The Pahl brothers and Donny Hackett are back with Justus’s second album. For this album they switched over to Star Song records but it appears to me that the album suffered the same fate as their first album which was a lack of promotion. This album is fantastic and I just don’t understand how it wasn’t a big success. The first album being with Tunesmith I wasn’t surprised but this album was with a much larger label and should have been much better promoted. I still can’t find out too much about this Canadian band but I continue to love their work and fully recommend this album.
Tracklist 1 – Won’t Let You Go – 3:09 2 – To Find A Way – 3:09 3 – Rumours – 2:51 4 – That’s Not For Me – 3:07 5 – Give Us A Burden – 4:34 6 – Surrender – 3:05 7 – No One Cares – 4:08 8 – Someone’s Waiting – 2:32 9 – Take Me Home – 4:38
Credits Drums, Vocals, Keyboards – Kevin Pahl Engineer [Assistant] – Gary Tole Executive-Producer – Darrell Harris Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards – Rod Pahl Lead Vocals, Bass, Keyboards – Donny Hackett Mastered By – Steve Hall Producer – Dave Slagter, Justus, Roy Salmond Recorded By, Mixed By – Dave Slagter
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records Copyright (c) – Star Song Records Copyright (c) – Ariose Music Published By – Ariose Music Recorded At – Inside Trak Studios Mixed At – Inside Trak Studios Mastered At – Future Disc
David Martin returns with his second album. It’s more uptempo than his first offering and much better in my opinion but unfortunately this is the last album we would get from Martin. I am surprised we didn’t get more albums from him as this album was another successful album. It had 3 singles, Eyes Of A Child which made it to #10, You’re To Blame to #5, and Rock Me made it to #27. The good news is that we enjoyed his music through the rest of the 80’s as he wrote songs for the Imperials, Margaret Becker, Geoff Moore and the Distance and Sandi Patty. So we heard as much by him as we did of him. I strongly suggest you give this album a listen, it’s not a heavy Rock & Roll album but it’s an upbeat easy listening album.
Tracklist 1 – Wilderness Part One – 1:10 2 – One Day – 4:12 3 – Jehovah’s Sky – 3:18 4 – Blind Love – 3:30 5 – Rock Me – 5:25 6 – Eyes Of A Child – 4:04 7 – You’re To Blame – 3:45 8 – Anywhere You Lead – 3:50 9 – It’s Impossible – 3:52 10 – Breath On The Windowpane – 3:58 11 – Wilderness Part Two (Reprise) – 0:59
Credits Arranged By [Pre-Production Arrangements] – David Martin, Gary Lunn, Phil Naish Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter Artwork By [Painting] – Dean T. Martin Engineer, Mixed By – Jeff Balding Executive-Producer – Wendy Odenbaugh Mastered By – Henry Williams Photography By – Ron Keith, Scott Bonner Producer – David Martin Vocals – David Martin
Companies, etc. Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Mastered At – Mastermix
Chris Harris and Mark Heimermann are back with the kids of Prism. Their first album, “Blue”, was a great success so they returned to the studio to try the same formula again. This time the budget must have increased as we hear more musical backing and two known CCM stars, Marti McCall, and Gary Chapman join in. The album again features several traditional Sunday School/Campfire songs. There is also a version of Amy Grant’s & Michael W. Smith’s duet “Friends”. The strangest track is an instrumental from Heimermann that would have made Harold Faltemeyer proud. I say strange because I wouldn’t expect an original instrumental composition on a Kidz Bop kind of album. This was usually considered the best of the Prism projects and again was very well received by CCM radio stations. It had 3 singles, Pass It On made it to #12, Anywhere With Jesus to #14, and Sweet, Sweet Spirit made it to #25. So if you’re in the mood for some Kidz Bop, and a synth instrumental, give this album a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Pass It On – 3:51 2 – Have You Seen Jesus My Lord – 3:01 3 – Sweet, Sweet Spirit – 3:17 4 – A Common Love – 4:01 5 – Sing And Be Happy – 3:20 6 – Anywhere With Jesus – 3:24 7 – I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy (Down In My Heart) – 3:03 8 – Gizmo – 2:14 9 – Friends ’88 – 2:27 10 – We Will Always Be With The Lord – 4:45
Credits Doris Akers – Songwriter Reed Arvin – Synclavier Assistance Joe Baldridge – Synclavier Assistance Brown Bannister – Songwriter Lisa Bevill – Vocals Michael Blanton – Executive Producer Charles F. Brown – Songwriter Gary Chapman – Vocals George W. Cooke – Songwriter Mark Douthit – Saxophone John Fischer – Songwriter Lynn Fuston – Engineer, Mixed Randy Garmon – Assistant Engineer Dan Harrell – Executive Producer Chris Harris – Producer, Arrangements, Vocals Mark Heimermann – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Keyboards, Vocals James Hollihan – Guitar Gary Janney – Vocals Kurt Kaiser – Songwriter William J. Kirkpatrick – Songwriter Gary Lunn – Drum Programming, Bass Marty McCall – Vocals Donna McElroy – Vocals Terry McMillan – Harmonica Jerry McPherson – Guitar Jeff Moseley – Executive Producer Jessie B. Pounds – Songwriter Benny Quin – Mastered Chris Rodriguez – Background Vocals Ted Silva – Songwriter Deborah D. Smith – Songwriter Michael W. Smith – Songwriter Chris Thomason – Assistant Engineer Daniel B. Towner – Songwriter
