This is the second and last album from D.O.X. For this album they moved over to Nikolai Pankratz’s Pan-Trax Records. This also marked the departure of the involvement of Rob Watson, Terry Taylor, and Tim Chandler. I have no idea what the story behind the first album was but it appears the band were doing their own thing for this album. They also changed drummers with Dave Fiorazo replacing Robert Foster. This album was produced by Bill Baumgart who I usually really like but I don’t think he did a great job with this album. It’s not the quality of the music that I have an issue with as the album is very well done. My small criticism is the varying styles on the album. There’s Pop, Rock, and even a metal tune (R U Runnin’). The album just doesn’t flow but it is a great album. The songs are great and the band is defiantly good. Too bad they came to an end after this album, there was a lot of talent here.
Tracklist 1 – Cutting Edge – 3:34 2 – I See A Day – 3:34 3 – Through The Fire – 4:36 4 – Don’t Look Back – 4:45 5 – Can’t You See – 3:50 6 – R U Runnin’ – 3:16 7 – Hearts On Fire – 3:16 8 – The Love That I Needed – 3:11 9 – Faces In The Wall – 3:40
Credits Art Direction, Illustration [Cover Illustration & Logo] – Jeff Foster Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Allison Beech, Bill Baumgart, Bob Carlisle Bass Guitar, Chapman Stick – Jeff Foster Booking – Frontrunner Agency, Stan Gill Drums, Percussion – Dave Fiorazo Engineer – Dan Abernathy, Dave Jahnsen Engineer [Mastering Engineer] – John Matousek Keyboards – Tim Heintz Lead Guitar – Dennis Verner, Rick Lane Lead Vocals, Words By – Mark de la Bretonne Music By – Mark de la Bretonne, Rick Lane Photography By – Bridgewater Photography Producer – Bill Baumgart Rhythm Guitar – Rick Lane Saxophone – Eric Marienthal Sound Designer [Live Sound], Tour Manager [Road Support] – Dave Wagner
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Pan-Trax Records Phonographic Copyright (p) – Pan-Trax Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Pan-Trax Records Copyright (c) – Pan-Trax Records, Inc. Manufactured By – Pan-Trax Records, Inc. Pressed By – Discovery Systems Recorded At – Asylomar Studios Recorded At – Studio West, San Diego Mastered At – Hitsville
This was the second and final studio album from Halo though there would be a release in 2020. The album was again produced by the Elefante brothers but they did turn it back a notch on the Rock & Roll meter and slightly towards the Pop meter. As with almost all Elefante projects the production is excellent and this is one of the best albums of 1991. Personnel changes had Barry Graul replacing Keith Mims on guitar which sounds like an even trade to me. There was another album being recorded after this one but it waited until 2020 with some effort by Girder Records to get it released. Lead singer Scott Springer did go on to release an album in 1993 though I will admit I haven’t listened to it yet. Anyway if you missed this one in the 90’s give it a listen now, it really was and is a great album.
