While this was their 5th album this was their second attempt at getting on the secular charts. Surprisingly they did just make it onto the charts in Apr 88 but they only peaked out at #70. Not too bad for what was essentially a worship and studio band that just turned it up for a few albums. I have to admit as much as I kind of dislike this band I am impressed that Myrrh was able to partner with Priority Records to get this album on the radio. That said I am trying to figure out why they would included the 12″ version of the single on the album. Admittedly the song wasn’t a huge hit but still they put out a 12″ to try to get a few more sales but then they included that version on the album. That said nothing about this whole Heartbeats idea made sense to me. That said if you like a little 80’s Europop this is the album for you and it actually is pretty good.
Tracklist 1 – The Winner (7″ Version) – 3:52 2 – Common Language – 3:52 3 – Dancin’ – 3:20 4 – The Only One – 3:33 5 – Air That I Breathe – 4:25 6 – Tease Your Media Mind – 3:33 7 – Tears From Heaven – 3:22 8 – People With No Direction – 3:56 9 – One True Love – 3:51 10 – The Winner (12″ Version) – 7:21
Credits Bass – Steve Bassett Drums – Clive Urquhart Executive-Producer – Barry Evans, Ray Goudie Guitar, Vocals – Ian Townend Keyboards – Dave Bankhead Lead Vocals – Sue Rinaldi Producer – Barry Evans, Simon Humphrey Vocals – Su Reeves Bassett*
Though Billy was all over the Christian music scene through the 70’s and 89’s he didn’t release this his first solo album until 1991. While his high school friend David Diggs was with him on his previous work he doesn’t appear on this album. At this point in his career Billy was working with The Praise Band, later called the Tommy Coomes Band but that work went uncredited until later in the decade. Billy was also doing a ton of writing at this time and wrote hits fir several artists. As for the album it’s a easy listening album but with a great 80’s sound. I’m still not a huge fan of easy listening but this is the kind of easy listening I can get into.
Tracklist 1 – I Long For Your Love – 3:15 2 – O Lord, Come – 4:39 3 – I Will Be With You – 4:15 4 – Call For Surrender – 3:05 5 – There Will Come A Time – 4:42 6 – A Little Broken Bread – 5:18 7 – Walking On The Water – 4:04 8 – The Reign Is Over – 4:08 9 – To Every Generation – 3:38 10 – Nobody Like You – 4:41 11 – Your Throne O God – 3:39
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Lead Vocals – Billy Batstone* Backing Vocals – Anne Barbour, Billy Batstone, John Barbour, John Batdorf Bass Guitar – David Miner Chapman Stick – Fergus Marsh Classical Guitar [Nylon Strting Guitar] – Bob Somma Design, Layout – Gary DeLacy Drums – Jack Kelly Engineer, Mixed By – Mark Heard Harmonica – Mark Heard Music By – Billy Batstone, John Schreiner, Wayne Brasel Percussion – Brad Dutz Photography By – Michael Going Producer, Arranged By – Billy Batstone Typography [Typesetting] – Russell Heistuman Words By – Billy Batstone
This is the third album from Billy and the best one yet. If yo listen to Billy’s albums back to back in order you can hear the progression of quality of his music. This album continues his guitar heavy pop style. Unfortunately Sprague would take a break after this album due to his fiancé was killed in a car accident. That said Reunion Records did release a greatest hits package during his hiatus. Only have time for one track? ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’ is probably the best track on the album. Bottom line, La Vie is c’est bon.
Tracklist 1 – I Gotta Hand It To You – 4:28 2 – What Goes Around Comes Around – 4:35 3 – La Vie – 3:58 4 – I Call It Love – 3:55 5 – Someone Is There – 4:49 6 – Heart Of The Infidel – 3:54 7 – You Can’t Walk The Wire – 5:13 8 – The Ultimatum – 4:20 9 – If I Know Love – 3:25 10 – A Little Broken Bread – 4:40
Credits Gary Chapman – Producer Jeff Moseley & Terry Hemmings – Executive Producers Doug Scarret, Michael Pool – The Engineers Jerry (Neil) McPherson – electric guitars Phil Naish – keyboards Keith Edwards – drums Mike Brignardello – bass Shane Keister – greasy grand on “Walk The Wire” Gary Chapman – pedal steel,bazouki,sitar,danelectro six-string bass & shotgun solos on “The Ultimatum”
This excellent album released in 1980 is the only one we would get from Phil in the 80’s. Phil toured Australia promoting his album and actually warmed up for acts such as Randy Stonehill and Dan Peak. He also played several music festivals and combined church events. The album actually had some secular success in his local area where radio played “Company” and “Forgiven”. Phil’s song “The Infidel” also became a hit in Papua New Guinea. The album has a strong 70’s feel and would probably done well if it had a proper distribution deal. Phil continues to make music and has a total of 5 albums at the time of writing. You can find his music on his website www.philspence.com.
