Category: Albums

Twila Paris – Kingdom Seekers – 1985

This was Twila’s fourth album and her first with Star Song. Twila had made a name for herself as far as female vocalists were concerned. Her previous albums had 7 charting singles but this album dominated the charts after it’s release. It had 5 singles with songs peaking at #1, #2, #10, #20, and #32. The lead single, Runner, made it to #1 and was at that position for 9 weeks. It also sat on the charts for 26 weeks, yes 6 months. This has to be one of the most successful CCM albums of all time. I don’t have any stats in front of me but wow, this was an impressive album. The albums had a few different covers, the first and most common was a picture of a golden path to a castle. Subsequent ones featured Twila’a picture. The first was ugly in my opinion and here’s a hint to any aspiring record companies. Put the pretty girl on the cover!!! This is a tried and true method to improve sales. One small piece of trivia on the album is that Twila’s little sister, Starla Paris, sang backup on Runner.

Tracklist
1 – Runner – 4:02
2 – Center Of Your Will – 4:33
3 – Tellin’ The Truth – 4:12
4 – Language Of Disciples – 3:40
5 – Lamb Of God – 4:04
6 – The Child Inside You – 4:04
7 – Breaking My Heart – 3:19
8 – It All Goes Back – 3:51
9 – Release Of The Spirit – 2:10
10 – He Is Exalted – 3:37
11 – Faithful Men – 3:24

Credits
Arranged By – Carl Marsh
Backing Vocals – Starla Paris
Bass Guitar – Leon Gaer
Drums – Keith Edwards
Electric Guitar – Marty Walsh
Keyboards – Carl Marsh
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Songwriter, Backing Vocals – Twila Paris
Synthesizer – Rhett Lawrence

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – StraightWay Music
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – 27059

Isaac Air Freight – In The Air – On The Air – 1979

Presented without any theological commentary, as usual. These albums were a lot of fun to listen to, and hearing the jokes again, and the great comedic performances is a great trip down memory lane.Still fun to listen to now.

Tracklist
1 – Celebrity Cornered – 3:21
2 – P-R-A-Y-E-R – 0:56
3 – Battle Of Invisible Empires – Front Desk Angel – 5:52
4 – Battle Of Invisible Empires – Demon’s Dilemma – 4:34
5 – Lucifer Son Shield – 1:39
6 – The Day After Tomorrow Show – 7:45
7 – The Test – 1:09
8 – Limited Offer – 1:10
9 – The Saving Game – 6:54
10 – Editorial Reply – 2:28
11 – Return Of Christ – 2:25
12 – Prodigal Joe – 13:12

Credits
Art Direction – Neal Buchanan
Engineer – Chris Taylor
Engineer [Assistant] – Thom Roy
Executive-Producer – Tom Coomes
Illustration, Graphics [Logo] – Tim Barela
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – Chris Taylor
Musician – Darrel Cook, Gabriel Katona, Hadley Hockensmith, Jerry Chamberlain, Keith Edwards, Phil Kristianson
Performer – Dan Rupple, Dave Toole, Mitch Teemley
Photography By [Back Cover] – David J. Pavol
Photography By [Insert] – Tom Obbema
Producer – Dan Rupple, Dave Toole
Producer [Music] – Tom Coomes
Vocals – Bruce Hibbard, Erick Nelson, John Fowler, Lisa Wickham, Mitch Teemley, Tom Coomes
Voice [Additional] – Bob Bennett, Cathy Toole, Harold Taylor, Jim Coye, John Fowler, Larry Watt, Peggy Rupple, The Wheezer Cheesers, Tom Stipe, Wally Grant

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Recorded At – Maranatha! Studio
Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios

Neon Cross – Neon Cross – 1988

Neon Cross formed in 1984 in Hollywood CA. They produced a five song demo called Frontline Life and then in 1987 they recorded 2 tracks for the California Metal compilation album. The reception must have been good because Regency Records signed them to a record deal that same year and this album came out of that contract. This was their only album in the 80’s but they did get together again in 1995 to release a second album. While they were a Glam Metal band the album has a little more talent than the average Band in this category. I actually find the production to be excellent considering they produced it themselves. Of course the mix being done by Dino Elephante probably helped a lot. Point of trivia is that John Elephante provided some background vocals for the album.

