Category: Albums

Glad – Captured in Time – 1982

This was Glad’s 3rd album. It sold very well and even had to have a 2nd pressing. That 2nd pressing had a much better cover but was not a gatefold like the first pressing. I’m a little surprised it had a second pressing as it only had one CCM charting single. “Anywhere I Go” made it to #12 for 10 weeks. Any album with a CCM charting single is good but Glad was much more used to having 2, 3, or more singles. The album is pretty god and still has that easy listening 70’s sound which normally spelled success on the CCM charts. That said like I said it was a popular release and sold well but for some reason the CCM charts didn’t treat it as that popular.

Tracklist
1 – Good News – 3:59
2 – Light Up Your World – 4:02
3 – Anywhere I Go – 3:54
4 – Two Are Better Than One – 3:16
5 – Beautiful Love Song – 3:39
6 – Real Life – 3:21
7 – Hide Myself In You – 3:39
8 – Joy Comes In The Morning – 3:48
9 – Savior – 4:25
10 – Be Ye Glad – 4:41

Credits
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Dennis Solee
Booking – Logsdon Associates, Paul K. Logsdon
Crew [Live Sound] – Julie Kauflin
Crew [Road Manager] – Nancy Nalle
Drums – Art Noble
Engineer – Joe Hardy
Executive-Producer – George King
Handclaps – John Hampton
Lead Vocals, Bass – Don Nalle
Lead Vocals, Percussion – Ed Nalle
Management – George King, Olde Towne Productions
Mastered By – Larry Nix
Photography By – Bob Schatz, Michael Borum*
Producer – Ed Nalle, Joe Hardy
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Goin
Vocals, Keyboards – Bob Kauflin
Vocals, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Mark Baldwin

Companies, etc.
Record Company – John T. Benson Pub. Co.
Distributed By – The Benson Company
Recorded At – Ardent Studios
Mixed At – Ardent Studios
Mastered At – Ardent Studios
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Greentree Records
Copyright © – Greentree Records
Copyright © – Paragon Music Corp.
Copyright © – Lifesong Music Press
Copyright © – Gotz Music
Published By – Paragon Music Corp.
Published By – Lifesong Music Press
Published By – Gotz Music

David And The Giants – Almost Midnight – 1980

While this is David & The Giants 4th Christian album it’s the one where I started listening and in my opinion is there best album. It has the original version of “Almost Midnight” which is much better than the 1985 remake which is probably the better known version. This album also welcomed back Keith Thibodeaux on drums. He was the original drummer for the band but left during their Christian transition but he’s back and you can tell as on this album I think the band was much tighter. A bit of trivia about Keith is that he played “Little Ricky” on the I Love Lucy show. Anyway here’s a great rock album that was perfectly timed for 1980.

Tracklist
1 – Almost Midnight – 2:55
2 – Keep On Keeping On – 3:47
3 – Keep On Singing My Song – 2:45
4 – Thank You Lord (For Coming Into My Heart) – 3:12
5 – Upper Room Experience (Recorded Live) – 6:02
6 – The Well (Will Never Run Dry) – 4:32
7 – Ten Miles High – 2:22
8 – Borrowed Time – 5:48
9 – Holy Rain (Recorded Live) – 5:15
10 – Daddy – 4:30

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Clayborn Huff
Cover – Jim Paris
Drums – Keith Thibodeaux
Engineer – David Huff, David Yelveton (tracks: A5,B4), Rayborn Huff
Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Vocals – David Huff
Harmonica – Lance Appleton
Organ, Synthesizer [Arp Quadra, Poly Korg], Strings [String Ensemble], Backing Band – Rayborn Huff
Piano, Synthesizer [Quadra], Backing Vocals – Gerald Hagan
Producer – David And The Giants
Written-By – Clayborn Huff, David Huff, Rayborn Huff

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Huff Studios

Guardian – The Yellow And Black Attack Is Back – 1998

This is a rather odd release. in 1998 Guardian released their own version of the Stryper original cassette “The Yellow And Black Attack” EP from 1984. Not one or two tracks but the entire 6 song EP. Also strangely it’s not their interpretation of the songs but almost exact copies. It was a private release which I imagine was the only option considering they directly covered someone else’s album. Even the CD visuals are all inspired by Stryper. I really don’t have much else to tell you about the album. The covers are excellent and well if you’re either a Guardian or Stryper fan this one is a must listen.

