Category: Albums

Don Francisco – The Traveler – 1981

Don Francisco was one of the most dependable musicians in the CCM genre. His fans were given a regular diet of new albums almost every year from 1979 to 1994. The Traveler was his 1981 offering and it was well received. It had the sound we have grown use to from Don. His folk style was a standout in Christian music. This album isn’t that sit in the park with an acoustic guitar kind of folk but instead a more pop oriented folk. The album didn’t stand out to me but it is a good album from a respected artist.

Tracklist
1 – Too Small A Price / Joy – 5:55
2 – Since I Met Him – 3:57
3 – The Lord & I Together – 2:45
4 – Beautiful To Me – 4:39
5 – If You Ain’t Gonna Sing The Gospel – 4:27
6 – Messengers From Heaven – 4:15
7 – The Package – 4:06
8 – You Can’t Take It With You – 3:13
9 – Give Your Heart A Home – 4:38
10 – The Traveler / Joy – 5:12

Credits
Design, Photography By – Bill Barnes
Engineer – Gene Eichelberger, Jim Cotton, Noah White
Engineer [Assistant] – Barry Baily, Chuck Ainley, Gerry Lentz, Jim Baird, Jon Putnam, Pat Holt, Quitman Dennis
Illustration – Randy Martin
Mastered By – Glen Meadows
Photography By – Matt Barnes
Producer, Arranged By [Strings] – Shane Keister
Written-By – Don Francisco, Gary McSpadden (tracks: B3), Gloria Gaither (tracks: B4), Bill Gaither (tracks: B4)

John Michael Talbot – The Lord’s Supper – 1978

This 1978 album could have been recorded yesterday and what I mean by that is that the music is timeless.

I am not the biggest fan of worship music but for some reason this album is the exception. While preparing these videos I generally listen to an album three times. Generally this is a rather painful affair when it comes to albums in this genre but strangely I found myself listening to this album a fourth time.

I can’t really break down why I like it but I do. It’s a well arranged album and the choir and orchestra bring a stronger element to Talbot’s music. So even if Talbot’s music is not you’re preferred genre give this one a listen, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Track Listing:
1 – Prelude – 2:37
2 – We Shall Stand Forgiven – 4:08
3 – Glory To God – 2:57
4 – Creed I – 1:36
5 – Creed II – 3:56
6 – Holy, Holy, Holy – 2:22
7 – Communion Song – 4:25
8 – The Lord’s Prayer – 1:30
9 – Lamb Of God – 2:14

Credits
Arranged By [Orchestral Arrangements] – David Britton
Conductor [Orchestra Conductor] – Greg Nelson
Design [Cover Design] – Stan Evenson
Design Concept [Album Cover Concept] – Terry Talbot
Engineer [Assistant] – Gary Schatzlein, George E. Wilson
Engineer [Assistant], Vocals – Russ Moorman
Music By, Product Manager [Project Supervision] – John Michael Talbot
Photography By [Back Cover] – Greg Wigler
Photography By [Front Cover] – Larry Dupont
Producer, Engineer, Vocals – Mark Clevenger
Vocals – Bill Bruce, Craig Jensen, Dave Wey, Debby Meeks, Dennis Howe, Don Hock, Gary Myers, Janene Jensen, Jerry Wise, Kathy Jensen, Ken Jensen, Linda Allen, Lorrie Buckhorn, Mark Nauman, Patty Evans, Randy Evans, Tammy Rogers

Mark Williamson Band – Missing In Action – 1984

You might know Mark Williamson Band as Lyrix as they released an album using that name in the U.S. This is the follow up album to that album. At this point they used their original name. As near as I can tell the whole “Lyrix” thing was a Larry Norman bad idea. All that aside lets talk about this album. I love this album and it’s in my top 100. It’s a Rock album for the main part but has Pop overtones on a few tracks. The first 3 tracks are my favourite and get the album off to a great start. As you listen through the album it does get a bit weak by the end but this albums weak songs are stronger than a lot of albums strong tracks.

