Ray Mansfield – Page 124

Petra – Washes Whiter Than – 1979

Washes Whiter Than is the third studio album by Petra and ther first with Greg X. Volz as a band member. This album turned it down a notch from their previous albums and many refer to this as the “mellow” album. This softer sound gave the album more airplay on Christian radio. The album had 2 singles. “Why Should the Father Bother” made it to #3 on the CCM AC charts and stayed on the charts for 25 weeks. “Yahweh Love” made it to #20 on the CCM AC charts and stayed on the charts for 4 weeks.

Tracklist
1 – I’m Thankful – 2:41
2 – Why Should The Father Bother? – 3:46
3 – Morning Star – 4:47
4 – Magic Mirror – 3:27
5 – Mary’s Song – 4:00
6 – Yahweh Love – 5:38
7 – (Couldn’t Find Love) Without You – 4:19
8 – Taste And See – 3:23
9 – Magic Words – 3:31
10 – Deep Love – 3:57

Credits
Arranged By [Tracks Arranged By … With], Arranged By [Strings And Horns Arranged By], Conductor [Strings And Horns Conducted By] – George Atwell
Arranged By [Tracks Arranged By] – Bob Hartman, Robert Frazier
Bass – Chip Meyers
Design [Album Design], Artwork – George Werth
Drums, Percussion – Randy Nichols
Engineer – Andy deGanahl
Guitar – Gerald “Jit” Byron, Joel Balin
Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Robert Frazier
Keyboards – George Atwell
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals [Uncredited] – Greg X. Volz (tracks: 1, 4, 6, 8), Rob Frazier (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9, 10)
Management [Personal Management], Booking [Concert Scheduling] – Dan Brock Associates
Mastered By – Allen Zentz Recording
Musician [“The Crown Of Sound”] – Bob Prince
Producer – George Atwell
Producer [Album Direction] – Dan R. Brock
Vocals – Greg X. Volz

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Published By – Dawn Treader Music
Recorded At – Bee Jay Recording Studio
Mastered At – Future Disc

Little Bobby Emmons And The Crosstones – I Remember – 1980

This album has a bit of an odd history. I was produced by Larry Norman for his label, Phydeaux Records. It was recorded at Emmaus Sound Studio in New Jersey. As the story goes it was then mixed by Larry back in California. Then for some reason 3 songs, What Are You Doing, I Remember, and Sometimes I Run were later remixed by Mark Heard. The distribution for the album is also strange. It was supposed to be a mail order only record from Solid Rock records yet several people have stated that they bought it in a record store so I don’t know what’s correct. Anyway on to the album. This is a 50’s album with tons of doo-wop with Christian lyrics. At times this combination sounds a little odd but for the main part it works well.

Tracklist
1 – Malt Shop In The Sky – 1:36
2 – Oh Jesus – 1:59
3 – You – 2:06
4 – I Remember – 2:13
5 – Sometimes I Run – 2:14
6 – Doreen – 2:25
7 – We’re Gonna Rock – 1:30
8 – I’m So Thankful – 1:55
9 – If God Didn’t Care – 2:18
10 – I Love You – 2:19
11 – The Lord – 2:39
12 – What Are You Doing – 2:07
13 – I Saw You – 3:29

Credits
Vocals – Bobby Emmons, Fred Pope, Terri DeLorenzo, Mary Grace Shar, Josh Shar
Musicians – Terri DeLorenzo, Bobby Emmons, Janet Pope, Fred Pope, Tom Pope, Mike Nicolose, Peggy Andreev, Richie Malfitano.
Executive-Producer – Larry Norman
Producer, Arranged By – Fred Pope, Bob Emmons

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Emmaus Sound Studio

White Heart – Emergency Broadcast – 1987

This 1987 release was kind of forgotten. The timing of the album lead many to treat it like a “filler” album. Personally I don’t get that feeling from this album and In fact the album did well on the charts with three singles. Montana Sky peaked at #3 with 16 weeks on the charts. Edge Of The Dream peaked at #13 with 10 weeks on the charts. Finally Somewhere In Between sat on the charts for 8 weeks peaking at #24. Overall a good effort from White Heart.

