To say this is a legendary sampler is an understatement. It was 1987 and metal was really catching so Regency put this sampler out. They lured you in with Barren Cross and then fed you some of California’s best Metal bands. Many of these tracks weren’t even released elsewhere for 20 more years. Also included on the album was the unreleased band Hero that people loved. I have detailed below where you can find these songs outside of this sampler. If you had this one in 80’s you know how special it was.
Tracklist 1 – Barren Cross – Deadlock – On 1988 album “Atomic Arena 2 – Guardian – Marching On – Unreleased until 2009 on “First Watch” re-release as a bonus track 3 – Neon Cross – I Need Your Love – Unreleased until 2001 on “Neon Cross” re-release as a bonus track 4 – Hero – I Surrender – Unreleased Band 5 – Deliverance – A Space Called You – Unreleased until 2008 on “Deliverance” re-release as a bonus track 6 – Mastedon – Wasn’t It Love – Unreleased until 2009 on “It’s A Jungle Out There” re-release as a bonus track 7 – Guardian – Spiritual Warfare – Unreleased until 2009 on “First Watch” re-release as a bonus track 8 – Deliverance – Attack – Unreleased until 2008 on “Deliverance” re-release as a bonus track 9 – Hero – Sing It Out – Unreleased Band 10 – Neon Cross – Son Of God – Unreleased until 2001 on “Neon Cross” re-release as a bonus track
Tracklist 1 – Barren Cross – Deadlock – 4:33 2 – Guardian – Marching On – 3:38 3 – Neon Cross – I Need Your Love – 3:08 4 – Hero – I Surrender – 3:47 5 – Deliverance – A Space Called You – 3:51 6 – Mastedon – Wasn’t It Love – 4:42 7 – Guardian – Spiritual Warfare – 4:13 8 – Deliverance – Attack – 3:44 9 – Hero – Sing It Out – 3:02 10 – Neon Cross – Son Of God – 4:15
Credits Executive-Producer – David Malme, John Moore Illustration – Helane Freeman Lacquer Cut By – Eddy Schreyer Producer, Engineer – Bob Beeman, The Pakaderm Company
The sweet-natured half-smile, kind eyes and one-way finger nearly obscured by the head and face of hair on the cover does not serve as indication as to what laid within the grooves of this album. This is not sweet, syrupy, pabulum CCM with songs of encouragement for your “tough days.” Though the Jeremiah in rags pointing at God’s people with the Word as a sword would be the experience of the following album, “No Compromise,” there still is the ever-present call for repentance and holy living. But also noticeable are songs obviously written at a time just after conversion focusing on those beginning moments of love and joy. This debut album would not only showcase Green’s songwriting and vocal acumen, but would also be the most piano focused release. There are times that the listener feels like Green is sitting in his living room playing their piano and performing just for them. The central focus of the piano in the instrumentation and mic puts one of Green’s finest skills front and center. The reason for this is that the album was recorded almost completely live in the studio with very limited overdubbing, just limited to strings and backing vocals. This “live” feel was probably as much for budget as for the listener’s experience, but for this record it works. The focus throughout remains the voice, the piano, the songs. The album starts with “You Put This Love In My Heart,” a Elton John type piano driven pop song reflecting on God’s undying love and intrusive offer of love and grace.
Cause your love has released me From all that’s in my past And I know I can believe you When you say I’ll never be forsaken Your love is gonna last
There’s so much more I should say If I could just find a way You put this love in my heart
A continuing theme of God’s faithfulness amidst our sin is the focus of the ballad “I Can’t Believe It!” which introduces an endearing and lasting (though short lived due to his death) ballad form. The Elton John quality here is often where Green is at his finest. “Because of You” handles the same topic but in a decidedly more upbeat fashion. Where the former is more introspective the latter deals with how the change in one’s life impacts those around them.
Now people just can’t believe, that my life used to be Something that no one had any use for I’d stay at home each night, never shine the light And i thank you, it will never be like before
It’s because of you People point at me and say i like what that boys got And because of you I confess i don’t have a lot But what i have is because of you
Now people smile at me and ask me what it is That makes them want to be just like i am So i just point to you and tell them, yes it’s true I’m no special one, i’m just one man
It’s because of you
The more upbeat songs tend to showcase Green’s amazing piano work in a rock format and this song may be his finest work on the album using this style. His rollicking piano form owes much to the Jerry Lee Lewis revivalistic R&B. One song from the album that remained a radio standard for many years to follow is “When I Hear the Praises the Start.” This song of God’s undying love for His bride is sung from the point of view of Jesus calling out to His Church.