Tracklist 1 – Jacob’s Dream – 4:36 2 – It’s Your Decision – 4:20 3 – Saved By Grace – 4:19 4 – Heaven Calling – 4:40 5 – Thy Will Be Done – 4:03 6 – Secret To Love – 4:38 7 – Climb The Mountain – 3:59 8 – Eye Of The Storm – 4:48 9 – Man From Galilee – 4:03 10 – My Buddy – 4:16
Credits Backing Vocals, Engineer, Mixed By – Doug Beiden Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals – Scott Springer Drums, Keyboards, Vocals – Mike Graham Engineer [Assistant] – J.R. McNeely Guitar [Additional] – Glen Pearce Guitar, Vocals – Barry Graul Lap Steel Guitar – Ron Eglett Mandolin – Larry Meyers Mastered By – Chris Bellman Producer, Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Engineer, Mixed By – John Elefante Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Dino Elefante Voice [“My Buddy” Prayer] – Wesley Springer (tracks: 10)
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word Music, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word Music, Inc. Manufactured By – Word Music, Inc. Distributed By – Word Music, Inc. Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering Published By – Dayspring Music Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing Published By – Nimbus Music
As the 70’s turned the corner into the 80’s, the “last band” of the Jesus Music era morphed from a funky, groovy and R&B driven unit into a full-fledged commercial and corporate rock quartet. And one of the very best CCM ever produced. With only six albums to their credit, the band will have landed four of those titles on this list when all is said and done. Two albums come from the first half of their career with the more R&B style while the final two on the list will come from the “rock trilogy” that closed out their career. Both of those two will be included in the Top 100. Those three albums would be noted not only for the obvious change in musical direction, but also for the fact that Bryan Duncan all but completely took over the lead vocals exclusively and played the part of front man in concert as well. This would be helped by the inclusion of the amazing John Andrew Schreiner on keyboards, both on the recording as well as in live concert support. One other difference were the fabulous brush art album cover artwork. The first two (Hearts of Fire, Cutting Edge) featured a “Spiritual Warfare” theme to the artwork with swords and battle appearance. Cutting Edge artwork shows a glistening sword with a warrior battling a serpent in the sward’s reflection. This warfare theme would also educate the lyrics at times as well. Cutting Edge is a really odd album in that, for some reason, even fans of hard rock and metal seem to like the album with several “heavy music” publications giving the album a great review. perhaps it was the artwork and themes, but no matter, the album is one for the ages.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Runnin’ To Win – 4:06 2 – What Have You Got? – 3:10 3 – Falling In Love With You – 3:34 4 – Haven’t Seen You – 4:47 5 – Breakdown Love – 3:12 6 – Valerie – 3:23 7 – Changed Hearts – 3:40 8 – Live It – 4:03 9 – What Did It Mean? – 3:31 10 – Armed And Ready – 4:47
Credits Bass – Kevin Thomson Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson Engineer [Second @ Bill Schnee] – David Shober Engineer [Second @ Mama Jo’s] – Steve Ford Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas Illustration, Design – Kernie Erickson Keyboards – John Schreiner Keyboards, Vocals – Brian Duncan Management – David Bendett Artists, Inc. Mastered By – Doug Sax Percussion – Victor Feldman Photography By [Back Cover] – David Randle Producer – Jack Joseph Puig Soprano Saxophone – David Hlebo Tenor Saxophone – John Phillips Vocals – Bob Carlisle
Companies, etc. Record Company – Lexicon Music, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
Truth released an album almost every year and this is that yearly release for 1987. It continues with their normal trend of Easy listening adult oriented pop albums. This album did garner them one of their very few (relative to their number of albums) CCM singles. “You’ll Still Be Lord Of All” made it to #25. I am actually quite surprised they didn’t have more singles on the CCM charts as they optimize the style those charts were looking for. This album had the band at 22 people in size so about average for them. Yes that was the size of the band. I can only assume the shared revenue from each album was inconsequential to the members.
