Albums – Page 76 – Real 80s CCM

Ojo – Relative – 1988

Strangely of all the work Ojo did over the years this is his only solo album. Considering his name is on so many Christian albums I found this surprising. He put this album out while still working with Undercover and I’m a bit surprised he found the time. Also strange is that Michael Knott (Lifesavers) sang lead vocals on the track “The Witch Hunt” which some consider the proper single to the album though “Give Your Children Wisdom” was the official single. A side note that “The Witch Hunt” is not a cover of the Petra song by the same name. Also vocally interesting is that Terry Taylor sang lead on the “He Fell In The Water” track. I guess this is as good a place as any other to state that Ojo has left the faith and is now a Agnostic Professor. sigh Anyway this is a great New Wave album and sounds similar to what Undercover was doing at the time.

Tracklist
1 – (Give Me) A Moment Of Your Time – 5:55
2 – Animals And Trees – 4:30
3 – Sha Nu Mi – 5:20
4 – Box Of Treasures – 4:06
5 – The Fire Rising – 2:46
6 – The Witch Hunt – 3:56
7 – Give Your Children Wisdom – 3:38
8 – The Dance Of The Secret People – 5:04
9 – He Fell In The Water – 3:53
10 – Love In Wonder – 4:43

Credits
Art Direction – Norman Fog
Artwork By [Drawing] – Benjamin Taylor
Backing Vocals – Dave Hackbarth (tracks: 6), Gary Olson (3) (tracks: 3, 6, 7), Gene Eugene (tracks: 2, 9), Inki Svensson (tracks: 1 to 3, 6, 7, 9, 10), Joey-Jon Taylor (Squid) (tracks: 9), Marie McGilvray (tracks: 1, 3, 7, 10), Mark Krischak (tracks: 7), Riki Michele (tracks: 1, 2, 7, 10), Skylar (7) (tracks: 1)
Congas – Nathan Alford, Jr. (tracks: 8)
Drums [Hand Drums With Joey] – Nathan Alford, Jr. (tracks: 4)
Edited By, Mastered By – John Matousek
Engineer [2nd Engineer] – Dave Hackbarth, Glenn Holland
Engineer [Engineered By] – Gene, Joey
Guitar – Gene Eugene (tracks: 9), Greg Lawless (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 10), Joey Taylor* (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Guitar [Including The Lead] – Marky Schrock (tracks: 6)
Percussion [Additional] – Nathan Alford, Jr.
Photography By – Brian Ray
Recorded By [Congas] – Mike Mierau
Shaker, Bells [Jingle Bells], Percussion [Assorted Percussion] – Nathan Alford, Jr. (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8)
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer [Produced By], Performer [Performed By] – Joey Taylor

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Broken Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Brainstorm Artists International Inc.
Copyright (c) – Brainstorm Artists International Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Neverland Studios
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Edited At – Hitsville
Mastered At – Hitsville
Pressed By – Discovery Systems
Published By – B-1 Music

Ellen B – Prince Of Peace – 1988

I had a difficult time finding out much about Ellen B. I was able to learn that they were from Sweden and this was their second album thus the Swedish name of the album “Två”. The album was initially released in Swedish (with some English songs) in 1987 and then released in the United States, U.K. and Australia using the title Prince Of Peace in 1988. Unfortunately this was the end of our exposure to them and I really think that’s too bad as there was a lot of talent here. We have uploaded both the Swedish and English version of this fantastic album.