Tracklist
1 – Heartbreaker – 3:45
2 – Frontline Life – 3:31
3 – We Are The Children (Of Our Lord) – 4:40
4 – On The Rock – 2:41
5 – I’m Not Alone – 5:57
6 – Right Time – 4:09
7 – Run Into The Light – 4:30
8 – Far Cry (From Eden) – 4:33
9 – Outta The Way – 3:50
10 – Victory – 4:04

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, Cherrie Mancaruso, Donna Rood, John Elephante
Bass – Ed Ott
Drums – Michael Betts
Engineer, Mixed By – Dino Elephante
Engineer, Mixed By, Programmed By [Computer Programming] – Mike Mierau
Executive-Producer – David Malme, John Moore
Guitar – Don Webster
Illustration – Greg Zook
Musician [Additional] – Chris Unruh, P.K. Mitchell
Photography – Eric Schmitty
Producer – Neon Cross
Producer, Engineer – Ron Capone
Vocals – David Raymond Reeves

Companies, etc.
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Regency Records
Copyright (c) – Regency Records

Candy Hemphill – Candy – 1982

This was Candy’s first solo album. She started her music career in her family band who had great success with 13 albums and 6 Dove awards. In the mid 70’s she started a band called Heirloom but they never released an album. That brings us to 1982 when Candy finally got her own record deal and this album is the result. At this point in history all the labels were looking for the next Amy Grant and Candy fit that search. Now I am going to cause some controversy because I think Candy is a better vocalist than Amy. I’m kind of confused as to why she didn’t have a lot more success. That said this album did spawn a single, In A Different Light, but it only made it to #28 on the CCM charts. The best part of this album for me are that there are a couple of country tracks on the album that are very good and could easily be released today. It’s a traditional country but it’s very well done.

Tracklist
1 – In A Different Light – 2:41
2 – The Shepherd – 3:04
3 – The Only Real Peace – 3:31
4 – Cast Your Bread Upon The Water – 3:15
5 – I’m Gonna Hold On To You – 2:49
6 – I’m Yours Now – 3:51
7 – Hold Fast To The Right – 3:17
8 – I Am Not Along – 3:09
9 – The Rock That Never Rolls – 2:37
10 – Make Yourself At Home (In My Heart) – 2:56

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bill Beld, Caroline Traylor, Diane Tidwell, Joel Hemphill, Julie Mouser, Labreeska Hemphill, Lisa Silver, Norman Holland, Sheri Huffman, The Cherry Sisters, Trudy Barker Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer Guitar – Billy Sanford, Bobby Thompson, Pete Bordonali Keyboards – Bobby Wood, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Shane Keister
Percussion – Jerry Carrigan, Kenny Malone
Steel Guitar – Pete Wade
Strings – The Nashville String Machine

John Fischer – Naphtali – 1976

John Fischer is known for the quantity of quality albums he released. This 1976 release relied strongly on scripture. On this album five tracks directly quote scripture which was very well received by his audience. Many considered this a Jesus Music album but it is just too Easy Listening for me to categorize it that way. Bottom line, it’s an excellent album if you like this style of music. John truly is an excellent singer/songwriter.

Tracklist
1 – Naphtali – 6:36
2 – We Are His Workmanship – 3:50
3 – Don’t Veil The Door – 3:36
4 – Work Out The Life – 2:48
5 – Naphtali Arise – 2:51
6 – Angel’s Song – 3:38
7 – Mary & Joseph – 4:25
8 – Song For The Good Times – 3:44
9 – Live In The Power – 4:53
10 – Arise My Beloved – 4:01

Credits
Arranged By – Clark Gassman
Artwork, Design – Jim Lamb
Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Walt Harrah
Bass – Reinie Press
Drums – Hal Blaine, Ron Tutt
Engineer – Jerry Barnes
Guitar – Dean Parks, Jay Graydon
Guitar, Keyboards – John Fischer
Keyboards – Clark Gassman, Joe Sample
Percussion – Joe Piccaro
Producer – Dan Collins
Steel Guitar – Al Perkins