Tracklist
1 – Loud N Clear – 3:42
2 – From Wrong To Right – 4:00
3 – You Know What To Do – 4:54
4 – Co’Mon Rock – 3:49
5 – You Won’t Be Lonely – 3:51
6 – Loving You – 4:22

Credits
Design [Original Design] – Kewi Dee
Liner Notes – Brett Christensen
Mastered By – Damon Riley
Mixed By – Russ Long, Tony Palacios
Producer [Produced By] – Guardian, Tony Palacios
Recorded By – Tony Palacios

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – M8 Distribution
Recorded At – G-Man Studios
Mixed At – The Carport
Mastered At – F2 Supersonic
Designed At – Moustafa Graphics
Designed At – www.whydigi.com
Published By – Amgine Music
Published By – Bug Music

Michael Peace – Loud-N-Clear – 1990

After 3 albums Reunion Records decided the time was right to release a live album but unfortunately I can’t find any information on where and when it was required. It’s a great collection of Michael’s most popular tracks and while this is not a genre of music I like I have to admit that I quite enjoyed this album. It’s a lot of fun and Michael is a great performer. It should be noted that Michael was in the process of earning a B.S. degree in Mass Media/Speech Communications from State University of New York at Brockport at the time of this tour. It should also say that Micheal said that God told him “to minister by faith and not charge a fee.” Thus, he only made $1,000-2,500 per concert. Nice to see that.

Tracklist
1 – Ad Lib – 4:11
2 – Rrrock It Right (Let’s Get Busy) – 4:45
3 – J-E-S-U-S – 4:04
4 – Vigilante Of The Rhyme – 4:30
5 – I’ll See You There – 3:30
6 – Solid Rock – 5:22
7 – That’s Right – 4:09
8 – He’s The Baddest – 4:40
9 – Livin’ On The Edge – 7:21
10 – (The New) Solid Rock Crew – 6:27
11 – On The Throne – 2:25
12 – Rock Your World – 4:06

Credits
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson
Cover [Cover Coordination], Production Manager [Production Assistant] – D.L. Rhodes
Design – B. Middleworth
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton, Terry Hemmings
Mastered By – Glenn Meadows
Mixed By – Chuck Zwicky
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer [Production Assistant] – Tedd Tjornhom
Producer, Arranged By – Dez Dickerson
Programmed By – Tedd Tjornhom
Recorded By – Alan Dusel
Technician [Assistant Live Technician] – Ross Wullenweber

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Reunion Records
Copyright © – Reunion Records
Produced For – 3D Productions
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Glass Mastered At – Disctronics H – 112877

Thomas Steven Smith – Fresh Start – 1980

This is the third album for Thomas Steven Smith who released his first 2 albums using his nickname Moose Smith. Strangely for an artist with 4 albums I really can’t find much about him. There are a few notes around the interwebs of people who saw him in concert saying how great he was but that’s about all I can find. So let’s talk about the album. It has a great 70’s sound and feel. It’s not particularly my style but there’s a couple tracks I quite liked. “You’ve Gotta Hear It To Believe It” is a great rock tune that deserves to be heard and “Loco Boy Made Good” also had a great seventies rock sound. I’m looking forward to hearing his other albums as there is some real talent here. It is absolutely the wrong cover for the album but it does have a cool 3d effect which makes it stand out.

Tracklist
1 – Love Will Find A Way – 3:28
2 – And When All Is Said And Done – 2:50
3 – Holy, Holy, Holy – 2:39
4 – Loco Boy Made Good – 3:50
5 – Anything Worth Doin’ Is Worth Doin’ Right – 3:57
6 – There Is A Way – 4:07
7 – Turn Around And See – 2:46
8 – Fresh Start – 3:26
9 – One Song – 4:04
10 – You’ve Gotta Hear It To Believe It – 3:03

Credits
Art Direction – Michael Harris Design
Engineer – Brian Tankersley, Paul Mills
Executive-Producer – Phil Brower
Horn [Arrangements] – Fletch Wiley
Photography By – Michael Borum
Producer – Fletch Wiley
Synthesizer [Programming] – Paul Mills

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Zondervan Fiesta Corporation
Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Reproducers