Tracklist
1 – Don’t End The Night – 4:39
2 – Real Man – 3:10
3 – As Long As She’s Living – 6:31
4 – The Rainbow – 3:21
5 – Time’s Running Away – 4:48
6 – Prince Of Peace – 4:27
7 – Man With Many Names – 4:10
8 – Water Into Wine – 4:02
9 – No Forgetting You – 5:27
10 – Peace Of Mind – 4:49

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Kenneth Eriksson
Design – Carl Åkesson
Drums, Percussion – Per Hedtjärn
Engineer – Micke Lyander
Guitar – Lasse Olsson
Keyboards – Robert Wirensjö
Management [Projektledning] – Lasse Petersson
Mixed By – Christer Sjöblom, Kenneth Eriksson
Photography By – Henrik Brundin
Producer – Kenneth Eriksson
Vocals – Lasse Nilsson Wihk

Companies, etc.
Printed By – SIB-Tryck AB, Norsborg
Lacquer Cut At – Polar Mastering
Pressed By – Audiodisc AB
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Cantio Records
Copyright (c) – Cantio Records
Copyright (c) – Gilmour Records
Copyright (c) – Alarma Records
Recorded At – Sandkvie Studio
Mixed At – Supreme Studio

Ellen B – Två – 1987

Tracklist
1 – Don’t End The Night – 4:35
2 – Bra Karl – 3:07
3 – Nu När Hon Lever – 6:28
4 – Regnbågen – 3:20
5 – Tiden Rinner I Väg – 4:50
6 – Fredsfurste – 4:25
7 – Man Med Många Namm – 4:47
8 – Water Into Wine – 4:01
9 – Aldrig Glömma Dig – 5:28
10 – Lugnet Växer – 4:50

Terry Scott Taylor – Knowledge & Innocence – 1986

One would never expect an album about death to be so beautiful and uplifting. Born out of the ashed of the death of his grandfather and miscarriage of his first child, Knowledge and Innocence is the prettiest and sweetest album in Terry Scott Taylor’s lengthy and fabled career. Delayed for what seems like an eternity, when the album finally came out in 1986, the album did what was probably expected; TST’s rabid fan base ate it up and the majority of CCM and Christian radio never noticed it’s passing. Oddly enough, it remains possibly the most commercial and accessible album in Taylor’s repertoire. Lush, beautiful, stunning, haunting and completely unforgettable. The only negative is the computerized and electronic instrumentation, especially the drums. This though possibly adds to the other-worldly feel of the project. That’s a plus since the album focuses so much on “the other world.” Dancing on Light and Song of Innocence should have been radio favorites. The latter features a duet with long time friend randy Stonehill. Oddly enough, considering the long term friendship and partnership between these two men over the years, this was the first time they sang a duet together. Taylor’s love for his grandfather is prevalent here and on other recording. But here we see a glimpse of the softer, loving father side of Taylor as he addresses the loss of a child before birth. Songs like Light Princess delve into the heart of an artist unlike others. There is a wonderful tension between loss and the future reunion awaiting those who are left that creates a beautiful and faithful listening experience.

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

Tracklist
1 – Dancing On Light – 4:54
2 – (Out Of) The Wild Wood – 5:43
3 – Here He Comes, Second Time – 3:06
4 – Waiting – 3:08
5 – Picture Of You – 3:56
6 – Song Of Innocence – 3:48
7 – The Old Time Gospel Camp Meeting Hour – 0:37
8 – The Riders Of The Western Skies (Medley) – 3:15
9 – Picture Of “U” (Reprise) – 1:43
10 – Ever After – 3:32
11 – Home Movies – 1:17
12 – One More Time – 3:41
13 – Baby’s Heartbeat (6 Months) – 0:15
14 – Light Princess – 3:59
15 – (Inner Cut) Waiting (Reprise) – 1:14