Tracklist
1 – Urban Renewal – 4:02
2 – Key To Our Survival – 4:19
3 – No Taboo – 4:45
4 – Montana Sky – 4:55
5 – Fashion Fades – 4:19
6 – More Sold Out – 4:41
7 – Somewhere In Between – 4:04
8 – Speed Of Sound – 3:03
9 – Lone Ranger – 4:07
10 – Edge Of The Dream – 4:34

Credits
Art Direction – Barbara Catanzaro-Hearn
Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Sims
Drums, Percussion – Chris McHugh
Guitar, Vocals – Gordon Kennedy
Lead Vocals – Rick Florian
Vocals, Keyboards – Mark Gersmehl
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Billy Smiley

Lyrix – Songs From The Heart – 1982

The band here known as Lyrix were actually the British band, Mark Williamson Band. Larry Norman signed them for a one record deal and essentially just re-released their British album, Get The Drift. Larry apparently remixed some of the songs and it is generally thought that the original British version was much better. Back to the album, this is a great Rock and Roll album that still has a flavour of the 70’s on it. It’s definitely one of my favourite 70’s to 80’s transition album.

Tracklist
1 – Don’t Turn Your Back On Jesus – 3:37
2 – Midnight Diamond – 4:00
3 – All Very Well – 4:52
4 – Susanne – 5:23
5 – Dance – 3:15
6 – Rising – 4:04
7 – Somebody Told Me – 4:45
8 – I Would Have Listened – 5:31

Credits
Arranged By – Larry Norman, Mark Williamson, Paul Cobbold
Drums, Harmony Vocals – Mark Millin
Keyboards, Harmony Vocals – Chris Eaton
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Rob Marshall
Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals, Bass – Mark Williamson
Mixed By – Larry Norman, Mark Williamson, Paul Cobbold
Producer – Larry Norman, Mark Williamson, Paul Cobbold

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Chapel Lane Music
Copyright © – Chapel Lane Music

Mark Williamson Band – Get The Drift – 1980

This is the first album from the Mark Williamson Band who you may also know as LYRIX. Several tracks from this album were released in the United States on Larry Norman’s record label using the name LYRIX and the album name “Songs From The Earth”. That said this album is a much better mix as apparently Larry remixed the album for his own release and most people agree that this is a much better mix. Larry wasn’t exactly known for his production prowess. Back to the album, this is a great Rock and Roll album that still has a flavour of the 70’s on it. It’s definitely one of my favourite 70’s to 80’s transition album.

Tracklist
1 – Midnight Diamond – 4:08
2 – All Very Well – 4:56
3 – Junior – 2:55
4 – Somebody Told Me – 5:00
5 – So Far So Good – 3:46
6 – Dance – 3:23
7 – Don’t Turn Your Back On – 3:21
8 – Feelin’ Alright – 3:58
9 – Rising – 4:00
10 – I Would Have Listened – 5:46

Carman – Comin’ On Strong – 1985

This was Carmen’s 4th album and his first with Myrrh records. This album had a “Poppier” feel than his previous and in fact a few tracks could easily have played on pop radio of the time. The album was relatively well received but their were no “chart toppers”. This is probably my favourite Carmen album with my favourite song from him “Spirit Filled Pizza” Yes it’s a bit of a goofy song but I’ve always liked it.