Tracklist 1 – The Infidel – 3:30 2 – Jet Set Lady – 2:30 3 – Coffee Coloured Girls – 3:00 4 – Living – 5:20 5 – I’m A U.F.O. – 3:40 6 – Forgiven – 3:40 7 – Steeplechase – 3:15 8 – Company – 2:30 9 – Wanna Be Like You – 3:20 10 – Once Again – 5:15
Credits Artwork – Greg Wardle Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Gary Terrill Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards – Peter Wragg Drums, Synthesizer [Drum], Percussion – Don Lebler Flute – Doug MacDougall Harmony Vocals – Jacky Nisbet Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Dan Mihailovic Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion – Phil Spence Producer – Peter Wragg Producer, Cover [Design] – Phil Spence Written-By – Phil Spence
The second release from Bloodgood continues the raw metal sound they had in their first album. This album is better produce and engineered but some fans preferred the edgier first album. But that said Detonation placed 8th in a poll by Heaven’s Metal fanzine of the top 100 Christian metal albums of all time. The band toured heavily for this album and as the world was dumb in 1987 the tour was heavily protested by the more conservative element of Christianity. The tour was quite successful and continued into Europe in 1988. Bloodgood is a mainstay in the Christian metal genre and most hold up this or their first album as their best work.
Tracklist 1 – Battle Of The Flesh – 2:45 2 – Vagrant People – 3:26 3 – Self-Destruction – 3:29 4 – Alone In Suicide – 4:04 5 – Heartbeat (Of The City) – 3:25 6 – Eat The Flesh – 4:25 7 – Holy Fire – 3:10 8 – Crucify – 3:05 9 – The Messiah – 4:25 10 – Live Wire – 2:37
Credits Arranged By – Bloodgood Art Direction, Layout – Ed McTaggart Bass, Backing Vocals – Michael Bloodgood Drums – Mark Welling Engineer – Doug Doyle Guitar, Backing Vocals – David Zaffiro Illustration [Cover] – John Dickenson Mastered By – John Matousek Mixed By – David Zaffiro, Doug Doyle, Les Carlsen, Michael Bloodgood Other [Litho Prep] – Graphic Masters, Santa Ana, CA Other [Stage Clothes] – Brent Flemming Photography By – Ken Baley, Lynn DeBon Producer – David Zaffiro, Les Carlsen, Michael Bloodgood Vocals – Les Carlsen
I can’t really find much info on the band which is surprising because they had 3 albums and a pretty good following. I do know they were from Olivet Nazarene University and actually started out using the name Gentle Reign. As near as I can tell the leader of the band was Tim McGuire who while not doing much work in the industry is well known and highly respected. As for the album it’s a pretty fun pop album that I would have really liked in the day. Vocals are strong and the production is great. I have a feeling many of you know this one so give it a listen again all these years later.
Tracklist 1 – Born Again (And I Love It) – 5:14 2 – Reckless – 5:15 3 – Time Out – 4:12 4 – Nothin’ I Wouldn’t Do – 4:17 5 – Search Me – 4:22 6 – Dead Ain’t Always Six Feet Under – 5:03 7 – Choices – 4:15 8 – Back Off – 3:20 9 – Don’t Keep It Inside – 4:02 10 – Are We Wastin’ Time – 5:14
This is the fourth and final album from the duo. Roy went on to do a couple solo albums and then of course a huge producer career. Mulder on the other hand slipped behind the scenes but I understand he did continue to do some writing. This was also the first album released on Roy’s short lived label River Records INC. This is by far my favourite album from these guys but we don’t have any sales numbers so we don’t know if listeners shared my view. This album contains what is their most famous tune though, “The Turkey Song”. It would be played at many Thanksgiving parties for years. This album was only released in Canada but I have read many U.S. comments about it so it must have got some distribution in the U.S.