Credits
Arranged By [All Arrangements] – Rob, Terry
Arranged By [Gospel Medley Adaption & Vocal Arrangements By] – Rob
Arranged By [String Arrangements] – Rob Watson (tracks: 11, 13)
Art Direction, Layout – Ed McTaggart
Backing Vocals – Beau MacDougal, Bob Bennett (3), Chuck Girard, Jay Truax, Jerry Chamberlain, Rob Watson, Terry Taylor, Tom Howard, Tom Coomes
Bass Guitar – Tim Chandler (tracks: 7)
Design Concept [Cover & Inner Sleeve Art Concepts] – Terry
Drums – Ed McTaggart (tracks: 2), Terl Bryant (tracks: 9)
Electric Guitar – Greg Flesch (tracks: 4, 7), Tim Chandler (tracks: 4)
Engineer [Engineered By] – Doug Doyle
Guitar – Lenny Wagonmaster (tracks: 1)
Guitar [Nylon String] – Greg Flesch (tracks: 5, 14)
Illustration – Jon Fraze
Illustration [Lyric Illustrations] – Connie Watson
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Synthesizers], Guitar [Guitars], Backing Vocals [B.G.V.’s], Bass, Percussion – Rob Watson
Lead Vocals [Duet], Acoustic Guitar – Randy Stonehill (tracks: 6)
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By [Reprise & Incidental Arrangements] – Terry Scott Taylor
Mastered By – John Matousek
Percussion – Alex MacDougal (tracks: 5), Terl Bryant (tracks: 1, 4, 7)
Photography By – Doug Doyle
Producer [Produced By] – Rob Watson, Terry Taylor
Remastered By [Digital Re-mastering By] – Doug Doyle
Written-By [All Songs Written By] – Terry Taylor (tracks: 3 to 14)

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Refuge Records
Record Company – Alternative Music Group
Produced For – R.B. Productions
Recorded At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA.
Mastered At – Motown Recording Studios
Remastered At – Digital Brothers
Designed At – Stunt Productions
Published By – Snellsongs
Pressed By – Disc Manufacturing, Inc., Huntsville – 30177

Michael W Smith – I 2 (Eye) – 1988

Michael W. Smith is back with his 5th album and wow what an album it was. Full disclaimer, I do not like AOR BUT even I think this is a fantastic album. It sold Platinum and was #1 on the Top Contemporary Christian charts. It actually had 7 top 10 singles including 2 #1’s and 2 #2’s. Here is all of them;

Pray For Me #1
The Throne #1
On The Other Side #2
Hand Of Providence #2
I Miss The Way #4
Live And Learn #7
I Hear Leesha #7

This album had a much younger feel than earlier albums but it was approaching the end of the 80’s and that was acceptable at this point in Christian AOR music. I’m not really going to get too deep into the album as I am guessing most of you either had it or listened to it. If not I do suggest you take the time to listen to it. Reading through the credits I noticed Dann Huff (White Heart) played guitar and here’s the real surprise, Michael Sweet & Oz Fox did some background vocals. I’m not really too sure what track they appeared on but I was pretty surprised to find them here.

Tracklist
1 – Hand Of Providence – 4:33
2 – Secret Ambition – 6:26
3 – On The Other Side – 3:40
4 – All You’re Missin’ Is A Heartache – 5:39
5 – I Miss The Way – 4:35
6 – Live And Learn – 6:17
7 – I Hear Leesha – 5:26
8 – Help You Find Your Way – 5:28
9 – Ashton – 3:17
10 – The Throne – 6:49
11 – Pray For Me – 3:52

Credits
Michael W. Smith – keyboards, lead vocals, background vocals (2, 3, 6, 7, 10), horn arrangement (6), drum programming (9)
Dann Huff – guitars (1–8)
Chris Rodriguez – guitars (1, 3, 5, 6, 8), background vocals (4, 6, 8, 11)
Jerry McPherson – guitars (2, 4, 9, 10), acoustic guitar (7)
Billy Sprague – acoustic guitar (11)
Tom Hemby – guitars (6, 8, 10, 11), bass guitar (9, 11)
Mike Brignardello – bass guitar (1–5, 7, 8)
Tommy Sims – bass guitar (6)
Gary Lunn – bass guitar (10)
Paul Leim – drums (1–4, 6, 7, 8, 10)
Terry McMillan – percussion (1, 3, 5, 7, 8), harmonica (1)
Mark Hammond – drum programming (11)
Ronn Huff – string arrangements (5)
Mark O’Connor – fiddles and mandolins (9)
Wayne Kirkpatrick – background vocals (1–8, 10), acoustic guitar (3), drum programming (9)
Chris Harris – background vocals (1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10), recitation (6)
Mark Heimmerman – background vocals (2, 5)
Billy Simon – background vocals (4)
Michael Sweet – background vocals (4)
Oz Fox – background vocals (4)