Tracklist 1 – Makin’ It Matter – 3:26 2 – Walls Come Down – 3:09 3 – You’ll Still Be Lord Of All – 4:52 4 – Higher Ground – 3:43 5 – It Is Well With My Soul – 4:02 6 – I’ve Just Begun To Fight – 3:50 7 – Like Father, Like Son – 3:57 8 – All Rise – 4:13 9 – There Is A Hope – 4:58
Credits Arranged By [Strings And Brass Arrangements Written And Played On The Synclavier System By] – Reed Arvin Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – Steven V. Taylor Bass – Gary Lunn Directed By – Roger Breland Drums – Mark Hammond Engineer – Brent King, Doug Sarrett, Nicky Michaels Guitar – Jon Goin Horns – Brian Smith, Ken Reich, Michael Walker, Robbie Mattix, Ross Walters Keyboards – David Huntsinger Mixed By – Brent King, Steven V. Taylor Performer [Member] – Alicia Williamson, Andy Chrisman, Berneé Tuttle, Brian Smith, David Cleveland, Ed Seidenkranz, Gina Walker, Ken Reich, Kevin Anthony, Kevin Newton, Lisa Pieper, Mark Harris, Marty Magehee, Michael Walker, Paul Glasgow, Phil Peters, Robbie Mattix, Ross Walters, Shari Beeman, Tim Ranson, Travis Laws, Wes Tuttle Producer – Steven V. Taylor Producer [Vocal Production Assistance] – Gordon Twist Programmed By [Synth Programming] – John Slick Saxophone [Solo] – Ross Walters
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Benson Records Copyright (c) – Benson Records Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Recorded At – The Sound Shop Recorded At – Tree International Studio Recorded At – Downstage Studio Mastered At – MasterMix
It’s actually a little tough to classify this album. What we have here is a complete remix of side 2 of DA’s 2nd album, Shotgun Angel with one additional track, “Soon”. In between and mixed into the tracks are readings of the Book of Revelation by Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) Pastor Chuck Smith. I guess you could say this is a bit of a conceptual album. Because of this I actually chose to upload the album as Side 1 and Side 2 as I felt breaking up the individual tracks actually interfered with the flow of the narration and as such the album. I think it’s best enjoyed as a whole rather than it’s parts. The remixes are actually very good but as a whole the idea didn’t work for me. I enjoyed listening to it once but found I didn’t want a round 2. That said it definitely deserves at least a one time listen through.
Side1 Finale: Bereshith Overture – 6:03 Lady Goodbye – 3:59 The Whistler – 5:23 He’s Gonna Do A Number On You – 2:29 Better – 6:49
Side 2 Sail Me Away – 6:28 Posse In The Sky – 6:23 Soon – 11:03
Credits Accordion – Frank Marocco Art Direction – Ed McTaggart Artwork – Jon Fraze Backing Vocals – Ed McTaggart, Jerry Chamberlain, Mark Cook, Marty Dieckmeyer, Terry Taylor Bass Guitar – Marty Dieckmeyer Compilation Producer – Terry Scott Taylor Conductor – Jim Stipech Drums – Ed McTaggart Guitar – Jerry Chamberlain, Terry Taylor Keyboards – Mark Cook Keyboards [Album Segways] – Terry Taylor Layout – Ed McTaggart Lead Vocals – Jerry Chamberlain (tracks: A2), Mark Cook (tracks: A4), Terry Taylor Mastered By – John Matousek Narrator – Pastor Chuck Smith Orchestrated By – Jim Stipech Pedal Steel Guitar – Dom Franco Percussion – Ed McTaggart Percussion [Additional] – Alex MacDougall Producer – Daniel Amos, Jonathan David Brown Remix – Doug Doyle, Terry Taylor
This is the fourth studio album for the Pigs. At this point I think the style was starting to wear a bit thin on some fans judging from what I have read. I was never a big fan of their style so I can’t really judge. That said this album has a highlight of a cover of a Johnny Cash song with Johnny Cash on vocals. Pretty cool actually. I am not really a fan of their style but I was able to enjoy “For A Good Man” which is a real song. Well my definition of a real song, your mileage may vary. But the bottom line on this album is that if your a fan of their quirky thrash style this album should satisfy your listening yearnings.