My child, My child, why are you weeping You will not have to wait forever That day and that hour is in My keeping The day I’ll bring you into Heaven
For when I hear the praises start My child, I want to rain upon you Blessing that will fill your heart I see no stain upon you Because you are My child and you know me To me you’re only holy Nothing that you’ve done remains Only what you do in Me
Honky-tonk piano highlights “He’ll Take Care of the Rest,” a song that continues the theme of God’s persevering work for His people. using Moses and Noah as Biblical examples of God’s faithfulness. This song shows Green’s more playful and humorous side that would be nearly completely absent on “No Compromise” and return on “Egypt.” The classic “Your Love Broke Through” follows. There is an interesting story regarding the song. Green had written the song a few years earlier with Randy Stonehill but graciously allowed Phil Keaggy to record the song and release it before himself. That is simply unheard of not only today, but ever. And with all due respect to Stonehill, Keaggy and others, this is the definitive version. The first of Green’s “trilogy” of songs about the Devil follows with “No One Believes In Me Anymore.” Again here Green displays his lighter and more humorous side. Honky-tonk piano again drives this song about the limited belief on the Devil, both in and out of the Church. The point is the deceptive nature of God’s enemy, his greatest deception being that of getting people to no longer believe in him. The song works as a musical version of CS Lewis’ classic book, “The Screwtape Letters.”
Oh, my job keeps getting easier As day slips into day The magazines, the newspapers Print every word I say This world is just my spinning top It’s all like child’s play You know, I dream that it would never stop But I know it’s not that way Still my work goes on and on Always stronger than before I’m gonna make it dark before the dawn Since no one believes in me anymore!
Well, I used to have to sneak around But now they just open their doors
Green’s most passionate performance is reserved for “Song to My Parents,” a plea to his family to find the love that God has for them. As one whose entire family are believers I can only imagine how heart breaking this experience must be for people. “Trials Turned to Gold” deals with the common struggle all Christians face when coming against difficult times and trying to understand God’s plan amidst the trials.
The view from here is nothing near To what it is for You I tried to see Your plan for me But I only acted like I knew
Oh Lord forgive the times I tried to read your mind Cause you said if I’d be still Then I would hear your voice
The album closes with Green’s version of the 2nd Chapter of Acts classic “Easter Song.” This song in unique on the album as it is the only song not written or co-written by Green and one of the few times he covered a song on any album in his career. It should be noted that Green does add a verse not in the original. Green’s voice, though, is brighter and stronger on this song than just about any other in his career. This remains one of the two or three greatest songs of the Jesus Music era and Green’s version is a worthy one and the perfect way to finish this amazing and timeless classic record. Green’s impact on Christian music and ministry cannot be understated. There have been three tribute albums made by various artist including one by rock and alternative label, Tooth and Nail nearly 20 years after his death. His impact was so great that a collection of artist there were in diapers when he dies were moved and motivate enough to lend themselves to covering his amazing music.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – You Put This Love In My Heart – 3:29 2 – I Can’t Believe It! – 3:37 3 – Because Of You – 3:32 4 – When I Hear The Praises Start – 4:23 5 – He’ll Take Care Of The Rest – 3:59 6 – Your Love Broke Through – 3:26 7 – No One Believes In Me Anymore (Satan’s Lament) – 3:20 8 – Song To My Parents (I Only Want To See You There) – 4:00 9 – Trails Turned To Gold – 3:25 10 – The Easter Song – 3:55
Credits Accordion – Kenny Kotwitz Arranged By [Strings] – Harlan Rogers Backing Vocals – Danniebelle Hall, James “Arky” Felix, Keith Green Bass – Todd Fishkind Concertmaster – George Poole Drums – Bill Maxwell Engineer – Al Perkins, Gordon Shryock, Larry Emerine, Wally Duguid Engineer [Mixing] – Bill Maxwell, Keith Green, Tom Trefethen Guitar – Dean Parks, Gary Denton, Mike Deasy Organ – Harlan Rogers Photography – Gary Heely Piano, Acoustic Guitar – Keith Green Producer – Bill Maxwell, Keith Green
I absolutely loved the first Brave album so I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. This album has a little less of the blues style Rock and is more arena rock style and the Elefante brothers nailed the production on this one. I can not help but to think these guys were just about 8 years too late from being a huge deal. Let’s face the world had moved to grunge and this style just wasn’t “in”. That said these guys were good, really really good. Unfortunately this album would be the shut down of the band but they resurrected in 2014 and I’m looking forward to listening to their newer albums from this century unfortunately with a new vocalist as Randy Roberts apparently passed in 2007. Only have time for one track? “The River” is the one for you.