Paradox were a relatively unknown Metal band out of San Antonio Texas. They released 2 demo’s in the 80’s and got a song released on the Underground Metal sampler in 1988. This is another band that I wonder why they didn’t get a full ride record deal. This band was performing right at the perfect time but for some reason were overlooked. I don’t think they were the best metal band of the era but they were good and there was some real talent here. They did finally get a “Record Deal” in 2011 with Demon Doll Records, a relatively small Indy metal label. The album was all old material as the band hadn’t recorded in years. I’m guessing if you’re not from Texas you are probably not familiar with their work but give it a listen so you are. If you’re still on the fence at least give their version of Amazing Grace, “God’s Amazing Grace” a listen. I kinda liked it.
Tracklist 1 – Power And Glory – 4:39 2 – I Just Want To Love You – 5:05 3 – Meet The King – 3:23 4 – Sweet Reunion – 5:22 5 – God’s Amazing Grace – 2:09
Credits Bass, Keyboards, Vocals – Phil Garcia Drums – Efrain Galicia Guitar – Fernando Hernandez Lead Vocals – Manuel Castillo
Holy soldier formed in the 80’s by bassist Andy Robbins and guitarist Jamie Cramer and they quickly gained popularity in their hometown of Los Angeles. They commonly played secular outlets but maintained an evangelical message. In 1988 they released a demo and it was very popular in both secular and Christian circles. They were subsequently signed to some sort of deal between Word (Myrrh) and A&M Records. I’m not sure but I think they may have been the first Metal band sign by Word but admittedly I could be wrong. The album did really well in Christian circles and actually had some moderate success with secular audiences. The album achieved two Dove Awards in the hard rock song and album of the year categories. Point of trivia of the album is that is was produced by Bloodgood guitarist David Zaffiro and he did a great job. The album has a polished commercial sound and was as good as anything published at the time in the secular Metal genre.
Tracklist 1 – Stranger – 3:25 2 – See No Evil – 5:28 3 – The Pain Inside Of Me – 6:35 4 – Cry Out For Love – 3:28 5 – Tear Down The Walls – 3:58 6 – When The Reign Comes Down – 5:17 7 – Lies – 4:58 8 – Eyes Of Innocence – 3:55 9 – Love Me – 4:15 10 – We Are Young, We Are Strong – 5:15
Credits A&R [A&R Direction] – Mark Maxwell Art Direction – Laurie M. Fink Art Direction, Design – F2 Design Backing Vocals – Andy, Jamie, Michael, Steven, Terry Backing Vocals [Additional] – Charles Meserole, Donna Rood, Donny Russell, Evelyn Watson, Marc Anthony, Michael Plissner, Sherie Hopper, Vanessa Beckrum Band, Bass – Andy Robbins Band, Drums – Terry “The Animal” Russel Band, Guitar [Guitars] – Jamie Cramer, Michael Cutting Band, Lead Vocals – Steven Patrick Bass [Bass Overdubs] – Jerry Watts (tracks: 3) Coordinator [Artwork Coordination] – Roz Edited By [Digital Editing By] – Daniel Hersch Effects [Keyboard Effects] – Charles Meserole Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Bobby Salcedo, Dave Hackbarth Engineer [Drun Track Engineer] – John Hanlon Engineer [Overdub Engineer] – Charles Meserole Engineer [Second Engineer] – Brian Herbert, Chuck Rodriguez, Jeff Piergeorge Management [Managed By] – Daryn Hinton Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Mixed By – Joe Chiccarelli Photography By [CD Portrait Photos (b/w)] – Aaron Rapoport Photography By [Front Cover Photograph] – John Scarpati Photography By [Live Photograph of Steven Patrick] – Perry Cooper Photography By [Live Photographs] – Nigel Skeet Producer [Produced By] – David Zaffiro Technician [Drums By] – Ross Garfield
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Produced For – Zaffiro Productions Published By – Most Triumphant Music Published By – Dayspring Published By – Barkloid Music Published By – Word Music Recorded At – Wayne Cook Studios Recorded At – Neverland Studios Recorded At – Mixing Lab B Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mixed At – Master Control, Burbank Edited At – DigiPrep Mastered At – Masterdisk
This was the first of 2 albums featuring Amy Grant in concert. It was recorded at Mabee Hall in Tulsa Oklahoma and Lloyd Noble Center in Norman Oklahoma. It featured two new songs from Grant, “Mimi’s House” and “Singing a Love Song”. Wikipedia states “Although the two should have been issued as a double album, budget problems forced the two to be released separately.” This is absurd, there was no shortage of money at Myrrh and A&M for their gold mine performer so I’d love to hear the real reason. The album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary. Point of trivia is that DeGarmo & Key are credited as being on the album.