Tracklist 1 – Breaking Away – 2:55 2 – You Make It Easy – 3:02 3 – And He Said… – 2:02 4 – The Turkey Song – 2:40 5 – Light Shines In – 2:58 6 – Strength To Be Weak – 4:16 7 – What Am I Worth? – 3:04 8 – Government Man – 2:37 9 – Stone Cold Heart – 3:38 10 – South Side Of Chicago – 7:03
Credits Guitar, Vocals – Mike Mulder Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Roy Salmond Guitar, Piano, BG Vocals – Jim Woodyard Bass – Don Biggar Drums – Phil Robertson BG Vocals – Gayle Salmond BG Vocals – Faye Mulder Bass – Steve Pugsley Synth – Dave Pickell Drums – Kat Hendrickse
Carmelo Domenic Licciardello known to us as Carman came to Christ around 20 years old. A life long musician he was pretty quick to get to work on an album. This is that first album. It was released on micro label Klesis Records and had almost no distribution so most people never had a chance to hear this one. Several tracks from this album would show up on future albums so people got a chance to hear them. This album set the tone for many albums to come. His almost theatric song structure is established here as his style. This is one you may have missed so I strongly suggest giving it a listen, it’s a great album.
Tracklist 1 – God’s Not Finished With Me – 2:30 2 – I Love Jesus – 3:15 3 – Some A Dat – 3:20 4 – I Don’t Believe It – 3:54 5 – Something Changed – 3:22 6 – God Don’t Care – 3:38 7 – I Still Can Rock N’ Roll – 3:15 8 – You’re The Only One – 3:30 9 – Simple Things – 3:31 10 – You Belong To Me – 3:54
In 1965 Barry McGuire, former member of the New Christy Minstrels, released the album “Eve of Destruction.” During that same year the single of the same name went to Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100. But it would be 6 years later that McGuire would claim was the greatest event of his life took place. After an encounter with traveling evangelist Arthur Blessitt McGuire became a Christian and started a Christian Music career that would span as many genres as it would decades. Rock, folk, pop, country and even children’s music would be used by McGuire to proclaim the Gospel and he would find success in all of those areas.
Most would remember the hit Eve of Destruction while others may remember the corny novelty country/spoken word song,”Cosmic Cowboy.” Some may even be more familiar with his work with the Agape Ministries children’s project, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.” But it would be his second Christian release, “Lighten Up,” that would remain the landmark project of his career.
One side note before launching into a discussion of this fantastic, classic album is that McGuire’s Christian debut release, “Seeds,” would be notable for the inclusion of a trio of siblings doing backing vocals. Those siblings would later be known as The Second Chapter of Acts. They would also tour together several years later and record one of the great, classic live albums in CCM history entitled, To the Bride.
As I was listening to this project recently I was surprised by just how much it rocks! McGuire is a big man with a voice to match. It is rough edged, gravelly while remaining warm and personable. The songs in this collection match his particular voice better than just about any other project in his illustrious career. Lighten Up also featured an amazing cast of supporting musicians including Second Chapter of Acts, Leland Sklar, Michael Omartian, Larry Knechtal and Michael Been.
The album starts off with a shortened version of his monster hit, “Eve of Destruction.” This version lasts less than two minutes and is a little less folk sounding as it builds and moves, without a break, into the following song, “Don’t Blame God.” Lyrically it follows on the heals of “Destruction” quite well with images a decaying culture, but prophetically rebuking American not to blame God for the sins of America. But unlike the original “Eve of Destruction” there is a presentation of hope as McGuire quotes 2 Chronicles 7:
“If My people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray. Seek My face and turn from their wicked ways. Then from Heaven will I hear. Forgive them of their sin. And heel their land.”
The song itself just flat out rocks! After a slow and quiet start, the song builds into a full fledged Southern Rock riff that Molly Hatchet or Thin Lizzy would be proud of. It is also here that were are introduced to young keyboardist named Michael Omartian as his piano work is just brilliant.
Larry Knechtal (Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel) stands out with an amazing piano performance on “Callin’ Me Home” a beautiful and haunting ballad that is by no means “pop” but rather sung in a melancholy and longing manner to match the content. This stark and limited instrumentation behind McGuire’s gravelly, monster voice would become a trademark. In fact, later albums with bigger production and more instrumentation would prove to be not nearly as compelling. McGuire is so believable and authentic that just a voice and piano delivers.