Tracklist 1 – The River – 4:22 2 – Rage Of The Age – 4:46 3 – Following You – 4:15 4 – Dirty Water – 4:53 5 – Tomorrow – 5:03 6 – Don’t – 5:13 7 – Long Way To Heaven – 4:14 8 – Can’t Let The Devil Win – 4:31 9 – When You’re Alone – 5:29 10 – Trust – 3:16
Credits Artwork – David Bach Backing Vocals [Additional Musician] – Jeff Gunn, Larry Worley, The Brave Bass [Additional Musician] – J.R. McNeely Bass, Vocals – Steve Irwin Drums [Additional Musician] – Jamie Wollam Engineer – J.R. McNeely Guitar, Vocals – Freddie Tierra, Stayce Roberts Keyboards [Additional Musician], Producer – John Elefante Lead Vocals, Guitar – Randy Roberts Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Dino Elefante
Starflyer 59 is one of the most prolific Christian artists you have probably never heard of. As of this writing they have 20 full length albums with the most recent coming in 2025. Now when I say they that’s a bit of a stretch. “They” are essentially Jason Martin who you may know from DanceHouse Children. He has a rotating roster of musicians helping him out including his son. Anyway this is their third album and second self titled album. Because they have 2 self titled albums they are generally referred to as either “Gold” or “Silver” as those are the colours of their album covers. The album has a bit of an experimental feel and while not my cup of tea it’s actually really well done. The album opens with a pretty strong grunge track but if that isn’t your thig not to worry is drifts away from that style as you go on. If you’d like to learn more about Starflyer 59 check out this podcast from The Album Anniversary Podcast. Lot’s of great info
Tracklist 1 – A Housewife Love Song – 4:23 2 – Duel Overhead Cam – 4:39 3 – When You Feel Miserable – 5:07 4 – You’re Mean – 2:05 5 – Stop Wasting Your Whole Life / Messed Up And Down – 5:03 6 – Messed Up Over You – 6:44 7 – When You Feel The Mess – 6:17 8 – Somewhere When Your Heart Glowed The Hope – 4:44 9 – Indiana – 4:26 10 – Do You Ever Feel That Way – 2:15 11 – One Shot Juanita – 4:37
Credits Artwork [Visualizing and Imaging] – Jason Pickersgill Bass – Andrew Larson Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Jason Martin Drums – Ed Giles Benrock, Jason Martin Engineer – Bob Moon Executive-Producer – Brandon Ebel Management [Road Managing] – Jeff Cloud Mastered By – Brian Gardner Mixed By – Bob Moon, Gene Eugene, Jason Martin Photography By [Band] – Karen Mason Producer – Jason Martin
After leaving Bash ‘n The Code Greg and Rebecca Sparks toured and recorded with Russ Taff and then in 1989 they went into the studio and recorded this fantastic pop rock album. This is another one of those albums that didn’t get the recognition it deserved. I was trying to pic my favourite track but it’s pretty tough. I guess I’ll have to go with U Tell Me but really there’s several tracks here that appeal to me. I absolutely love I Need Your Love and I think I’ve heard it before I heard this album. Did someone cover this because I know I have heard it before but I also know I have never heard this album before a few weeks ago. Anyway give this one a listen it’s a great album.
Tracklist 1 – Rock Your World – 3:34 2 – U Tell Me – 4:11 3 – I Need Your Love – 5:09 4 – One Small Voice – 3:39 5 – Angels Of Mercy – 4:09 6 – Rest – 3:10 7 – (Through) Hell And High H2O – 3:35 8 – Jesus Is Merciful – 0:18 9 – Somebody’s Reaching – 4:25 10 – Day Like Today – 3:41 11 – High Tower – 5:54
In 1983 we got our one and only gospel album from Johnny Rivers. Unfortunately I’m going to sound pretty negative about Johnny but hear me out. At this point Johnny’s last 3 albums did not do well and he was without a record contract. So he suddenly got saved and signed a deal with the very short lived CBS Records religious label Priority Records. I’m not saying his sudden Christianity was fake, I’m just saying it had some odd timing but we’ve seen this with secular artists before. The record deal turned out to be a 1 record deal as CBS shut down the label as they had no idea how to function in the Christian genre. Johnny would have to form his own record label after this as his time with the big labels was done. Now that said let’s talk about the album. It is fantastic. Johnny is a phenomenal talent and he really nailed this album. I know I sounded negative but let’s not take anything away from Johnny’s talent. The album is almost entirely cover tunes some better known than others. I really enjoyed this album but I was brought up in Johnny Rivers house so I might be a little biased.
