This was Jan’s second album and his first released outside of Norway. He was picked up in North America by tiny label Pilgrim America and in the U.K. by Marshalls. It was recorded in Nashville and they used the Joe English band, including Joe English, for the backing band. Someone important must have helped put this together as Jan was a relatively unknown at this point. Sometimes I would just love to hear how projects like this came together. The album has an early 80’s Pop feel and is a little heavy on Easy Listening tracks. Considering what Jan would do in the future it’s a pretty mellow album. But at this point in his career I suspect the record labels were pretty well dictating what he would do. Anyway it’s a good album and deserves a listen.
Tracklist 1 – So Glad – 2:57 2 – The King Has Come – 3:16 3 – Circle Of Love – 3:37 4 – Wait For Me – 3:19 5 – Take Me – 3:36 6 – Peace Like A River – 4:25 7 – Count On Me – 3:34 8 – Shine Your Light – 4:35 9 – I’m All Alone – 3:39 10 – He Really Loves You – 3:11
Credits Backing Vocals – Carolyn Brandt, Donna Gillie, Mo James, Pam Wolfe, Scott Roley, Suzy Mac, Tom Douglas Bass – Tim Smith Drums, Backing Vocals – Joe English Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Paul Brannon Executive Producer – Ray Nenow Guitar, Slide Guitar – George Cocchini Horns – Harvey Thompson, Jay Coble, Mike Haynes, Ronnie Eades Keyboards – John Lawry Percussion – Mike Feller Producer – Joe English, Ray Nenow Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth
I’m guessing you didn’t know that 3 members of Darrell Mansfield’s early 80’s band came together with Jim West to put out an album. Producer Freddie Piro cut the album and started shopping it around. Atlantic records jumped at the album and here it is. The album has Christian songs on it so I find it a little odd that Atlantic grabbed it. Anyway it was released with no fanfare and did appropriately well and this was the last we heard from Fortress. I doubt it was helped by the Christian overtones and the outright Christian track “Back On The Path”. I really wish a Christian label had grabbed this album. I’m guessing that almost none of you ever heard this album which is a real pity because the album is actually really good. Eric’s guitar work reflects his style of that era though you won’t feel any Darrell Mansfield influences. This is a straight up commercial sounding album that I stumbled on and boy am I glad I did. You have to at least give the first track a listen which was also the single.
Tracklist 1 – Hands In The Till – 3:20 2 – How Do I Exist – 3:42 3 – Comin’ After You – 3:46 4 – Requiem – 4:25 5 – Kisses – 3:51 6 – Let’s Do It Again – 3:24 7 – Breakin’ Free – 4:31 8 – Carry Me Back – 4:05 9 – Back On The Path – 5:16 10 – Mystery – 3:51
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Snuffy Walden Bass, Backing Vocals – Charlie Souza Coordinator [Production] – Teri Piro Drums, Percussion – Donny Vosburgh Guitar, Backing Vocals – Eric Turner Illustration – Tina Nichols Illustration [Concept], Producer – Freddie Piro Keyboards – Gabriel Katona Keyboards [Additional] – Duane Hitchings, Rich Gibbs Layout [Back Cover], Design [Logo] – Dan Lienart Mixed By, Recorded By, Percussion [Additional] – Larry Brown Mixed By, Recorded By, Producer [Additional] – Win Kutz Percussion [Additional], Producer – Larry Brown Photography By – David Alexander Vocals [Additional] – Gary Falcone, Ronn Price Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jim West
I remember when I was first hired at the Pink Lady Christian bookstore I kept seeing this album in the demo LP section and never bothered to listen to it because the cover looked liked a late 70’s adult contemporary cover. That was my loss. September was a band comprised of three siblings, Russ, Dale and Doug Kirkland. Their music output lasted three decades with seven releases that maneuvered in and out of the current musical landscape of the time. This was their finest work. Fans of Servant, Anthem, Prodigal and the more progressive edge of CCM at the time will find much here to appreciate. The album starts off with “Prelude/Jester” a more than 6 minute song that if I only gave it the first two minutes (Prelude) it may have not made it into my consistent musical rotation. Prelude sounds like the album cover looks, but it is when “Jester” kicks in that every about the album (and the