Tracklist 1 – Medley – Beautiful Music , Giggle, Old Man’s Rubble, Never Give You Up – 9:31 2 – Mimi’s House – 3:26 3 – Father’s Eyes – 5:50 4 – Faith Walkin’ People – 3:56 5 – Walking Away With You – 4:38 6 – Mountain Top – 3:40 7 – All I Ever Have To Be – 3:16 8 – Singing A Love Song – 5:52 9 – Don’t Give Up On Me – 4:04
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Billy Sprague Art Direction, Design – Michael Harris Design Backing Vocals – Dave Durham, Gary Pigg, Jan Harris, Teresa Ellis Bass – Mike Brignardello Drums – Gregg Morrow Electric Guitar, Vocals – Dana Key Engineer [“Live Recording” Engineer] – Jack Puig Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Mike Blanton Keyboards – Ed DeGarmo Mastered By – Glenn Meadows Mixed By [Mix-Down Engineer] – Brown Bannister Photography By [Cover Photo] – Wyatt Brown Producer – Brown Bannister Recorded By [Mobile Recording] – Malcolm Harper Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Gerry Peters
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio Recorded At – Mabee Center Recorded At – Lloyd Noble Center, Norman Mastered At – Masterfonics Published By – Bug & Bear Music Published By – Song Tailors Music Published By – Paragon Music Corp. Published By – Home Sweet Home Music Published By – Meadowgreen Music, Inc. Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Crossection were a band out of central Alberta Canada. They actually released this album as a independent release in 1988 but Image 7 Records picked it up and released it in 1989. The album is self produced and usually this is not a good thing but this album is actually very well produced and engineered. My only criticism of the album is that it has several tracks over the 4 minute mark including a whopper at a few seconds short of 7 minutes. That said it’s not much of a criticism as the tracks are good and their length may actually be a plus to most people. Most of the tracks lean to arena rock but there a few that are more pop oriented. Their rock tracks are the best and they really could have had some real success had they just shown up a few years earlier. Unfortunately they joined the market at the start of what I consider it’s demise. They released another album the next year and it’s even better.
Tracklist 1 – Stephanie – 3:23 2 – Things Aren’t The Same – 3:28 3 – How Long – 3:35 4 – Heartbreak City – 3:00 5 – Shadow Land – 4:54 6 – What About Forever – 5:54 7 – Battle For The Minds – 5:31 8 – Cover Feelings – 6:54 9 – Love Is Who You Are – 4:28 10 – Break The Chains – 3:16 11 – If The Son Sets You Free – 4:15
Credits Arranged By, Keyboards, Vocals – Dale Johnson Bass, Vocals – Bruce Rawling Drums – Martin Zinger Lead Guitar, Vocals – Nevin Eggum Producer – Crossection Vocals, Guitar – Doug Rawling
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Image 7 Records Inc Copyright (c) – Image 7 Records Inc Manufactured By – Image 7 Records Inc
This was the only album we got from Tony. He was with DeGarmo & Key for the No Turning Back tour and album as well as the Mission of Mercy album. DeGarmo and Key actually appear on the album on Track 3 “Lift It Up”. This album was released on Voice Box records which was a very small label far better known for their very Easy Listening albums than this Pop album. Tony also had some song writing credits including a song for Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart off their 1986 album Sheep in Wolves Clothing. Other than that I can’t find much information on him. This is AOR Pop oriented album which was really quite good and I’m a but surprised how little known it is. Some may know I have a real penchant for the Rockabilly/Fifties sound and Tony closed out the album with a great song of this genre, “Roll Away The Rock.”