Rick Crawford – Be Still My Heart – 1989

Rick was in one of the Scepter bands and I only found out about him because of this. While researching the band I discovered that he had 2 solo albums. This is the first of those albums. The cover of this album had me expecting a light rock album but, well, it’s not. He tries rock on the track Front Line but his vocals just don’t work. Get A Bible also leans rock and he does a little better on this one but still not great. That said this is a really good song that should have had a cover version by someone. To be clear I’m not saying he’s not a good vocalist in fact I think he’s a very good vocalist but Rock & Roll doesn’t work for him which is just as well because this is an easy listening album and a pretty good one. Interestingly the album was produced by Matthew Ward which probably helped out it’s easy listening quality.

Tracklist
1 – Love Is – 4:00
2 – Come, Lord Jesus – 4:19
3 – Rescue Me – 4:27
4 – There Is A Rock – 3:34
5 – Jesus Paid It All – 4:56
6 – Front Line – 3:53
7 – All Things – 3:24
8 – Does Anybody Love The Lord? – 4:10
9 – Be Still My Heart – 5:02
10 – Get A Bible – 3:52

Credits
Engineer – Greg Hunt
Producer – Matthew Ward
Written-By – Rick Crawford

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Live Oak Records
Copyright © – Live Oak Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word (UK) Ltd.
Distributed By – Word Records Limited

Bebe & Cece Winans – Bebe & Cece Winans – 1987

In 1987 Bebe & Cece left the PTL Club singers to strike out on their own. This is their first album after striking a deal with Sparrow Records. The album was hugely successful with the first single, “I.O.U. Me” topping R&B and inspirational charts. It generated a Grammy nominations as well as making it to #1 on the CCM charts. CeCe also earned a Grammy for “Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female” for the track “For Always.” They also won the 1988 Dove award for New Artist Of The Year. That’s a pretty successful album. It was also the first heavily played R&B album on many CCM radio stations and it also received heavy airplay on secular R&B radio stations.

Tracklist
1 – I. O. U. Me – 4:42
2 – I Don’t Know Why – 3:58
3 – For Always – 4:02
4 – No Hiding Place – 3:17
5 – Still In Love With You – 4:02
6 – Call Me – 5:18
7 – Love Said Not So – 4:30
8 – Change Your Nature – 4:56
9 – In Return – 3:47
10 – He’s Coming Soon – 4:21

Credits
Arranged By [Backing Vocals] – BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Keith Thomas, Marvin Winans
Arranged By [Strings] – Keith Thomas
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Angie, Bebe & Cece Winans, Constance Jackson, Debra, Debra, Kevin Jackson, Michael, Regina, Ronald, Vicki
Bass – Jimmie Lee Sloas
Drums, Drum Programming – Mark Hammond
Engineer [Assistant] – Bill Heath, Billy Whitington*, Michael Koreba
Guitar – Tom Hemby
Keyboards – Keith Thomas
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Producer – Keith Thomas
Producer [Associate] – Brett Perry
Recorded By, Mixed By – Jeff Balding
Saxophone – Mark Douthit

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio East
Recorded At – Hummingbird Studio, Nashville, TN
Recorded At – The Winans Studio
Recorded At – OmniSound Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Manufactured By – Capitol Records, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Capitol Records, Inc.
Copyright © – Capitol Records, Inc.
Pressed By – Allied Record Company

Glad – Beyond A Star – 1980

Glad was, for a time, one of the most influential and important groups in Christian Music. An incredibly high standard of quality, interesting and creative arrangements and some of, if not the best, harmonies in CCM history. After their debut showed a much more “progressive” rock and jazz influence, Beyond a star would carry their original form into the 1980’s with more pop and the introduction of the a capella vocal style they would later by primarily known for. Though less progressive than their debut the album still contain several classic influences such as the Yes sounding “Away” and a touch of the 2nd Chapter of acts on “Sing a New Song.” “Iron Sharpens Iron” has a Steely Dan or Alan Parsons Project feel. The opening track, “The Reason” would introduce the a capella vocal style that would end of being the trademark for the band through much the 1980’s. In fact, their biggest selling album would be the firs “A Capella Project,” going gold and beyond. This would not have been possible without the perfect combination of voices the band possessed. Many members are still actively involved in music, most notable Bob Kauflin, who is spearheading a great modern worship label based on more doctrinally solid lyrical content than what is found in most of today’s worship music.