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – United Western Studios

The Call – Reconciled – 1986

This was the 4th album from The Call. The previous 3 were relatively well received but this album was the real break out album for them. I am surprised by the number of CCM fans that do not know that The Call was a band of Christians. They weren’t a Christian Band per say but a band of Christians who did secular music. But if you really listen it’s secular music with Christian undertones. Of course the great single off the album is I Still Believe. The song has been covered by many including Russ Taff. While I was researching The Call I found a quote from Michael Been that sums up a lot of how I felt about CCM music in the 80’s;

“I [wish] Christian musicians wrote more about their life experiences instead of trying to be so ‘on the nose’ with spiritual language. It doesn’t give people room to be who they are at the stage they’re at in life. I like to write with the feel of parables, not in strict language. I’m attracted to people who tell me a story, and then I see what it stirs up in my own life. But putting Psalms to music? Taking 30 lines from the Bible for a song? That’s why I like religious books, for instance, rather than books on religion.”

Tracklist
1 – Everywhere I Go – 4:18
2 – I Still Believe (Great Design) – 5:30
3 – Blood Red (America) – 3:42
4 – The Morning – 4:40
5 – Oklahoma – 4:18
6 – With Or Without Reason – 4:02
7 – Sanctuary – 3:57
8 – Tore The Old Place Down – 4:12
9 – Even Now – 4:37

Credits
Art Direction – Carol Friedman
Design – Janet Perr
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Drums, Vocals – Scott Musick
Engineer – Rob Eaton
Engineer [Assistant] – Don Rodenbach, Eric Mohler
Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier
Keyboards, Vocals – Jim Goodwin
Management – Gary Heaton
Mastered By – Jack Skinner
Mastered By [Cd] – Barry Diament
Other [Photography Research] – Carol Been
Producer – The Call
Producer, Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Lead Vocals – Michael Been
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Jeff Bova
Written-By – Jim Goodwin (tracks: 2, 8)

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Recorded At – Power Station
Mastered At – Sterling Sound

100% Proof – 100% Proof – 1981

This Stockport based UK band turned it up a bit (OK a lot) as far as CCM music went. This album features AC/DC style rifts with a dash of rockabilly and a pinch of punk. This was their first studio album though there is a demo out there somewhere. I’m fairly sure this album was not released in North America, though some may have bought imports. This is a band that would have done very well in North America and if you like basic Rock and Roll this is the album for you. Unfortunately Word brought in Norman Barratt, who had never produced an album, in to produce this one. His work was garbage in my opinion. I think he was trying to maintain the raw sound of the band but in the end it just sounds dirty to me. Great musicians, which he was, do not always make great producers. My favourite track is actually called Rock ‘n’ Roll though the Bon Scott cut is pretty darn good too.

 

Tracklist
1 – Back Seat Driver – 6:31
2 – Mid Morning Blues – 3:50
3 – Tight Rope – 4:17
4 – Rock ‘N’ Roll – 3:47
5 – Freedom – 5:05
6 – It’s No Good Trusting In Money – 4:17
7 – The Loner (Bon Scott) – 5:27
8 – To Be Someone – 4:20

Credits
Bass – Steve Harrison
Design – Phil Thomson
Drums, Vocals – Phil Wright
Engineer – Derek Murray
Guitar, Vocals – Charlie Wilson, Steve Wright
Management – John Taylor
Photography By [Cover] – Paul Whur
Producer – Norman Barratt

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Smile Studios
Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word (UK) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word (UK) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word Music UK

Bob Ayala – Rescued – 1985

This was Bob’s 4th album. At this point in his career he was working with Keith Green’s Last Days Ministries and this album was released on Keith’s personal label, Pretty Good Records. Bob is one of those artists who started out in the 70’s and transitioned rather well to the 80’s. This is a Easy Listening album with a couple of upbeat tracks but they are keyboard heavy and very pop oriented. The real gem of the album is Bob’s lyrics. There are plenty of songs on this album that should be considered for Sunday worship services. The rainbow cover was the cover for the first issue US release. The second issue used the UK cover which was much better. As such the rainbow cover is relatively rare and may be worth a little more if you own this album.