Tracklist
1 – Come On Over (To My Heart) – 4:26
2 – Missing In Action – 4:27
3 – Really Takes Care – 3:06
4 – The Voice – 4:30
5 – Deception – 4:10
6 – Better Way – 3:25
7 – Seven 8 – 4:12
8 – Give It Up – 3:10
9 – Lifetime Guarantee – 3:29
10 – Where Do We Go From Here – 3:49

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Mark Williamson
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Mark N. Millin
Guitar, Violin, Vocals – Rob Marshall
Keyboards, Vocals – Chris Eaton
Producer – Francis Usmar

Various – Back To The Rock – 1981

This sampler released in 1981 featured artists from the A&S Records label. There are a few hits including John Mehler, Malcolm And The Mirrors, and Leslie Phillips. Among the one album wonders was Tamarack (Rob Watson), Tim Koller, Mike & Von Rogers, and Rob Mehl. There are also two artists that never released an album, James Ledlie Band, and Ben Mendoza. Other than the 3 big hits the rest of the album is decidedly dull. Most of the rest of the songs are in that late 70’s pop sound that I never really found that interesting. This sampler really just sounds like a way to repackage content and make a few bucks.

Tracklist
1 – John Mehler – Bow & Arrow – 3:39
2 – Malcolm And The Mirrors – Can’t Live Without Him – 2:57
3 – Leslie Phillips – Bring Me Through – 4:27
4 – Tamarack – Good Times, Bad Times – 3:59
5 – Tim Koller – May You Get All The Glory – 5:48
6 – Ben Mendoza – Gotta Keep Loving You – 4:30
7 – James Ledlie Band – Love Him – 3:44
8 – Mike & Von Rogers – Child Of The Father – 2:46
9 – Rob Mehl – House On The Rock – 3:25
10 – Tamarack – Here I Am – 3:37

Credits
Design [Cover], Illustration – Kernie Erickson
Producer – Dan Willard (tracks: A2, A3, A5, B1, B2), Gerry Limpic (tracks: B4), John Mehler (tracks: A1), Jonathan D. Brown* (tracks: A4), Randy Bugg (tracks: B3), Sonny Lallerstedt (tracks: B3)

Fast Forword – Message for America – 1985

This is the only album from Fast Forword. The band was from Alta Loma, California and according to Bass player Mike Wood half the songs were recorded in San Francisco at Tecate Studio and the other half in a garage recording studio in Ontario, California. This explains the varying quality of the production. Mike also says they were influenced by Stryper, Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin, etc. The band graduated college and moved on with their respective careers.

Track Listing:
1 – Reach For Heaven
2 – Child Of Society
3 – Trouble In The City
4 – Take Me Away
5 – Message For America
6 – He’ll Never Leave You
7 – Answer The Call
8 – I’ll See You Once Again

Credits:
Thomas Dodd – Guitar
Scott Johnson – Drums
Steve Krepps – Lead Vocals
Michael S. Wood – Bass

Tim Sheppard – Diary – 1976

Tim Sheppard was “discovered” by Dallas Holm in 1975. This album was the result of that moment. Though it’s a mid 80’s album I didn’t really get a Jesus Music feel. Instead it’s more easy listening 70’s pop. Tim released several other albums including a couple with Dallas Holm.

Tracklist
1 – Joy In The Morning – 4:57
2 – Would You Believe In Me? – 3:39
3 – Sweet Lovin’ Grace – 3:34
4 – Just Because He Loves You – 3:40
5 – “Till I Met The Christ” – 3:36
6 – Psalm 9 – 2:37
7 – Rain Fallin’ Down – 3:42
8 – Soliloquy – 5:00
9 – He’s Coming Back – 3:43
10 – Are You Ready? – 3:24

Credits
Art Direction – Bob McConnell
Bass – Jack Williams
Drums – Kenny Malone
Engineer [Recording And Remixing] – Bob Clark
Guitar – Bobby Thompson, Joe Huffman, Steve Gibson
Keyboards – Shane Keister
Photography By – Dill Beaty
Piano, Written-By – Tim Sheppard
Producer – Phil Johnson
Steel Guitar – Weldon Myrick

After The Fire – ATF – 1982

After The Fire has a bit of an odd story. By the time this album charted in the U.S. the band had broken up.

Interestingly the album charted in Canada quicker so the band was still together. The album is actually a “Greatest Hits” package and includes the best songs from 3 albums only released in the U.K.