Tracklist 1 – Nowhere Else To Go – 3:02 2 – A Change Is Gonna Come – 2:46 3 – Turning Point – 4:16 4 – Reach Out, I’ll Be There – 3:15 5 – Stand By Me – 4:27 6 – Believe In Me – 4:01 7 – Shelter In Time Of Storm – 3:52 8 – An Uncloudy Day – 4:04 9 – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – 3:21 10 – New Meaning – 3:44 11 – Live It From Day To Day – 3:32 12 – Golden Sun, Silver Moon – 3:40
Credits Artwork [The Lion Of Judah By] – Christi Rivers Backing Vocals [The Waters Family] – Julia Waters, Luther Waters, Maxine Waters, Oren Waters Co-producer [Assisted By] – Joey Paige, Michael Canfield Design [Original Album Design By] – Jeffery Fey Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Michael Ross Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Wally Grant Graphics [Reprographics By] – Mimeo Limited Liner Notes – John O’Regan Mixed By – Allen Sides Mixed By [Assisted By] – David Edgerton Percussion – Alex Acuna Photography By [Back Cover Photo By] – Sam Emerson Photography By [Front Cover Photo By] – Martin Producer – Johnny Rivers Remastered By – Andrew Thompson
In my quest to find the first Christian rock album I have run into one problem. The definition of rock of course evolved over the years. Today’s album was certainly rock when it was released but if you heard it in 1970 you may not have considered it rock. But anyway let’s talk about the band. It was founded in 1942 by Barney Parks who had formerly sung with the Dixie Hummingbirds. The band had several different members over the years until their last album in 2008. they had over 30 albums which is a pretty respectful number. This is their first album and has a great 50’s feel that I love. Is it the first? Well it is definitely one of the first. Oh and a sign of the times piece of trivia when this album was released in France it was titled “Negro Spirituals”. Try that nowadays.
Tracklist 1 – The Blood Of Jesus – 2:47 2 – It Is No Secret – 2:08 3 – Morning Train – 2:21 4 – Jesus Is Going – 2:27 5 – I Want To Go – 2:21 6 – What Would You Give – 2:35 7 – Savior Don’t Pass Me By – 2:07 8 – Standing At The Judgement – 3:17 9 – Live So God Can Use You – 2:38 10 – Burying Ground – 2:31 11 – To The End – 2:40
This is the second and last album for Dance House Children though the brothers would go on to work on other projects together. The album continues the dance club sound that really didn’t have that much of a market but the people who liked that style loved this album. I was pretty heavily into the secular dance club scene at the time and I will admit that this album measures right up there with any secular release of the period. My only real criticism for the album is the ugly album cover. I really wish Michael Knott would have stepped in and said no to it. As for the brothers Jason would go on to form Starflyer 59 and Ronnie would form Joy Electric which are both excellent projects by their own right. To say these brothers had great talent would be an under statement.
Tracklist 1 – Once Upon Your Lips – 4:58 2 – The Locket Maker – 4:24 3 – Old And True – 3:45 4 – Eve Leaf – 3:05 5 – Autumn Comes But Once, Dear – 4:19 6 – Homespun Is Happy – 4:19 7 – Simon Sister – 3:31 8 – Keepsake Melody – 3:54 9 – A Lull In The Fairest Maple – 4:43 10 – Uncle Art – 4:02 11 – A Cottage Song – 4:40 12 – Oleanders (Our Happy Place) – 4:02 13 – Sea Breeze – 3:25 14 – Merry – 3:49 15 – Wisteria Time – 4:47
Credits Art Direction, Design – Ed McTaggart Design Concept [Cover Art Concept] – Jason Martin, Ronnie Martin Design [Cover Logo By] – Ronnie Martin Engineer – Christopher Colbert, Dave Hackbarth, Greg Kemble Keyboards, Sampler [Samples] – Jason Martin Mastered By – Doug Doyle Mixed By – Christopher Colbert Photography By – Rob Powell Producer – Dance House Children Vocals, Keyboards, Sampler [Samples], Programmed By [Rhythm Programming] – Ronnie Martin Written-By – Ronnie Martin, Jason Martin
This is Lanny’s first solo album after a pretty extensive time as an axe for hire. This is rather an odd album for the Christian genre in that it’s more centered on Lanny’s Jazz guitar skills with a conceptual feel. I’m actually quite surprised that Frontline took a chance with this style of album as I just can’t see the market for this album at the time. There is one more traditional “Song” on the album, “Shadows Over My Heart”, and it is fantastic. Other than that track this album really isn’t for me but I still enjoyed listening to it due to Lanny’s excellent guitar skills. The fact that it’s not for me however should mean nothing because if you like a hint of Jazz in your Rock & Roll you will definitely like this one.