band) changed for me. Where “Prelude” sounded similar to Annie Herring, “Jester” was much more Prodigal and Barnabas. Great transition and killer guitar work! “Why Did I Wait” has touches of Farrell and Farrell and Seawind, but with a heavy rock tinge as the guitar solo kicks in. Fans of Jesus Music band, Parable,” will be very please with what they hear here. Again, like “Jester,” the guitar work here is fantastic. The more I listen the more I hear Parable’s “The City.” “Can’t Be Right” is way more Ambrosia and even Steely Dan than the rest of the album. Fans of the Prodigal debut along with the Doobie Brothers will really appreciate this song. There are a few straight ahead CCM radio songs that will remind listeners of The Archers and Second Chapter of Acts. Unfortunately, Christian radio just didn’t jump on what was an independent release, though it did receive moderate distribution. The album has become a pretty sought after vinyl collectors item, for a good reason.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Prelude / Jester – 6:07 2 – Relate It To Me – 3:23 3 – Why Did I Wait – 5:17 4 – Can’t Be Right – 4:17 5 – I Owe You Everything – 3:23 6 – Sorry – 4:36 7 – Empty Love – 3:52 8 – Island Song – 3:29 9 – Hallelujah – 3:17
Credits Carl Albrecht – Drums, Percussion Wayne Boosahda – Producer Jim Bullard – Bass Doug Flagg – Drums John Hayes – Guitars James Hollihan – Guitars Billie Kessler – Recording Engineer Kent Kesterson – Engineer Doug Kirkland – Vocals Russ Kirkland – Songwriter, Piano, Minimoog, Rhodes, Prophet 5, Organ, Vocals Michael James Murphy – Songwriter Jan Parker – English Horn, Oboe Scott Payne – Guitars Dan Peek – Production Assistance, Guitars, Percussion Steve Peistrup – Assistant Engineer Bobby Price – Songwriter Darwin Seidel – Bass Curt Taipale – Engineer, Mixed Dale Kirland Tiemann – Piano, Organ, Vocals Bobby Wilson – Songwriter
Dave Kelly was a member of a great band called “Ark” that released one incredible album that will be featured later on this list. Ark was a wonderful band that escaped the attention of most fans but critics loved for very good reason. Dave Kelly was an integral part of Ark and his songwriting prowess shows on this solo debut. Fans of British pop will love it immediately with a Beatlesque quality and an overall sound comparable to Alwyn Wall and Cliff Richard. Very catchy hooks and memorable melodies from start to finish and a message that was upfront but without a “preachy” quality to it. The albums closer is worth a mention here. A Scottish inspired acoustic number with violin and bagpipes accentuate a story of kings and dragons and knights in a castle. Lyrically sounding like something Kemper Crabb may have written, but musically closer to Van Morrison. All the imagery points to the redemptive work of Christ. Anyone even remotely interested in the early days of CCM in England and the influence of the birth of a more legitimate musical expression in the states should try and obtain a copy of this great album.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – King of Love 02:39 2 – God Knows 03:46 3 – Tonight 02:25 4 – Turn Your Back 02:49 5 – Dead Or Alive 02:13 6 – Trouble 02:49 7 – Love Night and Day 01:56 8 – Supernatural Man 02:21 9 – Sandy 02:19 10 – Ballad of J.C. 02:32
Credits Background Vocals – Mary Russell, Mona Lisa Young Bagpipes – Alex McGilvery Bass – Dennis Belfield Drums – Jim Keltner Harmony Vocals – Jim Seatter Lead Guitar – Billy Joe Walker Lead Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitar – Dave Kelly Organ, Piano, Background Vocals – Terry Young Penny Whistle, Fiddle – Stewart Hamilton Prophet Synthesizer – Dale Ocherman
This album was also released an a DVD video release. It was recorded on February 7, 2009 at the Orange County Pavilion in California. The title track from this album is my favourite track from Darrell ever and I’ve watched the video (It’s on YouTube) at least 1000 times. Darrell and Eric (Turner) were on it this night in fact of all the live albums Darrell has released I think this is his best one. He covers some of his biggest hits dating all the way back to “Jerusalem” from his Gentle Faith days. He also performs several secular songs including his expanded version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”. This is a must listen if you’re a fan of Darrell and in my opinion is probably his best album ever.
Tracklist 1 – The Mission – 5:08 2 – Got To Be a Change – 4:43 3 – Walk with Me Jesus – 6:10 4 – Stand by Me – 10:59 5 – Tell the Truth – 5:28 6 – Jerusalem – 4:13 7 – Million Dollar Feeling – 6:32 8 – Born To Be Wild – 4:34 9 – Walkin’ Blues – 5:43 10 – Crossroads – 7:03 11 – People Get Ready – 5:27 12 – All Along the Watchtower – 12:54
Credits Lead Vocals. Harmoninca – Darrell Mansfield Guitars, Vocals – Eric Turner Drums – Mitch Ross Bass – Rick Baptista Keyboards – Raphael Degiorgio Bass – Jonny Ray Bartel Lead Guitar – Kenny Hale Harmonica – Larry David Cohen Percussion – Josh Schreiner Vocals – Dexter Espinoza Saxophone – Greg Vail
This is the third album from Vengeance Rising and at this point the only original member left in the band was Roger Martinez who apparently was very difficult to work with. Joining him on this album are Derek Sean who worked with Mortification, and Chris Hyde the former drummer of Deliverance and Holy Soldier. Neither of them made it onto the next album almost confirming that Martinez was in fact nuts. I will cover his bizarre behaviour in the late 90’sd when I review their next and last album. As for the album it’s a rather typical thrash album. Other reviewers have panned it as having poor production but I’ll be honest I have no idea how you can tell as it all sounds like screaming and strumming to me.
Tracklist 1 – You Can’t Stop It – 3:13 2 – The Rising – 5:11 3 – Before The Time – 2:57 4 – The Sword – 3:15 5 – He Don’t Own Nothing – 3:07 6 – Countless Corpses – 5:31 7 – Thanatos – 5:04 8 – You Will Bow – 4:09 9 – Hyde Under Pressure – 1:08 10 – Raegoul – 6:51
Credits Bass – Roger Martinez Drums – Chris Hyde Engineer [Assistant] – Brandon Harris, Craig Brock Engineer [Tracking] – Doug Beiden Engineer, Mixed By – Gil Morales Guitar – Derek Sean, Roger Martinez Mastered By – Eddie Schryer Producer, Mixed By – Roger Martinez Synthesizer – Roger Martinez Vocals – Roger Martinez
As regular readers of this and the previous blog can attest, Adult Contemporary and Inspirational titles do not find themselves here very often. The album itself has to be more than just a collection of praise and worship, hymns and traditional gospel favorites. Something has to set the album apart more than just possibly the greatest voice on the planet. Sandi definitely has the latter. But fortunately, the album also has some great songs that make it stand out against most of the other albums in the genre. The opening track sound like it could have easily fit on a Twila Paris from the same timeframe, with “Let There Be Praise” sounding more like a pop worship/hymn than Patti’s more traditional big songs. “Hosanna” follows suit with the same sort of sound. Like most of the album, there is limited, over-dramatic anthems, but rather more pop infused inspirational music. This song also benefits from a guest appearance from Matthew Ward (who may be able to sing higher). “Love in Any Language” may be Patti’s finest song. Though not as big and dramatic as “Via Dolorosa” and “We Shall Behold Him,” this song of unity has more of a “We Are the World” feel throughout. “King of Glory” sounds more like Farrell and Farrell while “Face to Faith” starts off sounding like Amy Grant’s “Fat Baby,” but ends up sounding more like something from First Call. “Morning Like This” serves to be the most contemporary pop album, which makes it the obvious choice for inclusion on this list.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Let There Be Praise – 3:03 2 – Hosanna – 3:37 3 – Unshakeable Kingdom – 5:48 4 – Shepherd Of My Heart – 4:01 5 – Love In Any Language – 4:51 6 – King Of Glory – 2:35 7 – Face To Faith – 4:21 8 – Was It A Morning Like This – 3:22 9 – In The Name Of The Lord – 5:00 10 – There Is A Savior – 4:42
Credits Arranged By [Strings], Conductor – Alan Moore Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – David T. Clydesdale Bass – Craig Nelson (tracks: A3, B4, B5), Mike Brignardello Brass – Barbara Hutchins (tracks: A3, B4), Eberhard Ramm, Michael Buckwalter, Richard Ricker, Robert Heuer, Tom McAnich Drums – Mark Hammond, Paul Leim Executive Producer – John Helvering Guitar – John Darnall, Jon Goin Keyboards – Phil Naish, Shane Keister Leader, Strings – Carl Gorodetzky Percussion – Farrel Morris Piano – David Huntsinger Producer – Greg Nelson, Sandi Patti Helvering Strings – Carol Walker, Cathy Umstead, Charles Everett, Chris Teal, Connie Heard, Craig Nelson, David Boyle, David Vanderkooi, Dennis Molchan, Edgar Meyer, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Grace Bahng, Inez Boyle, Jack Jezioro, Janet Hazen, Joann Cruthirds, John Borg, Katherine Plummer, Lee Larrison, Linda Alosco, Mark Tanner, Mary Katherine Parker, Nathan Kahn, Pam Sixfin, Pauli Ewing, Phyllis Mazza, Rosemary Harris, Roy Christensen, Sara Fogel, Stephanie Woolf, Teresa Fream, Nashville String Machine, Virginia Christensen Vocals – Beverly Darnall, Bonnie Keen, Craig Patty, David Maddux, Jane Sherberg, Jon Mohr, Jon Sherberg, Leah Taylo, Lynn Hodges, Marty McCall, Melodie Tunney, Mike Patty, Rick Gibson, Sandi Patti Helverin, Steve Taylor, Tammy Boyer, Tammy Taylor, Keith Moore
In over 3 years we failed to upload a single Cliff Richard album so we decided to start out with a compilation album. This album features tracks from 1976 to 1984 from 6 different albums. Strangly the US version of this release only had 10 tracks but everywhere else it had 12 tracks with the addition of “Under The Influence” amd Cliff’s excellent cover of Larry’s “Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music”. Of interest on the album is that there are 3 B Sides from various singles. If you hadn’t been buying 45’s you wouldn’t have had these 3 tracks which would have made this album a must own for Cliff Richard fans. Here is the list of what songs came off what albums;
Better Than I Know Myself – Wired For Sound Such Is The Mystery – I’m Nearly Famous Every Face Tells A Story – Every Face Tells A Story Love And A Helping Hand – B Side Little Town You Got Me Wondering – Every Face Tells A Story Walking In The Light – B Side Hot Shot Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – Small Corners Under The Influence – The Only Way Out Lost In A Lonely World – Wired For Sound You Me And Jesus – B Side Little Town Summer Rain – Wired For Sound Thief In The Night – Now You See Me… …Now You Don’t
Tracklist 1 – Better Than I Know Myself – 3:43 2 – Such Is The Mystery – 5:10 3 – Every Face Tells A Story – 3:20 4 – Love And A Helping Hand – 3:06 5 – You Got Me Wondering – 3:35 6 – Walking In The Light – 3:15 7 – Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – 4:35 8 – Under The Influence – 2:49 9 – Lost In A Lonely World – 4:03 10 – You Me And Jesus – 2:17 11 – Summer Rain – 4:18 12 – Thief In The Night – 3:56
There are several recordings of DA live in the 80’s but this should be the definitive one. You can tell from the mix that they intended for this to be a recorded concert. Apparently we can attribute that excellent mix to Bruce Brown who is an obscure engineer from Australia but his work is excellent. Anyway, setting out to record a live album can be a complicated thing as you need to convert visual to audio. DA nailed it on this one and this may actually be one of the best concerts I have ever heard. Definitely top 10. Of real interest are 3 unreleased songs on the album “I’m On Your Team”, “Everyone’s Fallen Down”, and “Love Has Open Arms”. All 3 are excellent tunes. The album also has a version of their concert famous “Surf Suite” which is absolutely excellent. Think Devo meets the Beach Boys. No really. Apparently there was an “Uncut” version of the album released with additional tracks. We’re on the lookout for it already. This a is a top notch release and should be given the time it deserves for a listen.