Tracklist 1 – Livin’ For The Light – 4:14 2 – The Long Way – 3:21 3 – Lift It Up – 2:29 4 – Lord, I Want To Shine – 3:24 5 – Rejoice The Day Will Come – 3:17 6 – Crucible Of Love – 3:36 7 – Higher Power – 3:38 8 – Roll Away The Rock – 3:03
Credits Vocal Duet – Tanya Goodman Electric Guitars – Tony Pilcher, Greg Reding, B. James Lowery Acoustic Guitar – B. James Lowery Drums – Chad Cromwell, Greg Morrow Bass : Mike Brignardello, Dave Smith Acoustic Piano : Carl Marsh Hammond B3 Organ, Synthesizer – Lester Snell Background Vocals – David Mayo, Jimi Jamison, Debbie Cathey, Tony Pilcher, Dana Key, Tommy Cathey, Dana Key, The Christ Missionary Baptist Singers Rhodes & Synthesizer – Ed DeGarmo Saxophone – Andrew Love
This was the 6th album from Glad. I can’t compare it to any of their earlier album because as of now I haven’t listened to any of them. It is most definitely an easy listening album with strong horns and strong production. The album had 3 singles, Still On The Side Of Love made it to #18, Where Your Heart Is made it to #38, and The More I Know Of You to #25. I’m actually quite surprised that these songs didn’t climb a little higher as this album was perfect for the CCM charts in 1985.
Tracklist 1 – Still On The Side Of Love – 3:30 2 – Stand Or Fall – 3:39 3 – Where Your Heart Is – 4:07 4 – True To You – 3:35 5 – Champion Of Love – 4:23 6 – God Is My Rock – 1:09 7 – Giant Killer – 3:36 8 – We Know – 4:03 9 – The More I Know Of You – 3:58 10 – For So Long – 4:03
Credits Gary Adams – Trumpet Mark Baldwin – Songwriter Tom Beard – Songwriter, Keyboards, Vocals Billy Brady – Engineer, Mixed Bill Brumberg – Trumpet Harvey Coonin – Trombone Chris Davis – Guitars, Vocals Larry Day – Horn Arrangements Glad – Producer Jimmy Hayward – Tenor Sax John Jensen – Trombone Monroe Jones – Songwriter Bob Kauflin – Producer, Arrangements, Songwriter, Keyboards, Vocals George King – Executive Producer, Songwriter The Loudoun Transfer – Background Vocals Sue McCauley – Background Vocals Chris McCollum – Songwriter Don Nalle – Bass, Vocals Ed Nalle – Producer, Arrangements, Mixed, Songwriter, Percussion, Vocals Art Noble – Drums Paul Smith – Songwriter Dick Tunney – Songwriter
Siloam was brought together by drummer Brian Lutes. Brian had a checkered past and upon becoming born again wanted to use his life experience and music skills to minister. He brought together an international collection of musicians. Brian was from Canada, Lee Guthrie and Chad Everett hailed from Boston, Ken Maris from Vermont, and Tim Laroche from Iceland. I must say that Lutes did an excellent job of picking band members as they came together very quickly and this album (their first) is very very well done. The band is tight and the songs are great. This album has a very commercial metal sound and in my opinion was as good as anything on secular radio at the time. A copy of the original release is rare so hang on to yours . Luckily for those who hadn’t found a copy Retroactive Records re-issued the CD in 2020.
Tracklist 1 – Here I Am Again – 3:01 2 – Miss Lizzy – 3:36 3 – Child Of Mine – 3:53 4 – Chemical King (Big Fight) – 3:35 5 – Eastern Skies – 6:37 6 – Deceiver – 3:16 7 – After The Fire – 4:54 8 – Lethal Lady – 5:03 9 – Sweet Destiny – 4:28 10 – Decent Souls – 4:12
Credits Arranged By – Frank Levin, Siloam (2), Tom Saidak (tracks: 1, 3-5, 7-10) Bass, Backing Vocals – Chad Everett Cover, Layout – Richard A. Yaeger Drums, Percussion, Executive-Producer – Brian Lutes Guitar – Rob Durbano Guitar, Bass – Tom Saidak Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Ken Maris Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals – Tim Laroche Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Lee Guthrie Photography By – Paul Couvretta Producer, Engineer, Mixed By, Keyboards – Frank Levin
Companies, etc. Record Company – Image 7 Records Inc Phonographic Copyright (p) – Image 7 Music Inc. Copyright (c) – Image 7 Music Inc. Manufactured By – Image 7 Music Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Distortion Studios Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – Future Disc