Tracklist 1 – Intro (A New Beginning) – 1:19 2 – Behold This Dreamer Cometh – 1:28 3 – Angry Candy – 6:50 4 – Looney Tunes – 1:08 5 – Ish Kabibill – 0:16 6 – When Shiloh Comes – 3:26 7 – Birenbau – 0:19 8 – Farbage Valves – 1:22 9 – Mariage Of Figaro (Sort Of) – 5:46 10 – Slappy White – 2:28 11 – Zulu Jam – 0:43 12 – Shadows Over My Heart – 4:34 13 – Neesh Taps – 0:44 14 – Jalapeno Man – 1:58 15 – Django – 0:45 16 – Hungry Hallow – 2:25 17 – Plymouth Rock – 5:54 18 – Sadako – 1:59 19 – Jabberwocky (The Shadow Gang) – 5:28 20 – Vindaloo – 4:09 21 – Fripp – 0:40 22 – Summertime – 3:18 23 – Echo Boy – 5:11 24 – Groom Lake – 0:40 25 – All The Things You Are – 6:47 26 – Amazing Grace – 1:33
Credits Acoustic Bass – Brian Bromberg Art Direction – Ed McTaggart Bass – Brian Bromberg, Jeff Berlin Design – Joe Potter Drum – Aldstadt Brothers, John Stamos Nigerian Drum Corps. Drums – Ken Mary, Mahatma Duffy Guitar – Joe Diorio Mastered By – Brian Gardner Percussion – Scott Breadman Photography – David Dobson, Robert Mattheu Producer, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Mandolin, Sitar, Drum Machine – Lanny Cordola Recorded By, Engineer – Roger Mielke Recorded By, Engineer, Mixed By – Dave Jahnsen Sampler – Dave Jahnsen Sarangi – Ken Jara Scratches – D.J. Kaos Shaker, Talking Drum – Scott Breadman Tabla – Leonice Shinneman Timbales – Scott Breadman Vocals – James Christian Voice – Roger Mieke
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Mixing Lab B Engineered At – Mixing Lab B Recorded At – Micro Note Recording Studio Engineered At – Micro Note Recording Studio Mixed At – Mixing Lab A Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering Glass Mastered At – Nimbus
Here we go again with another great Australian artist that didn’t make it to us in North America. “Roma” is Roma Waterman and this is her first album. It was released on micro label Triune Music which was best known for releasing the Steve Grace album Children Of The Western World. They hit a homerun with that one and this one should have been a homerun too. As near as I can find it sold relatively well but wasn’t a must buy in Australia. Roma had been working as a back up singer on a lot of Christian artist tours in Australia. I believe they self funded this album. I actually think they did a great job on this album my only nitpick is a little of the production is off. As an example the track “The Letter” was a song with huge potential but the arrangement is just wrong. It’s still an excellent song but just needed a little more oomph. That said I’m sure the album had limited funds and quite frankly knowing this makes the album even more of an achievement. As for the album it is a great pop album and I wish we had got a chance to buy it in North America.
Tracklist 1 – Give My Love To You – 3:20 2 – Change Your World – 3:42 3 – By The Faith – 3:54 4 – And I – 5:01 5 – Does It Really Matter – 5:14 6 – Look Up – 3:26 7 – Fly – 4:47 8 – People Change – 3:06 9 – Rain On Me – 3:16 10 – The Letter – 6:02
Credits Executive Producer – Ted Waterman Mixed By – Carl Laurens, David Carr, John Bosua Producer, Arranged By – Carl Laurens
Companies, etc. Made By – Disctronics B Recorded At – Fortress Productions Mixed At – TLC Studios, Melbourne