Tracklist
1 – Get Outta My Life – 3:25
2 – This Thing Is Real – 3:56
3 – His Mercy Endures Forever – 3:42
4 – Spirit Filled Pizza – 3:28
5 – Ask Of Me – 4:18
6 – Blessed Is He Who Comes – 3:10
7 – He Is The Son Of God – 3:44
8 – Lazarus Come Forth – 6:25
9 – The Light Of Jesus To The World – 3:59

Credits
Co-producer [Production Assistance] – Jeff Balding
Executive-Producer – Lynn Nichols
Mastered By – Hank Williams (2)
Producer – Keith Thomas
Recorded By, Mixed By – Jeff Balding

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – A&M Records
Recorded At – Emerald Sound Studios
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Recorded At – Morningstar Studios
Recorded At – Stage III
Mixed At – The Castle Recording Studios
Mastered At – MasterMix

Phil Johnson – Somebody Like You – 1978

I was not able to find a lot of information about Phil Johnson. What I do know is that he performed with both Dallas Holm and Tim Sheppard in the 80’s and headed a group called The Phil Johnson Singers who performed on the Jimmy Swaggert show and were on albums released by The Jimmy Swaggart ministries. There also appears to be an album with the Phil Johnson Singers with the Imperials which was also a Jimmy Swaggart release. This album is decidedly easy listening/praise music with some tracks having a Jesus Music feel which makes sense given its release date.

Tracklist
1 – He Can Hear You – 3:07
2 – It’ll Be All Right (In The Morning) – 3:42
3 – He Didn’t Lift Us Up To Let Us Down – 3:20
4 – The Day He Wore My Crown – 4:57
5 – Somebody Like You – 3:23
6 – Don’t Take Your Love Away! – 3:23
7 – I’ve Never Been Out Of His Care – 3:11
8 – Never Be – 3:32
9 – I’m Simply Lost For Words – 3:34
10 – Here He Is Again – 3:30

Credits
Bass – Jack Williams
Design [Cover] – Bob McConnell
Drums – Kenny Malone, Larrie London
Engineer – Bob Clark, Travis Turk
Guitar – Joe Huffman, Reggie Young
Keyboards – Lari Goss, Phil Johnson, Shane Keister
Mastered By – Glenn Meadows
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Photography By [Cover] – Dill Beaty
Photography By [Sleeve] – Tom Haggerty
Producer – Phil Johnson
Producer [Vocals] – Bob Clark

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Greentree Records
Copyright (c) – Greentree Records
Recorded At – Great Circle Sound
Mastered At – Masterfonics

Common Bond – Common Bond – 1983

Common Bond was another Rob Watson project. This release was a “Demo” but I hesitate to call it a Demo because it is so well produced most consider it a stand alone album. This is one of the more commonly requested albums here at Real 80s CCM and I believe that is in part to its scarcity. I quite enjoyed the album but I did find it odd that it had so many short songs. Of course the upside to this is that you got more songs (15). All in all a great album with as sound that epitomizes the 80s.

Tracklist
1 – Common Bond – 2:30
2 – Heartbeat Away – 3:40
3 – It Don’t Come Easy – 2:16
4 – Secret Agent Christian – 2:40
5 – Remind Me Of Your Plans – 3:18
6 – Is Your Heart Right – 2:30
7 – Is He Lord – 3:50
8 – Your Life – 3:37
9 – The Party’s Over – 2:33
10 – New Beginnings – 2:45
11 – Christ The Cornerstone – 2:40
12 – Late for Life – 2:48
13 – Song For My Wife – 3:15
14 – For You – 2:00
15 – No Mercenary – 1:32

Credits
Ken Samuels: Bass guitar and lead vocals
Doug Doyle: Guitars and backup vocals
Rob Watson: Keyboards
Drums by Oberheim DMX drum machine except Is He Lord and Song For My Wife by Terry McNabb and Danny Ybarra.

Joe English – Back To Basics:English 101 – 1987

This was Joe’s final album though he was involved in the Compassion All Star Band ‎– One By One Live! album project in 1988. This was probably one of Joe’s better albums and it definitely had a more upbeat feel of any of his albums yet. Unfortunately it was not all that well received and as such Joe hung up his drumsticks after this one.