Tracklist
1 – How Can I Tell Them – 4:59
2 – Lord Won’t You Come Out To New York – 5:05
3 – Who’ll Be The Next To Go? – 4:40
4 – While I’m Waiting For You – 3:25
5 – Pour Through Me – 3:00
6 – Heidi – 4:27
7 – Make Me Shine – 4:35
8 – It’s My Dream – 3:42
9 – Turn It Over – 3:06
10 – Heart Of Steel – 3:30
11 – We Welcome You Lord – 2:20

Credits
Arranged By [Rhythm And Fairlight Arrangements] – Scott Smith
Backing Vocals – BeBe Winans, Bob Ayala, Howard Smith, Michael Ruff, Phyllis St. James, Shirley Ayala Gerber (tracks: B11)
Bass – Hadley Hockensmith, Jimmy Johnson
Drums – Bill Maxwell
Engineer – Christopher Banninger, Hal Sacks, Win Kutz
Engineer [Assistant] – Greg Scott, Matt Warnik, Steve Awnan, Tim Dennen
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Keyboards – Michael Ruff, Russell Ferrante
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – Steve Ford
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Producer – Bill Maxwell
Programmed By [Fairlight And Synthesizer Programming] – Rhett Lawrence
Saxophone – Justo Almario
Synthesizer – Michael Ruff, Rhett Lawrence, Russell Ferrante

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Monterey Sound Studios
Recorded At – Paramount Recording Studios
Recorded At – Peace In The Valley Recording
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Pressed By – Rainbo Records – S–14875
Pressed By – Rainbo Records – S–14876

Recon – Behind Enemy Lines – 1990

Recon was a late 80’s Metal band out of California. I don’t know or understand different genres within the Metal scene but I am told they are a Power Metal band. This was their only studio album but they did also have a live at Cornerstone album released by Millenium Eight Records in 2001. Several members of this band ended up in Deliverance shortly after this album was released. The band was well received and garnered praise for the quality of their lyrics.

Tracklist
1 – In The Beginning – 1:33
2 – Lost Soldier – 4:53
3 – Ancient Of Days – 5:36
4 – Choose This Day – 5:42
5 – Dreams – 5:12
6 – Take Us Away – 3:44
7 – Holy Is The Lord – 6:03
8 – Alive – 4:09
9 – Eternal Desteny – 5:43
10 – Behind Enemy Lines – 4:17

Credits
Bass – Mike Grato
Design Concept – George Ochoa
Executive Producer – Bill Bafford
Guitar – Eddie Starline, George Ochoa
Layout, Design – Scott Waters
Lead Vocals – Vett Roberts
Producer, Arranged By – George Ochoa

Nutshell – Flyaway – 1977

This was the second album from the trio Nutshell. Surprisingly it was also the last for 2 members of the trio. Heather Barlow and Pam Thiele left to be replaced by Paul for the next album. As such the band is really kind of Paul Field and guests. Paul went on by the way to have a successful solo career after the latter on in the 80’s. This album has a strong Jesus music feel on the more easy listening side. It was a fairly popular album at the time.

Tracklist
1 – Walking Into The Wind – 3:45
2 – Sara – 4:30
3 – Moonlight – 2:37
4 – Conversation Pieces – 4:27
5 – Flyaway – 4:08
6 – Feel Like A River – 5:10
7 – Safe And Sound – 2:38
8 – For Each Other – 4:57
9 – Bedsitter / Sometimes – 7:55

Credits
Arranged By [Strings Arranged By] – Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
Bass – John G Perry
Concept By [Cover] – Paul Field, Rob Kelland
Design, Illustration – Rob Kelland
Drums – Mike Giles
Engineer – Dave Harris
Engineer [Re-Mix Engineer] – Roger Wake
Lacquer Cut By – BilBo
Mastered By – Denis Blackham
Percussion – Tony Carr
Photography By – David Redfern
Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Synthesizer – Rod Edwards
Producer – Jon Miller, Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
Vocals – Heather Barlow
Vocals, Autoharp – Pam Thiele
Vocals, Guitar, Piano – Paul Field
Written-By, Composed By – Paul Field

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word
Copyright (c) – Word
Copyright (c) – Word Music (UK)
Printed By – Robert Stace & Co. Ltd.
Recorded At – Sound Associates Studio
Recorded At – Morgan Studios
Mastered At – Master Room
Lacquer Cut At – Master Room
Pressed By – CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton