Dennis Welch is a lesser known singer songwriter who lives in Austin, Texas who deserves to be much better known. This album was originally self released in 1984 but in 1987 micro label Dark Records picked up the album and had Dennis add 3 tracks to make it a full length album. It was apparently distributed to radio stations and I have read 2 different ex DJs say it was one of their favourite albums. It deserves the attention it gained in the industry. I had never heard of Dennis before I stumbled across this album and that’s a real pity because I would have loved it in the day. Well actually I love it today and I can honestly say there are a few tracks, in particular the title track, that are going into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Antinomian Nights – 3:51 2 – Carry Me Away – 6:12 3 – Alien Shoes – 3:34 4 – Change Of Heart – 4:16 5 – Man Of Steel – 3:35 6 – Ordering My Private World – 5:34 7 – Don’t Touch My Genes (Algeny) – 3:52 8 – Deep In The Night – 3:48 9 – Crystal Sea – 2:11
This was the second solo album from Eddie DeGarmo. I remember listening to his first one which was OK but didn’t strike me as any special but this album is different. This is a great rock/pop album with some rhythm and blues overtones and it is much better than his first effort. As I dug through the credits I discovered some pretty big names. Larry Howard contributed on guitar, and Russ Taff and Mark Farner contributed some back up vocals. The title track is the standout track in my opinion and I think this may be the closest CCM track ever to a ZZ-Top sound and it isn’t just good because of the imitation, it’s because this is a great track. Definitely going into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Fragile Heart – 4:15 2 – Can’t Stand Still – 4:09 3 – My Way Home – 3:58 4 – Phase II – 4:59 5 – There’s Something About That Name – 3:54 6 – Prayed For A Woman Like You – 4:45 7 – Make It Count – 4:17 8 – Profession Of Faith – 4:13 9 – Shoreline – 5:03 10 – Forgive Me For Doubting You – 4:06 11 – Beyond The Tears – 5:09
Credits Dan Brock – Executive Producer Commissioned – Background Vocals Eddie DeGarmo – Producer, Engineer, Songwriter, Keyboards, Vocals The Duncan Sisters – Background Vocals Michael English – Background Vocals Mark Farner – Vocals Gloria Gaither – Songwriter William Gaither – Songwriter, Piano Joy Gardner – Background Vocals Ron W. Griffin – Producer, Engineer, Mixed Chris Harris – Background Vocals Mark Heimermann – Background Vocals Larry Howard – Guitars Tom Laune – Additional Engineer, Mixed Dennis Lolorriere – Background Vocals Willy Lucius – Drums Carl Marsh – Orchestra Arrangements, Keyboards Rusty McFarland – Additional Engineer Jerry McPherson – Guitars Marty Paoletta – Saxophone Warren Pease – Bass Russ Taff – Vocals Michael Tait – Background Vocals Hank Williams – Mastered
Hokus Pick is apparently a Canadian expression of surprise. And this record continues to surprise. The court jesters of CCM, the Canadian rock band Hokus Pick had a ten year career that, given the quality of their output, should have garnered the band a longer tenure. It is with “Snappy” that the band it its full stride with a complete album of memorable, funny, serious and, well…weird…songs. The track that informed the albums title also sports one of the greatest videos ever. After the more U2 influenced “Faith, Hope and Love” starts the album, it is “I’m So Happy” that steals the show. As mentioned the video is simply hysterical, but deep within the ska grooves is a positive message of hope. This theme will permeate the album. It was really a shame when I was working for Diamante Distribution that we could never really garner the sales and the radio response necessary and that the band deserved. Even touring with Steve Taylor (a perfect fit) could not break the band nationally, another in the long line of disappointments in this industry. “We Are the People” drives a 60’s influenced rock that would later prove successful for the previously reviewed “Rock n Roll Worship Circus.” “The ska influenced “Our God” should have been a late 90’s youth anthem…should have been! A personal favorite is “True Believer,” a song reminiscent of then labelmates, The Kry. A great, straight ahead and emotional song about the struggles of faith and the desire to be a competent follower of Christ. The CD did also contain a hidden bonus track, if you want to call it that. It is more of a radio play called “An Appointment with Stupidity.” Hysterical, but not necessarily meant for repeated listening.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Faith, Hope And Love – 3:59 2 – I’m So Happy – 2:51 3 – Naturally – 2:52 4 – Nothing More – 4:58 5 – We Are The People – 3:15 6 – This Time – 4:16 7 – Our God – 3:18 8 – True Believer – 4:18 9 – God For One Day – 3:27 10 – Silver – 2:44 11 – Let Go, Let God – 4:20 12 – Comfort Song – 1:01 13 – (Hidden Track) – 29:49
Credits Art Direction – Keith Hamilton Bass Guitar – Dave Strilchuk Drums [Ayotte] – Rick Colhoun Engineer – Rick Colhoun Engineer [Second] – Riley Armstrong Lead Guitar – Matt Pierrot Photography By – James Copp Producer – Hokus Pick Vocals, Guitar – Russ Smith Written By – David Strilchuk, Matthew Pierrot, Richard Colhoun, Russell W. Smith
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Soundcastle Manufactured By – Malaco Music Group Distributed By – Malaco Music Group
This was Steven’s debut album. He was under contract to Sparrow records as a songwriter and was very successful so I guess Sparrow thought they would give him a studio band and see how he did. The album was very successful with the single track “Weak Days” which peaked at #2 on the CCM charts. I was actually a little surprised at this album as I had dismissed Steven Curtis Chapman as a worship album artist but this is actually a pretty good pop album. The sound would have been better suited as an early 80’s album but it wasn’t that outdated in 1987. This is one I ignored in the 80’s but I’m glad I tool the time to listen to it now.