Now that the history lesson is done let’s discuss the album. The album has a strong synth sound but I would describe it as a techno/new wave hybrid.

Of course we all know about the Der Kommissar cover but hey there’s other hits on this album. Checkout “Sometimes” for an upbeat fun song. The band has resurrected itself a few times with different members to tour and cut a few tracks.

Track Listing:
1 – Laser Love – 3:28
2 – One Rule For You – 3:24
3 – Dancing In The Shadows – 3:01
4 – Sometimes – 3:07
5 – Sailing Ship – 3:55
6 – Carry Me Home – 3:22
7 – Frozen Rivers – 3:33
8 – Love Will Always Make You Cry – 3:32
9 – Starflight – 3:46
10 – Der Kommissar – 5:43
11 – 1980-F – 2:32

A. D. – Reconstructions – 1986

This album was the second and last album using “AD” as the band name.

This album saw the departure of vocalist Warren Ham. Replacing him was Michael Gleason who had worked with Livgren in the past.

This album had more keyboards so it had a more 80’s techno sound but it wasn’t done too strong. Kerry engineered and produced this album and some reviewers actually criticized his skills in this area but personally I though the production was on par with his other albums.

Track Listing:
1 – All Fall Down – 4:27
2 – Life Of Crime – 4:16
3 – No Standing – 3:56
4 – Exiles – 4:15
5 – We Draw That Line – 3:43
6 – Walking The Wire – 3:44
7 – You Are The Distance – 4:06
8 – Highway To The Heart – 3:45
9 – One Golden Thread – 4:20

Credits:
Art Direction – Jean Hoefel
Backing Vocals – Terry Brock (tracks: A2, A4 to B2, B4, B5)
Bass Guitar – Dave Hope
Design [Jacket Design] – Jim Shanman
Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion – Kerry Livgren
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keyboards – Michael Gleason
Percussion – Dennis Holt
Producer, Engineer – Kerry Livgren
Written-By – Kerry Livgren (tracks: A1 to B1, B3, B5), Michael Gleason (tracks: A1, B2 to B4 )

Randy Weiss & The Pilgrim Band – Munch Manna Spirit Flakes – 1983

Randy Weiss & The Pilgrim Band only had one release that we know of, entitled “Munch Manna Spirit Flakes.”

This unique and wonderful record is the only example I know of a CCM recording by a Messianic Jew. I have to admit that until discovering this album in 1983 I had no idea that Messianic Jews existed.

As a CCM album, this was an independent release that did not seem to gather a lot of attention. Independent releases didn’t garner a lot of attention in general in the 1980s.

The musicianship is good and creative, but hard to put a finger on. It has a certain 60s rockabilly or country-gospel style with a wandering vocal that seems to take it outside that genre.

Subject-wise it seems to fit the traditional praise style of Jesus music.

Buckle in, buckle down, and set your expectations on “whatever happens next.” Get ready for these lyrics:

Pharoah’s dead / God’s people, we are free / And the LORD ain’t out of groceries

Track Listing:
1 – I Don’t Need No Designer Jeans
2 – The Nickel Song
3 – 3 Times Down
4 – Involvement
5 – NonDemumbo-Jumbinational
6 – Munchy Manna
7 – Wander Over Yonder
8 – 5 For A Dollar
9 – Covered By Gods Love
10 – Voices
11 – City Song
12 – My Boys
13 – God & A Mothers Love
14 – Psalm 69

John Mehler – Back In Love – 1987

This is John’s 2nd solo album but he had several compilation albums.

He really should have done more solo albums as he really does some great Rock & Roll.

I will admit that there are a few songs with a new wave vibe but generally it’s a good Rock & Roll album. The fact that John is a drummer actually comes through in his music.

I’ve never heard so many songs start with a drum intro on any album. It’s not a complaint however because it works great on this album. Bottom line is that this is a great album that should be in your 80’s collection.

Track Listing:
1 – Hey Landlord
2 – Child of Heaven
3 – Drive Away
4 – Point Of View
5 – Back In Love
6 – Channel 53
7 – Gate Into The Sky
8 – All Of Your Love
9 – Call For Surrender
10 – There Will Come A Time

Credits:
Co-producer – Bill Batstone
Producer – John Mehler