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – MCA Distributing Corporation
Copyright (c) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Deer Valley Studio, Franklin, TN
Recorded At – The Castle Recording Studios
Recorded At – OmniSound Studios
Recorded At – Sixteenth Avenue Sound
Mixed At – Sixteenth Avenue Sound
Mixed At – Masterfonics
Mastered At – Mastermix
Published By – O’Ryan Music, Inc.
Published By – Emily Boothe, Inc.
Published By – Riverstone Music, Inc.
Published By – Whitney Katherine Music, Inc.

David Meece – Count The Cost – 1983

While I was researching this album I discovered that very few people were discussing this album. It’s almost as if people are saying “This is his 6th album” and that’s it. I’m kind of surprised because personally I think it’s probably his second best album (I think “Are You Ready?” was his best). The album is keyboard/Piano heavy which is to be expected as David Meece is a classically trained concert pianist. That said I don’t think David was comfortable with synth at this time as he had Michael W. Smith and Shane Keister step in to help in that area. The track that stands out to me is the title track. I absolutely love studio musician Jon Goin’s guitar riffs on this track. I think it would have been fun if David and Jon had tried a real Rock & Roll song as it really does sound like Jon could have handled that role. I also think David could have written some real Rock & Roll as he was an excellent songwriter and I get the feeling he enjoyed a good rock song.

Tracklist
1 – Gloria – 3:59
2 – Making My Life Brand New – 4:19
3 – Falling Down – 3:04
4 – Pressing On – 3:46
5 – Some People They Never Believe – 3:22
6 – Count The Cost – 2:51
7 – I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You – 5:10
8 – Today Is The Day – 2:29
9 – And You Know It’s Right – 4:25
10 – Replace It With Your Love – 4:00

Credits
Arranged By – Alan Moore
Backing Vocals – Diana DeWitt, Donna McElroy, Gary Pigg, Jackie Cusic, Kim Fleming
Bass – Mike Brignardello
Drums – Paul Leim
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig
Engineer [Assistant] – Don Cobb
English Horn – Bobby Taylor
Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton
Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Piccolo Trumpet] – John Rommel
Guitar – Jon Goin
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Michael W. Smith, Shane Keister
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Photography By [Album Photo] – Michael Borum
Producer – Brown Bannister

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Myrrh Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – Δ 26087
Published By – Meece Music
Published By – Full Armor Publishing Co
Published By – Whole Armor Publishing Co.
Published By – Handrail Music
Published By – Meadowgreen Music Co.
Recorded At – Caribou Ranch
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – Sound Stage Studios
Remixed At – The Bennett House
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

Ground Crew – New Old World – 1984

Here is yet another oddball release on Morada Records. You’ll find some rather odd combinations of styles on this album. All on one album you can hear synth, prog rock, Fusion rock, Funk, and maybe a bit of jazz. Kind of a pity this was their only album as I think a second one with a better producer this band might have really gone some where. All that said this one is definitely one you should take the time to listen to and you might join the cult following this band has.

Tracklist
1 – Creepin’ In – 2:44
2 – Lookin’ Out – 3:01
3 – Who Are We Looking To? – 3:29
4 – When He Comes – 2:55
5 – You Got A Hold On Me – 5:48
6 – New Old World – 3:26
7 – Latter Rain – 4:39
8 – By My Spirit – 2:48
9 – Before The Throne – 5:42

Credits
Ken Burger – Songwriter, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Mark Copenhaver – Producer, Engineer
Ground Crew – Producer
Mark Huhnke – Songwriter, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals
R. Jones – Songwriter
D. Koss – Songwriter
Eric Lucas – Songwriter, Guitar, Sax, Bass, Vocals
Tom Winters – Drums