Tracklist 1 – First Hand – 3:35 2 – Weak Days – 4:18 3 – Hiding Place – 4:58 4 – Run Away – 3:53 5 – Do They Know – 4:00 6 – Tell Me – 4:19 7 – Who Cares – 5:06 8 – Dying To Live – 3:35 9 – Said And Done – 5:08 10 – My Redeemer Is Faithful And True – 3:47
Credits Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Chris Rodriguez, Phil Naish, Steven Curtis Chapman Arranged By [Rhythm] – Phil Naish, Steven Curtis Chapman Art Direction – Barbara Catanzaro-Hearn Backing Vocals – Chris Rodriguez, Herbert Chapman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Wayne Kirkpatrick Bass – Mike Brignardello Coordinator – Cindy Wilt Design – Buddy Jackson Drums – Mark Hammond Engineer – Jeff Balding Engineer [Assistant] – Bill Whittington, Mike Clute Executive-Producer – Greg Nelson Guitar – Jon Goin, Steven Curtis Chapman Illustration – Beth Middleworth Keyboards – Phil Naish Mastered By – Denny Purcell Orchestrated By [Strings] – Alan Moore Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer – Phil Naish Strings – Carl Gorodetzky, The Nashville String Machine
This is the introductory album from funk band Paradise. As far as I can tell it was only released in the U.K. I find this incredible odd as it is a fantastic album and the largest funk market is the United States. I’m often confused by the CCM record companies and this album is an example of what they got wrong. As near as I can tell the album was released on their own label so obviously they would have signed a deal for U.S. distribution. Oh well I’m ranting again. Anyway this album is probably one of the best Christian funk albums and it came out in 1980. An added plus is that I didn’t get any disco feel from any of the tracks which was typical in funk albums released at this time. Give this one a listen even if your not the biggest fan of funk, you just might think different after listening to this one.
Tracklist 1 – Keep The Fire – 3:15 2 – Love Is Not A Mystery – 4:22 3 – It’s Up To You – 4:44 4 – I’ll Meet You There – 4:35 5 – We All Need – 4:20 6 – Light Of The World – 5:10 7 – Give Thanks – 4:05 8 – With You – 4:11 9 – Spread The Word – 3:50
Credits Backing Vocals – Desr’ee Hoyte, Elaine Bent, Jasmine Cohen, Lorrane Greenaway, Monica Knight, Novlette Davis, Yvonne White Bass – Junior Edwards Design, Artwork – Mick Payne Drums – Bobby Clarke Engineer – Colin Owen, Paul Robbins Guitar, Keyboards, Horns – Raymond Dennis Horns – Charles Pinder, Neil Pinder Illustration – John Coster Keyboards, Synthesizer – Phillip Edwards Lead Vocals, Horns – Doug Williams Percussion – Devon Burke, Karl Edwards Photography By – Tony Martin Producer – Paradise Producer, Art Direction – Mick Martin Saxophone, Flute – Hugh Thomas
This is the second album from Believer and in my opinion shows some real maturity in the band. Now normally I’m not too quick to praise a thrash album but this one is actually pretty good. I mean musically it’s very good and in fact I think I would really like it with normal vocals. BUT this is not what the band is so I will evaluate the album for what it is. I will say this is the first Thrash album I have ever listened to more than once, yea really, it’s that good. The band claims they recorded the whole album in 2 weeks which I find quite surprising as the production is very good. Oh well if your not a thrash kind of person hey try listening to “Like A Song”, it’s actually a pretty cool cover of U2.
