately the entire album is filled with amazing and powerful tracks. I find the album to be “heavier” than the albums by The Call, but still just as passionate, melodic and poignant. It’s also just as spiritual, introspective and authentic. Been had this amazingly uncanny ability to make deep spiritual truths sound simple and not so “preachy” while stating very blatant and undeniable truths. To list the “highlights” I would simply just cut and paste the entire track list! This is most definitely an AYSO!
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Us – 3:48 2 – When You’re With Me – 4:48 3 – Nearly Fell – 3:55 4 – This World – 4:43 5 – In My Head – 5:02 6 – This Way – 6:59 7 – Luminous – 5:37 8 – She – 4:14 9 – Worried – 4:16 10 – For Your Love – 3:18 11 – Invitation – 3:57 12 – Now I Know High (Part 2) – 7:43 13 – To Feel This Way – 4:56 14 – To Feel This Way (2006 Remix) – 6:00
Credits A&R – Hugo Burnham Bass – Robert Been Bass Guitar – Dave Allen Drums – Hugo Burnham Drums, Percussion – Scott Musick Engineer – Joel Jaffe Engineer [Additional] – Bruck Dawit Engineer [Assistant] – Alfred Brand, Larry Brewer Guitar – Tom Ferrier Guitar, Drums [Additional], Vocals – Ralph Patlan Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards – Michael Been Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Mixed By – Michael H. Brauer Producer – David Z, Michael Been Producer [Associate] – Ralph Patlan Vocals – Eli Braden
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Studio D, Sausalito, CA Mixed At – Quad Recording Studios
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
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
After living the previous decade as the overtly sexual queen of disco Donna Summer entered the 80s experimenting with a few different musical styles and appeared to have lost herself in the wandering. With return to her roots with more of an 80-‘s pop/rock edge, a ferocious vocal delivery and a new born again spirit Donna Summer released one of the biggest albums in her lengthy career entitled “She Works Hard for the Money.” My little Christian bookstore was probably the second store in the country to carry it after I saw it being sold at Maranatha Village. I grabbed a copy immediately, both out of fascination and also to see if it was something I could convince my bosses to carry. Once you get past the often misunderstood innuendo of the opening cut’s title and realized that it actually is a powerful, woman endorsing tribute the rest of the album was an easy fit. “He’s a Rebel” is clearly a testimonial song about her new found faith in the “rebel” Jesus Christ and has a decidedly more rock edge and clearly influenced by producer Michael Omartian. “Unconditional Love” featured popular reggae sensation “Musical Youth.” The song would later receive a punk remodel when covered by Christian punk/rock band the Altar Boys. Another mainstay in Christian Music circles, Matthew Ward (2nd Chapter of Acts) does a duet on “Love Has a Mind of It’s Own” and, as a result, received some pretty good reception of Christian radio. Summer would continue to add more Gospel tinged lyrics to future releases but would not match the success or create such an overall realized album of Christian content.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – She Works Hard For The Money – 5:19 2 – Stop, Look And Listen – 5:46 3 – He’s A Rebel – 4:22 4 – Woman – 4:19 5 – Unconditional Love – 4:41 6 – Love Has A Mind Of Its Own – 4:16 7 – Tokyo – 4:25 8 – People, People – 4:38 9 – I Do Believe (I Fell In Love) – 4:34
Credits Art Direction, Design – Chris Whorf Backing Vocals – Dara Lynn Bernard, Mary E. Bernard, Matthew Ward, Roberta Kelly Bass – Nathan East Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Lenny Castro Coordinator [Production] – Yvonne Garcia Drum Programming [Simmons] – John Gilston Drums – Mike Baird Engineer [Assistant] – Larry Fergusson, Ross Pallone Horns – Charlie Loper*, Chuck Findley, Dick Hyde, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey Liner Notes – Donna Mastered By [A&M] – Bernie Grundman Mastered By [Future Disc] – Steve Hall Photography By – Harry Langdon Piano, Synthesizer – Michael Omartian Producer, Arranged By – Michael Omartian Programmed By [Synthesizers] – Michael Boddicker Recorded By, Mixed By – John Guess