Chuck Girard – The Name Above All Names – 1983

This album marked Chuck’s departure from Good News Records and instead he created his own label for this album. That said I am guessing the experiment didn’t go well as he joined Asaph Records for his next album. Now I’m going to criticize this album but hear me out as it’s not that bad. Chuck brought in Bob Rose to help produce this album. Bob had only produced one album before this one which was Chucks The Stand album. Chuck and his wife Karen took co-producing credits and executive production credits. Quite frankly the album shows the lack of proper production. A few songs have fade ins which is generally avoided by most producers as it not generally well received. That said an occasional fade in song is good for artistic license but not so many. Further the album just doesn’t have that finished feel. Many of the song names are too long and it just doesn’t feel finished. Now that said, the songs are good and the album probably has some of his best lyrics ever. The mix is good if not polished and I noticed that Derald Dougherty gets an engineering credit on the album. So to sum up it’s a good album and my criticism should probably be initially ignored and you should listen to the album and judge it for yourself.

Tracklist
1 – The Name Above All Names – 4:34
2 – Kingdom Come – 4:44
3 – We Are The Righteousness Of God – 3:36
4 – Blessed Be The Name Of My Rock – 3:30
5 – Soldiers Of The Lion – 4:51
6 – Don’t Shoot The Wounded – 4:07
7 – And The Rain Came Down – 4:00
8 – Wall Of Love – 3:37
9 – Walk As I Walk – 4:05
10 – The Power And The Glory – 3:44

Credits
Arranged By, Producer – Bob Rose
Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Chuck Girard (tracks: B1)
Art Direction – Liza McDonald
Backing Vocals – Bili Thedford, Chuck Girard, Denny Correll, Terry Clark, Tommy Funderburk
Co-producer, Executive-Producer – Chuck Girard
Engineer – Bill Cobb
Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Derald Dougherty, Jonathan Brown
Executive-Producer – Karen Girard
Mastered By – Carol Hibbs
Mixed By [Mixdown Engineer] – Nick Van Maarth
Percussion – Burleigh Drummond
Photography By – Harry Langdon
Synthesizer – Rob Watson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Seven Thunders Records
Copyright (c) – Seven Thunders Records
Distributed By – Word Records (2)
Mastered At – K Disc Mastering
Recorded At – Poiema Studios
Recorded At – Baby’O Recorders
Recorded At – Whitefield Studios

Rick Elias – Ten Stories – 1991

With Ten Stories Rick Elias is “Confession-less” and he stands alone with 10 brilliantly conceived, performed and recorded songs that should have made Elias a major name in CCM. But alas, it would be a few years later as a member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band that Rick would garner what celebrity he has. But it is his first two releases that will be noted on this list with the debut being presented MUCH later. Frontline Records held no expense in trying to break Rick Elias into the mainstream of CCM with a major marketing and promotional push. I remember selling the album to stores with a huge cardboard cutout display and securing end-caps for even more exposure. But Christian radio was not ready (ever ready?) for gritty, earthy, Americana rock and roll without the easy Christianeze answers to life’s bigger questions. Or maybe the fact that Elias would not limit his musical export to three minute ditties for CCM consumption also played a role. The fact the album was a brilliant was not lost, though, on fans and critics alike. Despite never achieving the retail success the album deserved the critical and fan base response was huge. And for good reason. the album is filled with brilliance from the first power chord of “I Wouldn’t Need You Like I Do” to the last fading strain of “Leave One Light On.” Elias continues many of the themes from the debut including some stunning and difficult stories of those struggling with their faith, lives and doubts. No easy believism allowed here. There are pictures of frustration, loss, anger and rejection painted here. John Doe discusses the struggles of a man beaten up by his father as a child and beaten up by life as an adult. “Don’t Rain On Me” explores the one who refuses the love and grace of God. Despite looking at the gift, the subject refuses the basic common graces of God and refuses outright, through a heart of selfishness and doubt, the unique grace that comes through faith. Elias makes his characters so believable that it is hard not to imagine you or someone you know as the subjects. “My Very Own Hero” would have been a mainstream radio success story if the name on the single was Springsteen, Petty or Mellencamp. Great groove, killer melody and impressively passionate performance. “When You Lose Someone You Love” has Elias accompanied by acoustic guitar and harmonica, possessing a melody from something akin to Springsteen’s “Nebraska.” Though beautiful and brilliant, the haunting lyrical content would never allow it to be heard on Christian radio. The list of brilliant description could go throughout the entire project. Maybe it should!