Tracklist 1 – Sanity Obscure – 6:08 2 – Wisdom’s Call – 3:44 3 – Nonpoint – 5:14 4 – Idols Of Ignorance – 4:39 5 – Stop The Madness – 3:56 6 – Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath) – 5:41 7 – Dust To Dust – 5:02 8 – Like A Song – 3:27
Credits Art Direction – Jeff Spencer, Sudden Images Artwork [Cover Art By] – David DeVries Band – D. Baddorf, J. Daub, K. Bachman, W. Robertson Composed By [Dies Irae Band Section Composed By] – Kurt Bachman Composed By [Dies Irae Orchestration Composed By] – Scott Laird Concept By [Dies Irae Concept And General Chaotic Madness] – Doug Mann Crew [Crew Chief] – Eric “Cecil” Greenwalt Engineer [Engineered By] – Paul Krueger, Ted Hermanson Film Technician [Video Tech] – Robert Baddorf Management [Managed By] – PGM Management Management [Road Manager] – Deana Baddorf Photography [Photos By] – Tom Storm Producer [Produced By] – Doug Mann, Paul Krueger Soprano Vocals [Dies Irae Soprano] – Julianne Laird Hoge Written-By [All Songs Written By] – D. Baddorf, J. Daub, K. Bachman, W. Robertson
This is the 3rd album from Michael and this album pretty well cemented his worship style music. As I have said before Michael was very faithful about getting an album out every year. I think if most artists tried to put out an album every year the quality would tire after awhile but I have to admit that I don’t think that is the case with Michael. The quality of every album is high and while this is not my style of music it is good. In fact as far as worship style music goes I find Michael to be a top 10 artist.
Tracklist 1 – He Was Heard – 3:52 2 – Ride On To Die – 4:16 3 – Come To The Table – 3:46 4 – In The Garden – 3:54 5 – Traitor’s Look – 3:30 6 – Why – 2:55 7 – Cross Of Glory – 3:48 8 – Crown Him – 3:58 9 – Known By The Scars – 3:52 10 – Crown Him (Reprise) – 1:18
Credits Stan Armor – Choir Member Jackie Binkley – Choir Member Andy Blake – Choir Member Niles Borop – Songwriter Michael Card – Vocals, Classical Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer, Percussion, Songwriter, Quartet Arrangement Susan Card – Choir Member Caroline Card-Howell – Choir Member John Catchings – Cello, Choir Member Sue Catchings – Choir Member Jane Cates – Choir Member Ron Coker – Choir Member Martyn Ford – Conductor Pat Fuller – Choir Member Jon Goin – Electric and Classical Guitars Lynn Hodges – Choir Director Jim Horn – Recorders, Flute Shane Keister – Synthesizer, Piano Larry London – Drums Glenn Meadows – Mastered Alan Moore – String and Woodwind Arrangement Farrell Morris – Percussion, Vibes Chris Nelson – Acoustic Bass Nancy Nelson – Choir Member Norbert Putnam – Producer, Mastered, Fender Bass, String and Woodwind Arrangement Cindy Reynolds – Harp Michele Roberts – Choir Member Scott Roley – Choir Member Bill Schnee – Mixed Randy Scruggs – Rhythm Guitar Gene Sisk – Synthesizer, Piano Andy Widders-Ellis – Stick Bob Wray – Bass, Fender Bass Betsy Yarborough – Choir Member John Yarborough – Choir Member Wes Yoder – Executive Producer
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Michael J. Card Published By – Whole Armor Publishing Co. Recorded At – The Bennett House Recorded At – Abbey Road Studios Published By – Full Armor Publishing Co Mastered At – Masterfonics Pressed By – KM Records Inc.
I must admit that back in the 80’s I had no idea there was Funk oriented CCM music. Now admittedly I grew up in a funk free zone but I still would have thought I would have heard of some of these artists. But for some reason it simply was not promoted in Canada. Anyway here we have one of the premiere funk artists of the 80’s and 90’s. While I don’t normally listen to this style of music I can recognize when it is good and this album is good. The single and title track did well on the charts but I was actually unable to find out how well it did. Strangely this track is 7 minutes long on the album but a radio version was released on 45 coming in at a more radio friendly 4:45. We actually get requests for more Christian funk music so were happy to provide it when we find it.