Contributor – David Lowman https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – The Reason – 1:50
2 – Take A Stand – 3:32
3 – Beyond A Star – 3:49
4 – Away – 4:11
5 – Sing A New Song – 3:37
6 – Iron Sharpens Iron – 3:36
7 – Lying – 3:25
8 – Lonely Love – 4:31
9 – It Is Good – 4:54
10 – Pierce My Ear – 3:19

Credits
Arranged By [Special Assistance, Strings & Horns] – Dan Wolgemuth
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Bob Kauflin, Ed Nalle
Arranged By [Vocals] – Bob Kauflin
Booking – Logsdon Associates
Design [Art Design] – Michael Harris
Drums – Brad Currie, Mark Farley, Roger Clark
Electric Guitar – John Goin
Engineer – Brown Bannister, Skip Plant
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton
Flugelhorn – George Tidwell
Mastered By – Larry Nix
Photography By [Back Cover] – Mimi Roth Mandel
Photography By [Front Cover] – Michael Borum
Producer – Brown Bannister, Ed Nalle
Saxophone – Billy Puett, Dennis Solee
Strings – The Shelly Kurland Strings
Trombone – Dennis Good
Trumpet – Don Sheffield
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jim Gheen
Vocals, Bass [Alembic] – Don Nalle
Vocals, Electric Guitar – John Bolles, Wayne Farley
Vocals, Keyboards – Bob Kauflin
Vocals, Percussion – Ed Nalle

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – King’s Place
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio
Mastered At – Ardent Studios
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word Music, Inc.
Copyright © – Dayspring Music
Copyright © – Organon Key Music
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Word Music, Inc.
Published By – Organon Key Music

Randy Stonehill – Judgment Day At The Speede Mart – 1991

This is a rather odd release. Unfortunately that’s a pretty common phrase when working with Larry Norman releases. In 1991 Larry re-released Randy’s Born Twice album from 1971. As a bonus of sorts he included an album of very early Randy live cuts. Now the odd part, the new album got released as a b side on both vinyl cuts of the album meaning, The black vinyl has side one of “Judgment Day At The Speede Mart” and side two of “Born Twice”, the blue vinyl has side one of “Born Twice” and side two of “Judgment Day At The Speede Mart”. Also there was nothing printed on the labels of either album. Pretty rare error except when it came to stuff from Larry. Anyway we’ve gathered it here into one album. As I said this is a collection of early live Randy cuts and you can tell it’s early as at times the audience doesn’t kind of get Randy’s humour. Also Randy is not as confident with his humour. The album has a few Larry tracks which is kind of fun to listen to. This is a must have if you’re a fan of Randy’s and if you’re a fan of Larry’s I’d consider it a should have.

Tracklist
1 – Forget Your Hexagram – 2:53
2 – Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus? – 2:32
3 – Lonely By Myself – 3:49
4 – God’s Not Dead – 2:46
5 – I’m a Servant – 3:13
6 – Norman’s Kitchen – 6:26
7 – Pardon Me – 3:46
8 – Sunset Road to Nowhere – 4:04
9 – Hasty Heart – 3:47
10 – He’s A Friend Of Mine – 4:06

Scepter – Scepter – 1982

Scepter is/was Craig Smith, Rick Crawford, Si Simonson, and Warren Baker and while you may not be aware of Scepter you may know these artists as all of them except Baker had solo careers. I have no idea how or why this album came about and I’m a little unsure why it wasn’t a little more known especially considering it was produce by Wayne Watson. Usually projects from Wayne got a lot more attention than this album did. It starts out as a worship oriented album but gets more upbeat as you listen to it. I think I can hear some early Petra influence. Don’t confuse these guys with the Scepter out of Canada. That version of Scepter actually changed their name to The Keep to avoid confusion between the 2 bands.

1 – Changing Me – 3:40
2 – I Believe – 4:30
3 – All You Need is Jesus – 3:34
4 – Giving It Up – 2:17
5 – I Will Be There – 3:49
6 – One More Time – 3:37
7 – Without You – 3:36
8 – Sweet Harmony – 2:57
9 – I’m So Glad – 2:46
10 – Keep on Trustin’ – 4:08