Another upbeat rocker follows called “Pay the Piper.” This songs adds instrumentation (though still stark and limited) and intensity as it moves along and McGuires edgier, bluesier vocals shine here. Musically it has a feeling like something closer to The Doors than anything else at the time.
One of the highlights from Lighten Up (and any other McGuire album for that matter) is “When the Mist Has Rolled Away.” Again the wonderful piano work of Knechtel shines with a groove closer to Lynard Skynard’s southern rock than country or folk and the backing vocal work of the Wards and Herrings really shine here. There is also a surprising twist with a horn section coming in just past the midway point. If this release wasn’t on Myrrh this could have been a secular radio favorite. It remains one of McGuire’s finest offerings.
McGuire’s ability to shift from melancholy and dark to upbeat, boisterous and joyful is really quite amazing as the first of several upbeat, poppy tunes, “Walk in the Sonshine” displays his brighter side. McGuire’s authenticity and joyful expressions keep the song from sounding like something from the Brady Kids.
This is immediately followed by “Hey! World,” a straight ahead rocker, heavier than just about anything available in mainstream Christian Music at the time. This song moves through differing time signatures and rhythms flawlessly. Both funky and bluesy it simply works! Tale note of the great bass and drum work on this one.
McGuire returns to a more simple, country rock vibe with “You’ve Heard His Voice.” Once again McGuire carries the song with his passion and clarity of mission. Fitting perfectly into the mid-70’s of darker, story-like anthems, the song reveals a more artistic side to McGuire’s musical palette.
Another stand out on the project would becomes the signature song for McGuire for many years to follow. The fun and funky “Happy Road” works well in this set and is the perfect juxtaposition to the darker and heavier themes previously explored. This “life on the road” ditty could have been covered by any number of southern rock acts of the same era.
The record closes with “Anyone But Jesus,” another funk and blues driven tune and features the best and most passionate vocals from McGuire on the whole project. He appears pleasantly content and passionate about singing:
“I’m not gonna sing about anyone but Jesus…”
That defines Barry McGuire and his 40 year Christian Music ministry! This long out of print project still remains his definitive work and it’s albums like this that deserve to find a home on the shelf of all fans of Christian music and anyone who wants to have a sense of the great history of the genre.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Eve Of Destruction / Don’t Blame God / II Chronicles 7:14 – 6:07 2 – Callin’ Me Home – 2:45 3 – Pay The Piper – 3:18 4 – When The Mist Has Rolled Away – 3:10 5 – Walk In The Sonshine – 2:57 6 – Hey World! – 3:26 7 – You’ve Heard His Voice – 4:05 8 – Happy Road – 3:28 9 – How Many Times – 4:38 10 – Anyone But Jesus – 4:32
Credits Arranged By [Horn] – Mike Melvoin Backing Vocals – 2nd Chapter Of Acts Bass – Leland Sklar Clavinet – Larry Knechtel Drums – David Kemper Engineer – Buck Herring Guitar, Banjo – Mike Deasy Harmonica – Ben Benay Keyboards [Aarpvark] – Mike Omartian Organ – Larry Knechtel Photography By – Wally Duguid Piano – Larry Knechtel Producer – Buck Herring Written-By – B. McGuire
This was the final album from the band using the name Eternity Express. They definitely put together a new look for this album but the sound was still Eternity Express. This is essentially the same lineup that would form Illustrator and under that name they would complete the new look and sound. While this may be a more subdued album I still quite like it. For some reason even though Eternity Express is essentially a easy listening band I have always has a soft spot for their work. Back in the 80’s this is definitely not the style of music my friends and I were listening to but we always had time on the mixed tape of the day for an Eternity Express track. These guys were actually underappreciated in my opinion but with so many albums obviously the record companies saw their talent.
Tracklist 1 – Better This Time – 3:34 2 – How Long – 4:11 3 – Wait On The Lord – 4:10 4 – Re-Ignited – 3:36 5 – Feels Like I’ve Never Been Loved – 3:43 6 – All You Need – 3:57 7 – One On One – 4:23 8 – Open Up Your Heart – 4:14 9 – I Surrender – 3:47
Credits Drums – Daryl Sutherland Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals – Dan Gaub Bass, Sax, Vocals – Mark Matthews Vocals, Keyboards – Dawndee Gaub Vocals, Keyboards – Nathan Gaub Lacquer Cut By – Phil Austin Photography – Peter Eisele