Tracklist 1 – Holding On – 4:56 2 – Any Day Now – 6:32 3 – Giving My All To You – 4:57 4 – Watching You – 4:24 5 – Hold Me Holy Spirit – 6:21 6 – You’re My Everything – 4:55 7 – Witness – 7:00 8 – We’ll Be Together – 4:59
Credits Backing Vocals – Kenny Smith, Loida Garcia, Narda Smith Bass – Charles (Hitman) Jefferson Design [Album Cover] – Susan Randle Drum Programming – Kenny Smith Drums – George Bell Engineer – Carl Lange, Cecil Q. Duke Executive-Producer – Joyce Dozier McNichols, Marlin McNichols Guitar – Walter Kevin Foley Horns – Arthur Manley, Tim Anderson Keyboards – Bradley Alexander, Darron Johnson, Kenny Smith Percussion – Gerald (Billy) Hill Photography By – David Randle Producer – Kenny Smith Written-By, Arranged By – Kenny Smith
Companies, etc. Published By – Heavenly Wisdom Music Published By – Kenas Music Produced For – Kenas Productions Manufactured By – McNichols Communications Distributed By – McNichols Communications
This is the second and last album from Street Angel. It is a little less U2ish than their first album but I think I preferred their first album. Strangely the band seems to consist of only one member, Bill Romansky. He had an album out in 1979 using his name but this is all I can find out about him so for this album we’re just gonna have to enjoy the music.
Tracklist 1 – Sinsad – 5:16 2 – Love Will Set You Free – 2:56 3 – Sun Don’t Shine – 5:13 4 – Better Off Today – 3:51 5 – Heart Of Hearts – 4:45 6 – Newland – 3:33 7 – King Of Rock And Roll – 2:35 8 – Breathe On Me – 2:34 9 – God Is Not – 6:46
Credits Executive-Producer – Armand Pirollo Guest – Michaux Cocoon Performer – Bill Romansky Producer – Street Angel
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Spectra Distribution, Inc.
A decade before the Mac Powell lead Third Day began owning the Christian radio and album sales charts there was a band from Ontario, Canada with the same name and a distinctly different sound. Once again it was the little, progressive Canadian label, Tunesmith, that delivered the band to the States. The band released one fantastic and completely original album in 1982 and little is known about them other than what I can read on album sleeve and hear in the grooves. Primarily a jazz influenced, progressive rock band with a male lead vocalist and female backing vocals. Great guitar and synthesizer work. “Covenant” kicks off side one with the albums most memorable tune. I vaguely remember playing this one for a short while on KYMS back in 1982. The album is often filled with straight scripture. It is also filled with very good guitar solo work. The opening track has both. I have always enjoyed a band that is not afraid to stop singing and actually play their instruments, something they do quite well. In fact, there is a nearly 7-minute instrumental on an album only containing 8 songs. Outside of the one token cheesy ballad (His Yoke Is Easy) most of the album rocks pretty hard within the progressive constraints. This would be more for fans of early Genesis, with more folk and rock influences. In fact, I read a review once that described them a “prog-folk,” and the label kind of works. In 1982 there was Resurrection Band and a few “metal” bands, but very few progressive rock band in the vein of Third Day and, as a result, they stood out. They also stood out initially because of the great artwork and “gate fold” LP packaging Tunesmith provided. If only the label would have spent a few more pennies on the production of many of their releases. But here Third Day stands out again with great production.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Covenant – 3:53 2 – The Real You – 5:30 3 – It’s A New Day – 6:30 4 – His Yoke Is Easy – 2:47 5 – Revelation – 5:20 6 – The Word – 4:55 7 – Without Love – 4:54 8 – He Holds The Sun – 4:37
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Art Direction, Photography By – Tom Fenney Artwork [Signed] – D. Rieger Backing Vocals – Beth Hudson, Esther Hudson, Sharon Hudson Bass – Geoff Taylor, Lazarus Varla, Steve Kennedy Cover, Illustration – Adolph Rieger Drums – Frank Difelice, Paul Quinton Electric Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Electric Piano [Rhodes] – David Geldart Engineer [Assistant] – Lori Taylor, Paul Templeman Engineer [Second] – Cam Shearer, Frank Kitson Engineer, Mixed By – Paul Massey Flute, Piccolo Flute – Bev Joel Guitar – Lazarus Varla Lead Guitar – Lazarus Varla Lead Vocals – Lazarus Varla Mixed By – Doug McKenzie Percussion – Paul Quinton Producer, Arranged By – Lazarus Varla Rhythm Guitar – Al Tiernay Synthesizer – Lazarus Varla Synthesizer [Oberheim O B X] – David Geldart, Lazarus Varla Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Bob Federer Vocals – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Written-By – Al Tiernay, L. Varla
Companies, etc. Published By – Noteworthy Publishing Recorded At – Master’s Workshop Mastered At – Greg Lee Processing