Tracklist 1 – I Love You #19 – 3:15 2 – I’m On Your Team – 2:27 3 – Faces To The Window – 2:23 4 – Mall All Over The World – 3:05 5 – Everyone’s Fallen Down – 3:25 6 – Baby Game – 2:34 7 – Through The Speakers – 2:43 8 – ¡Alarma! – 2:41 9 – Love Has Open Arms – 3:25 10 – Hit Them (With Love) – 2:37 11 – Hound Of Heaven – 3:50 12 – Ghost Of The Heart – 2:32 13 – The Surf Suite – 8:37
Credits Artwork, Layout – Court Patton, Tom Gulotta Bass, Vocals – Tim Chandler Coordinator [Project Coordinator] – Tom Gulotta Drums, Vocals – Ed McTaggart Engineer [Final Mix] – Gene Eugene Lead Guitar, Vocals – Jerry Chamberlain Lead Vocals, Guitar – Terry Taylor Mastered By – Doug Doyle Producer – Terry Taylor Producer [Live Concert Production] – Bruce Brown Recorded By, Mixed By – Bruce Brown, Tom Brooks Written-By [All Songs Written By] – Terry Taylor
Many readers may be more familiar with Paul Field as a member of Nutshell for four albums, with two different incarnations. A very popular British folk trio, Nutshell was referred to by some as the British Second Chapter of Acts. But Field is quite the prolific songwriter, including writing a number one CCM single for pop group Avalon called “Testify to Love.” Winona Judd would actually cover song as it was used on the popular “Touched By An Angel” television series and made it a Top Ten Billboard Hit! But here we are discussing his first solo album, and the one that most may be familiar. He would later record a few other solo projects and spend much of his time writing musicals. Field is a prolific songwriter and has produced scores of albums though many reached widespread distribution in the US. Immediately “Restless Heart” sounds like it could just have easily been released by Cliff Richard. It also reminds me of the “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” album by Richard, and not only because Richard would cover a song from this album (“Has to Be You, Has to Be Me”). Like the previously discussed Mark Williamson composition, Richard’s version is a bit more upbeat. The album kicks of with what would be the one single KYMS in Southern California really jumped on. “Rock with the Best of Them” is a fun song to start the album with a great horn section a la Chicago. If the world of CCM radio at the time had any justice, this would have been a monster hit! “Radio” follows with a much more mid-tempo feel very reminiscent of the sound for that day. Darker, more somber, I always saw the metaphor of the radio as being related to the Holy Spirit. The song always reminds me more of what the late 70’s Steve Winwood music was like. The album’s 12 songs (quite a few for the day) bounces back and forth between uptempo pop/rock and ballads. One stand out in the Loggins & Messina vein is “The Storm Is Over.” Something that perhaps Scott Wesley Brown would have done at the same time, it may be the most obviously evangelical song on the album. At the same time, it should have been a hit. The whole album is filled with great songs, but the last song I would like to highlight is the most upbeat song on the album, “Fair Fight.” This could just as easily fit on an album from Mark Williamson/Lyrix or even Morgan Cryar or David Edwards, both musically and lyrically. Never released on CD that I know of (at least in the US) and missing from virtually every streaming service (like much of early 80’s Myrrh releases), the album is worth tracking down. I have seen it for a reasonable price on Amazon and Ebay.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Rock With The Best Of Them – 3:23 2 – Radio – 3:56 3 – Has To Be You, Has To Be Me – 4:42 4 – Solo – 3:48 5 – Positive – 2:57 6 – The Storm Is Over – 3:51 7 – Fairfight – 2:46 8 – Stranger In Your Eyes – 3:45 9 – Just Around The Corner – 3:04 10 – You’re The One – 5:12 11 – Nearly Midnight – 3:48 12 – Restless Heart – 3:46
Credits Paul Field – Vocals, Guitar and Piano Graham Jarvis – Drums Mark Griffiths – Bass Martin Jenner – Guitar Dave Cooke – Piano, Keyboards, Guitar and Backing vocals Luís Jardim – Bass Linda Jardim – Backing vocals Marilyn David – Backing vocals Tom Blades – Guitar Colin Larne – Drums Bill Thorpe – Violin Martin David – Percussion Barry de Souza – Drums Ray Russell – Guitar Henry Lowther – Horn Nick Pentelow – Saxophone Nick Firkle – Trumpet Steve Jones – Violin Penny Thompson – Viola Jan Sharpe – Cello