Tracklist 1 – Take A Look At Yourself – 4:22 2 – You’re A Pagan – 2:18 3 – I Scream Sunday – 3:14 4 – Man In Black – 3:00 5 – Not Love Money – 4:18 6 – Cut Your Hair – 5:11 7 – For A Good Man – 4:05 8 – Ice Cream Sundae – 2:03 9 – Bird Nest – 3:06 10 – Up The Nose – 0:55 11 – Spirit Of Murder – 4:58 12 – Sober Up – 2:42 13 – Pad Thai – 0:20 14 – Never Forget The Cross – 4:22 15 – Wholly My Lord – 3:50
Credits A&R – Mark Maxwell Bass, Vocals – Daniel Tucek Drums, Vocals – Philip Owens Engineer [Second Engineer] – Pasquale DelViaggio, Roy Gamble, Shawn McLean Engineer, Mixed By, Mastered By – Lee Groitzsch Guitar, Vocals – Paul Q-Pek Lead Vocals [Lead Screamer Vocals] – Carey “Kosher” Womack Mastered By – Denny Purcell Producer, Mixed By – Billy Smiley
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Mastered At – Georgetown Masters
This is another album I found by rooting through the Refuge catalog. It is Per-Erik’s first album and as near as I can tell it was his only album released outside of Europe. There’s not really that much information about him out there so unfortunately I’m going to just be able to echo his Wikipedia page. In the 70’s he apparently played with Elvis but again I struggled to find any more information about this. He was a strong studio musician in the 70’s with tons of appearances. The album is naturally keyboard and piano heavy but has a bit of a funk feel in places. It is well worth listening to at least once.
Tracklist 1 – Let It Out – 3:37 2 – Gospel Train – 5:33 3 – You Put Another Song In My Heart – 4:15 4 – Do You Know What You’re Missing – 4:01 5 – What A World It Would Be – 3:23 6 – Better Late Than Never – 3:34 7 – Don’t You Put It Off Until Tomorrow – 4:16 8 – The Golden Rule Jingle – 4:09 9 – Nothing To Fear – 4:38 10 – The Summer Is Not Over – 4:25
Credits Design – Camilla B Engineer – Gordon Shryock, Peter Olsson Engineer [Mixing] – Per-Erik Hallin, Peter Olsson Engineer [Overdubs] – Anders Oredson, Andy Kidd, Boje Lundberg, Christer Lindström, Peter Olsson, Wally Grant Photography By – Labe Allwin Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Per-Erik Hallin Programmed By [Prophet 5 Synthesizer] – Per-Erik Hallin
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Weddington Studios Recorded At – Park Studio Overdubbed At – Studio Bastun Overdubbed At – Weddington Studios Overdubbed At – Supreme Studio Overdubbed At – Park Studio Overdubbed At – KMH Studios Mixed At – Studio Bastun Phonographic Copyright (p) – Royal Music Productions Copyright (c) – Magnus Erikson Production Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Refuge Records Copyright (c) – Refuge Records
This was the third album from The Call and my personal favourite. It has a pretty distinct change in style from “Modern Romans” and at the time this was a style I was a huge fan of. This style is not really my favourite anymore but this album is still in my top 100. I was a bit surprised while researching this album that the title track single didn’t make the charts. I was further surprised that the album only made it to #204 in the U.S. I was a DJ in Canada and this album was huge, I remember playing it like crazy. I know it must have singled pretty strong in Canada but I couldn’t find the charts to confirm. Commonly referred to as their “metaphysical” album this is one you should listen to again.
Tracklist 1 – Scene Beyond Dreams – 3:47 2 – The Burden – 3:34 3 – Tremble – 4:01 4 – Delivered – 4:03 5 – Heavy Hand – 3:23 6 – Promise And Threat – 4:30 7 – One Life Leads To Another – 4:38 8 – Apocalypse – 1:46 9 – Notified – 2:58
Credits Art Direction, Design – Ria Lewerke Bass, Vocals – Joe Read Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Scott Musick Engineer – Dave Jerden Engineer [assistent] – Carolyn Collins Guitar, Bass, Synthesizer, Lead Vocals – Michael Been Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier Keyboards – Jim Goodwin Photography – Moshe Brakha Producer – Michael Been, The Call Written-By – Michael Been, Peter Lewis
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Marketed By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Recorded At – Eldorado Recording Studios Pressed By – Hauppauge Record Manufacturing Ltd.