Tracklist
1 – Take Me Back – 3:57
2 – Truth And Lies – 3:40
3 – Remember – 3:55
4 – Too Much – 3:36
5 – Hot Fire – 3:32
6 – The Secrets Of The Kingdom – 4:05
7 – Stop Looking Over Love – 4:08
8 – Behold The Glory – 3:25
9 – This Must Be Love – 3:36
10 – How Sweet It Is – 3:13

Credits
Charles Bass Vocal Arranger, Background Vocals
Kathleen Bass Background Vocals
Martin Bass Background Vocals
Billy Blum Drum Machine Programming
Tony Camillo Arrangements
Jo Clayton Background Vocals
George Cocchini Guitar
Dennis Davilio Bass
Lamont Dozier Songwriter
Dave Eastman Songwriter
Sean Gallant Mixed
Tommy Greer Songwriter
Dean Harrington Songwriter
Brian Holland Songwriter
Eddie Holland Songwriter
James Holloway Songwriter
Steve Lang Keyboard Programming
Glen Marchese Engineer
Richard Marchese Trumpets
Chris McCollum Songwriter
Jerry Mokar Saxophone
Ray Nenow Executive Producer
Chuck Nichols Background Vocals
Doug Oberkircher Mixed
Joey Powers Producer
Darice Price Background Vocals
Joe Noro Savage Keyboard Programming
George Small Keyboards
Jeff Toone Engineer
Mark Tuomenoksa Sampled Saxophone
Howie Weinberg Mastered

Morgan Cryar – Keep No Secrets – 1984

This was Morgan Cryar first commercial release though he previously put out a self published album which is next to impossible to find. This album is a solid pop effort and spawned 4 singles on Christian radio. I have to admit that I hadn’t heard this album in the 80’s though I wish I had. It’s not one of the most thought provoking album of all time but it is fun. Special appearances on the album is Farrell & Farrell and Dave Thrush who is Steve Taylor’s Sax player.

Tracklist
1 – I Get Carried Away – 3:08
2 – Keep No Secrets – 3:53
3 – Someone To Change Me – 3:56
4 – Life In The Blood – 3:32
5 – Holy Fire – 3:55
6 – A Few Of My Old Friends – 3:03
7 – I Wanna Be Good – 2:51
8 – Concealed Weapon – 3:28
9 – Just A Little Like You – 4:21
10 – Made-up Mind – 5:42

Credits
Alto Saxophone – Dave Thrush
Arranged By – John Andrew Schreiner, Jonathan David Brown, Morgan Cryar
Art Direction, Design – Joan Tankersley
Backing Vocals – Bob Farrell, Chris Roberts, Jayne Farrell, Jonathan David Brown, Morgan Cryar
Cymbal [Overdubs] – Scott Cactus Moser
Drum Programming [Oberheim DMX Programming] – Jonathan David Brown
Engineer [Additional] – Brian Tankersley, Dan Yeaney, Greg Butler, Joe Ballamy, Michael C. Ross, Paul Mills, Steve Ford, Todd Van Etten, Wally Grant
Guitar – Marty Walsh
Layout – Lori Cooper
Lead Guitar [Guitar Solo] – Adam Smith
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Other [Hair Styling] – Dru Venable
Other [Make-Up] – Heidi Schulze
Photography – Craig Stewart
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Programmed By [Keyboard Sequencer Programming] – John Andrew Schreiner
Programmed By [Synclavier Programming] – Paul Mills
Recorded By – Jonathan David Brown
Synthesizer, Programmed By [Fairlight Synthesizer Played And Programmed] – Carl Marsh
Tenor Saxophone – Brandon Fields

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song
Copyright (c) – Star Song
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – MR 26588
Mastered At – Future Disc
Recorded At – Rivendell Recorders
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Recorded At – Peace In The Valley Recording
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Recorded At – Fireside Studios