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

Tracklist
1 – I Wouldn’t Need You (Like I Do) – 5:18
2 – John Doe – 4:32
3 – Don’t Rain On Me – 5:19
4 – My Very Own Hero – 5:05
5 – When You Lose Someone You Love – 4:28
6 – Steps – 4:30
7 – Wondering Why – 4:10
8 – Pray For The Day – 5:15
9 – Only Your Love – 4:31
10 – Leave One Light On – 5:53

Credits
Acoustic Bass – Glen Holmen (tracks: 5)
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Backing Vocals – Dave Jahnsen (tracks: 2,6), Kenny Hicks (tracks: 7), Linda Elias, Pete Shambrook* (tracks: 7), Rick Elias
Bass – Kelly Burns
Design – Brian Godawa
Drums – Doug Mathews
Electric Guitar – Glenn Pearce (tracks: 8)
Engineer – Dave Jahnsen
Engineer [Additional] – Bill Baumgart, Rick Elias
Guitar – Rick Elias
Keyboards – Linda Elias, Rick Elias
Keyboards [Additional] – Jay York
Lead Vocals – Rick Elias
Mixed By – Dave Jahnsen, Rick Elias
Percussion – Linda Elias
Photography By – Wayne Armstrong
Producer – Rick Elias
Producer [Additional Production] – Dave Jahnsen, Linda Elias
Written-By – Rick Elias

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – FMG Distribution
Record Company – Frontline Music Group – FLD9246

Paul Johnson & The Packards – California – 1987

In my quest to find the oddball examples of 80’s CCM I found this artist. Paul Johnson was playing Surf music long ago in the 60’s and he played with some of the most popular surf bands including The Surfias. This is actually his 3rd Christian album though I kind of struggle with calling it a Christian album. Not because I question Paul’s beliefs but because it is an instrumental album. That said it was picked up by Frontline Records so let’s be clear I have no doubts it was an inspired album. That said it is a very oddball album. If you have a hankering for some 50’s/60’s style surf music this album is for you. Oh, and it has an excellent cover of The Beatles song “Day Tripper”.

Tracklist
1 – Kamikaze – 2:37
2 – Escape To Reality – 4:26
3 – Mr. Moto – 1:49
4 – Baja – 3:11
5 – Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus – 3:39
6 – Squad Car – 2:07
7 – Day Tripper – 2:30
8 – Link Wray Medley: Rumble, Jack The Ripper, Rawhide – 7:02
9 – Streets Of Gold – 3:52

Credits
Arranged By – Paul Johnson
Art Direction, Design – Ed McTaggart
Artwork [Cover Art, Guitar Heaven] – John Dickenson
Bass Guitar – Guy Hufferd
Drums – Ray Huskey
Engineer, Mastered By [Digitally Re-Mastered By] – Doug Doyle
Guitar – Paul Johnson
Mastered By – John Matousek
Painting [Cover Painting, California] – Rick Griffin
Producer – Doug Doyle, Paul Johnson
Rhythm Guitar – Marc Burroughs
Soloist – Marc Burroughs (tracks: 7)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA.
Mixed At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA.
Mastered At – Hitsville
Remastered At – Digital Brothers
Distributed By – FMG Distribution
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Frontline Records
Copyright (c) – Frontline Records
Record Company – Frontline Music Group