I think the entire Huff family came together to help Kellye get her first album out. The album was released on the Huff families record label “Giant Records” and Kellye had just debuted the year earlier on the David and the Giants album “Strangers To The Night”. It only had one charting single with “In A Special Way” just making it onto the charts at #40. What we have here is a slightly poppier version of David and the Giants with Kellye doing lead vocals. I am actually pretty impressed with her vocal skills, she obviously inherited the family music gift. That said the vocals are a little thin in places but it is her first album and there was much to be learnt yet. I’m looking forward to hearing her second album and hopefully hearing that development.
Tracklist 1 – Anticipation – 3:07 2 – Who In The World – 3:32 3 – All My Days – 3:46 4 – Tailor Me – 3:34 5 – In A Special Way – 3:38 6 – Sing His Song – 3:19 7 – I Cherish Thee – 3:37 8 – Glory Hallelujah – 3:23 9 – All I Need – 3:56 10 – Little Lamb – 4:49
Credits Kellye Huff – Lead and Background Vocals Lloyd Bustard – Songwriter Rick Cooper – Songwriter Karen Harding – Background Vocals Clayborn Huff – Engineer, Songwriter, Bass David W. Huff – Producer, Engineer, Mixed, Songwriter, Guitars, Mandolin, Background Vocals Lance Huff – Drums, Percussion Rayborn Huff – Engineer, Songwriter, Programming, Keyboards, Background Vocals Anthony Neal – Saxophone Terry Ostovich – Mixed Tim Pedigo – Background Vocals Larry Rust – Keyboards Donnie Sanders – Saxophone Tommy Sims – Songwriter, Keyboards Hank Williams – Mastered
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Giant Records Copyright (c) – Giant Records Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Distributed By – Mitchell Family Books, Inc. Pressed By – Nimbus
Dear God, how I love this album! There is not one wasted note, riff or beat anywhere to be found. Some may find Miller’s quirky, child-like voice an acquired taste, but I rather consider it simply needing an educated palette. After a very short stint with the group Streetlight, which only recorded an EP, with her husband Buddy Miller, Julie was signed by Myrrh and immediately they began the horrific mistake of touting their Leslie Phillips replacement and their answer to Cyndi Lauper. What they actually had was a brilliant songwriter, singer and performer. Talent runs deep in the Miller household and CCM;s inability to grasp the fact and promote her properly left her looking to mainstream and independent channels for the majority of her fine career. But in 1990 a wonderful, melodic, accessible and utterly enjoyable album found a home in my CD rotation and has never left it. Rich in harmonies, memorable melodies and brilliant musicianship, Meet Julie Miller was a brilliant introduction to the artist.
The 30-second acapella blues number “Dogtown” starts the record before launching right into one of the radio hits from the album, “You Knew the Way to My Heart.” Melodic, pop-driven Americana rock with a hook of a chorus so large you could drive a truck through it. Miller’s ability to work her voice through whispering, soft moments to gravelly pop hooks is quite impressive. The use of her own voice in the backing vocals just works in creating the perfect harmonies in the bridge.
“Mystery Love” follows in the same vein with the bluesy, jangly rock (Mark Heard and T-Bone Burnett would be proud) style. This is one of the few songs that reminds me musically of Leslie Phillips, though one of the great ironies is that Phillips is said to be the one who passed along Miller’s demo to the execs at Myrrh in the first place.
We have mentioned “classics” and what qualifies as one several times on this blog. I firmly believe Miller has one here on this project and it remains her one biggest hit on Christian radio though clocking in at nearly 6 minutes (most stations played the edited version that leaves off the spoken word introduction), with “What Would Jesus Do.”
The song is not the normal sweet and lovely “Jesus loves me” sort of content CCM radio has been known for. But rather, the song is pointed look at the churches lack of genuine Biblical and loving response to the “least of these.” This missional (before the word existed) song features an all-star chorus at the end that is genuinely inspirational in the good sense of the word, including Phillips, Buddy Miller, Russ Taff and a host of others.