This is an interesting album that swirled just outside the periphery of Christian music in the late 80’s. We carried it at Maranatha Village and several Christian music publications positively reviewed it and ran stories on Forbert. A brilliant singer/songwriter, Steve Forbert started his lengthy career in the late 70’s recording his only real radio hit, “Romeo Tune” on his second release in 1979, “Jackrabbit Slim.” (Highly recommend) But with “Streets of this Town,” The Christian market began to take notice. Songs like “Hope, Faith and Love,” “As We Live and Breathe” and “Search Your Heart” seemed to deal honestly with spiritual ideas and faith questions. One song from this album was covered by a pretty major CCM artist at the time (bonus points if you know the artist and song). Forberts easy going Americana Rock style is immediately likeable and would appeal to fans of John Hiatt, Jackson Browne, Julie Miller, etc.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Running On Love – 3:32 2 – Don’t Tell Me (I Know) – 3:33 3 – I Blinked Once – 4:45 4 – Mexico – 3:30 5 – As We Live And Breathe – 3:18 6 – On The Streets Of This Town – 3:39 7 – Hope, Faith And Love – 3:41 8 – Perfect Stranger – 3:33 9 – Wait A Little Longer – 3:45 10 – Search Your Heart – 4:38
Credits Bass – Danny Counts Coordinator – Tom Zutaut Design – Jeff Morris Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Bobby Lloyd Hicks Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Paul Errico Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Clay Barnes Management – Praxis International Mastered By – George Marino Mixed By – Michael Frondelli Mixed By [Assisted] – Gary Solomon Photography By – Jeff Morris, Lee Thomas Producer – Garry Tallent Recorded By – Jan Topoleski Songwriter [All Songs] – Steve Forbert Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica – Steve Forbert
Glad was, for a time, one of the most influential and important groups in Christian Music. An incredibly high standard of quality, interesting and creative arrangements and some of, if not the best, harmonies in CCM history. After their debut showed a much more “progressive” rock and jazz influence, Beyond a star would carry their original form into the 1980’s with more pop and the introduction of the a capella vocal style they would later by primarily known for. Though less progressive than their debut the album still contain several classic influences such as the Yes sounding “Away” and a touch of the 2nd Chapter of acts on “Sing a New Song.” “Iron Sharpens Iron” has a Steely Dan or Alan Parsons Project feel. The opening track, “The Reason” would introduce the a capella vocal style that would end of being the trademark for the band through much the 1980’s. In fact, their biggest selling album would be the firs “A Capella Project,” going gold and beyond. This would not have been possible without the perfect combination of voices the band possessed. Many members are still actively involved in music, most notable Bob Kauflin, who is spearheading a great modern worship label based on more doctrinally solid lyrical content than what is found in most of today’s worship music.
Contributor – David Lowman https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Reason – 1:50 2 – Take A Stand – 3:32 3 – Beyond A Star – 3:49 4 – Away – 4:11 5 – Sing A New Song – 3:37 6 – Iron Sharpens Iron – 3:36 7 – Lying – 3:25 8 – Lonely Love – 4:31 9 – It Is Good – 4:54 10 – Pierce My Ear – 3:19
Credits Arranged By [Special Assistance, Strings & Horns] – Dan Wolgemuth Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Bob Kauflin, Ed Nalle Arranged By [Vocals] – Bob Kauflin Booking – Logsdon Associates Design [Art Design] – Michael Harris Drums – Brad Currie, Mark Farley, Roger Clark Electric Guitar – John Goin Engineer – Brown Bannister, Skip Plant Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton Flugelhorn – George Tidwell Mastered By – Larry Nix Photography By [Back Cover] – Mimi Roth Mandel Photography By [Front Cover] – Michael Borum Producer – Brown Bannister, Ed Nalle Saxophone – Billy Puett, Dennis Solee Strings – The Shelly Kurland Strings Trombone – Dennis Good Trumpet – Don Sheffield Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jim Gheen Vocals, Bass [Alembic] – Don Nalle Vocals, Electric Guitar – John Bolles, Wayne Farley Vocals, Keyboards – Bob Kauflin Vocals, Percussion – Ed Nalle