“Don’t Cry for me” returns to the more acoustic Americana rock that populates the majority of the album. Dan Posthuma’s production may get occasionally heavy-handed, as a more stark, limited and earthy arrangement would have made this song more authentic. But Posthuma is much more hands off sounding than on some of the work he did a few years previous with Phillips.
Following somewhat in the vein of “What Would Jesus Do,” is the beautiful “How Could You Say No.” A stunningly simply acoustic ballad, the song is both poignant and powerful in its sheer simple faith. When presented with the truth of what Christ suffered on your behalf, how is it possible to reject His grace?
“King of My Heart” is another less than a minute number that moves directly into the one real “rocker” on the album. The funky and rollicking “Song to the Devil” is very reminiscent of the two “Devil” songs recorded by Keith Green over a decade previously. The possibly pretentious silliness of the song is overcome by the sheer joy and humor of the performance.
The completely different “world music” rhythm of “Who Owns Your heart” is so refreshing as sounds cool 20 years later. Reminds me of some of Bruce Cockburn’s music off of “Stealing Fire.”
Live the “devil” song, “My Psychiatrist” is a humorous novelty song that wins the listener over by the sheer joy of it all. Deep within the silliness, though, is a great message.
“Love Will Find You” remains my favorite song from the album and would give the listener a glimpse at what was to come from the artist. The light country/folk of the melody belies a deeper thought process within its message. Also, the song really shows Miller the singer and how she sounds harmonizing with Buddy. Really a pretty song that should and could have been a country hit in the right circumstance.
The darkest and most moving song on the album may be the abortion themed “Dangerous Place.” Here the womb is described as a dangerous place to many an unborn child. Melodically, the song is the darkest and most difficult. The fading refrain of “Jesus Loves Me” sung by a children’s choir at the songs close is quite moving.
The album closes with the traditional, “I Will Arise and Go to Jesus.” This simple reworking of the classic Gospel tune is a fitting finale to this amazing project that throughout tips its cap to the traditional music of Gospel while looking to the future of great artistic folk and rock music in Miller’s career.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Dogtown – 0:32 2 – You Knew The Way To My Heart – 3:00 3 – Mystery Love – 3:06 4 – What Would Jesus Do – 6:11 5 – Don’t Cry For Me – 3:49 6 – How Could You Say No – 3:27 7 – King Of My Heart – 0:55 8 – Song To The Devil (I’m Thru With You) – 2:38 9 – Who Owns Your Heart – 2:41 10 – My Psychiatrist – 2:09 11 – Love Will Find You – 3:52 12 – Dangerous Place – 2:58 13 – I Will Arise and Go To Jesus – 2:54
Credits Rose Banks – Background Vocals Mickey Cates – Songwriter Shawn Colvin – Background Vocals Craig Finley – Background Vocals Dan Garcia – Mixed Amy Grant – Background Vocals Amy Hargrave – Choir Vocals Katie Hargrave – Choir Vocals Jean Johnson – Background Vocals Ron Krueger – Keyboards Howard McCrary – Background Vocals Buddy Miller – Associate Producer, Engineer, Songwriter, Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Background Vocals Julie Miller – Songwriter, Guitars, Vocals Kathy Pinto – Background Vocals Dan Posthuma – Producer, Bass, Drum Programming Lee Trudy Posthuma – Choir Vocals Millard Posthuma – Violin Sara Posthuma – Choir Vocals Sara Richards – Choir Vocals Lincoln Schalifer – Bass John Andrew Schreiner – Keyboards, Accordion Leland Sklar – Bass Russ Taff – Background Vocals Carlos Vega – Percussion Billy Jo Walker – Guitars Kelly Willard – Background Vocals Victoria Williams – Background Vocals Robin Williamson – Hurdy-Gurdy
Companies, etc. Record Company – Word, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Published By – Word Music Published By – LCS Music Published By – StraightWay Music Manufactured By – JVC Designed At – OSS
