The humour continues as Mike is joined by his wife, at the time, for his 6th album.
It should be noted that Warnke was revealed as a liar and fraudster in 1991 by Cornerstone magazine. This recording is offered as a historic record of what was being listened to in the Christian community in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Credits Art Direction – McConnell Graphics Engineer – Carl Frost Engineer [Second] – Eric Tarleton Mastered By – Glenn Meadows Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer – Neal Joseph
Companies, etc. Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. Mastered At – Masterfonics
This is going to be a very brief description as there is very little known about this band. They were from Victoria Canada and they self released this album in 1986. That’s all I can find. It’s a Metal album which in places actually leans Hard Rock. It’s quite good and I’m a bit surprised it wasn’t picked up by one of the local area labels as there were a couple in that area of Canada. If you’re a Metal head you’ll probably like this one so take the time to give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Take Hold – 4:54 2 – Draw Close – 2:59 3 – Set Me On Fire – 3:10 4 – Psalm 139 – 3:18 5 – Prince Of Life – 3:07 6 – Fight For Your Life – 4:51 7 – Love Not The World – 4:43 8 – The Gathering – 4:19 9 – The Second Coming – 3:57
Credits Bass Guitar – Bruce Davies Drums – Steve Sawatsky Engineer – Tony Moskal Lead Vocals – Steve Satkowski Producer – Tony Moskal Vocals – Lisa Sawatsky Vocals, Guitar – Ron Willies
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Victoria’s Legacy Sound Studios, Victoria B.C.
While Mylon grew up playing Gospel music in his family band he decided to go the secular music route. He had some success in the 70’s and became well known in the industry. With that success came a somewhat rougher lifestyle than Mylon was familiar with. In 1980 Mylon came back into the fold after attending a Second Chapter of Acts concert. He actually became a janitor at his church in Atlanta, Mt. Paran Church of God. Nothing like a bit of humbling to move you to a stronger relationship with God. Mylon contacted Degarmo & Key as he wanted to enter the CCM industry and subsequently did some writing and sang backup on their “This Ain’t Hollywood” album. In turn Degarmo & Key stepped up to help Mylon with this album. Interestingly the band was assembled from his bible study group at his church and in 1982 this album appeared on the market. Now I do have to make bit of a disclaimer. If you are familiar with MYlon’s work later in the 80’s this album is going to be a little different. While it is well written and played it leans far more Easy Listening than his later work. So if you don’t care about that sit down and give the album a listen and hear where it all started over for Mylon.
Tracklist 1 – Stranger To Danger – 4:46 2 – Child Of The Father – 3:33 3 – You Comfort Me – 2:47 4 – Waitin’ On Heaven – 3:25 5 – Broken Heart – 4:30 6 – The Light – 3:58 7 – Our Desire – 3:35 8 – To Be Real – 3:03 9 – Inner Mission/A Brand New Start – 5:03
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jack Holder Backing Vocals – Debbie Cathey, Jimi Jamison Drums – John Hampton Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion – Joe Hardy Engineer – Joe Hardy Guitar – Mike Adams Lead Guitar, Classical Guitar, Resonator Guitar [Dobro], Congas – Dean Harrington Mastered By – Larry Nix Organ, Synthesizer – Ed DeGarmo Piano, Keyboards [Rhodes], Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Stan Coates Producer – Dean Harrington, Joe Hardy, Mylon LeFevre Saxophone – Andrew Love Trombone – Ben Cauley Trumpet – Jack Hale Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Phil Driscoll (tracks: B2) Vocals – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Ardent Studios Recorded At – Axis Sound Studio Recorded At – Mastersound Studios, Atlanta Mastered At – Ardent Mastering
Farrell & Farrell fans often consider this to be their best album. By the measure of fun this is definitely their best album. By the measure of CCM chart hits it was not strong. The lack of CCM magazine hits is a testament to it being a good album in my opinion. It is a fun pop oriented album and the track “People in a Box” received very heavy airplay. Personally I don’t think the track aged very good and I find it a tad annoying but then again it’s not in the 80’s anymore. The track was pretty good in the proper era. Degarmo and Key step in again to give this album their signature guitar and keyboards and adding the Farrell’s vocals is a very good combo. As I said the album only had the one CCM magazine hit. “Heart In The Right Place” only made it to #21 on the charts.
Tracklist 1 – Jump Up – 4:04 2 – People In A Box – 3:31 3 – Split Second – 3:33 4 – American Man – 3:51 5 – The Sting – 3:52 6 – Heart In The Right Place – 3:15 7 – Hungry Eyes, Thirsty Hearts – 4:06 8 – Shakedown – 4:27 9 – The Meek And The Mighty – 3:03 10 – I Belong To Him – 3:18
Credits Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Carl Marsh Art Direction – Dave Rogers Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Farrell, Dana, Farrell Drums, Percussion – Cromwell Engineer [Engineered By], Mixed By – John Hampton Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Darrell A. Harris Guitar [Additional Guitars] – Dana Key Guitar [Guitars], Keyboards – Demus Illustration – Jeff Sanson Keyboards – Robins Keyboards [Additional] – Carl, Ed Mastered By – Howie Weinberg Photography By – Dean Dixon Producer [Produced By] – Bob Farrell, Ed DeGarmo Vocals – Farrell, Farrell
Companies, etc. Copyright (c) – Star Song Records Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records Distributed By – Word, Inc. Produced For – Mint Productions Engineered At – Ardent Studios Mixed At – Ardent Studios Mastered At – Masterdisk Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles Published By – StraightWay Music Published By – Elenbee Music Published By – Mint To Be Music Published By – Paragon Music Published By – Warner Bros. Music Published By – Bob Montgomery Music Inc.
In the world of Christian pop music more than a handful of artists bounded on the scene without the songwriting credentials, artistic acumen and lyrical insight…and they sold a ton of records. Other like Kenny Marks made a name for themselves and sold a decent amount, but never attained the popularity their quality work deserved. Often favorably compared to Bryan Adam and Richard Marx, Kenny Marks was a singer-songwriter that plied his trade in the CCM world and should have done much better. His songs combined the popular and common themes of mainstream CCM with a twist or difference that set him apart. he would also deal with subjects either taboo or poorly communicated in other settings. He may be most noted for his trilogy of songs that surrounded the relationship between a Johnny and a Jeannie. Two High School sweethearts that date, marry, have a child and divorce. Though a later album would bring Johnny back as a character, it is the three songs on three records in a row that are of most note. That trilogy started here with “Growing Up Too Fast.” The albums biggest hit was the title track, a stirring ballad about God’s undying love and forgiveness. “One Small Voice” reminds the listener of God’s attempt to speak to us in the small things in a busy and loud world. “Single-Minded Love” addresses the loneliness and difficulty of being a single adult within the walls of the Church. Marks had a decent little career, but it should have been stronger and lasted longer. There were three of four fantastic albums released throughout the mid-80’s that still deserve repeated listening.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Right Where You Are – 4:11 2 – One Small Voice – 3:17 3 – Prisoner – 4:57 4 – It’s Incredible – 3:21 5 – Gift From God – 4:10 6 – Growing Up Too Fast – 4:00 7 – Single-Minded Love – 3:45 8 – Still Be Believing – 3:20 9 – You’re The Best – 3:40 10 – Sing For Joy – 3:11
Credits Art Direction – Bill Brunt Backing Vocals – Denny Henson, Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks, Patti Leatherwood, Randy Guidry Bass – Mike Brignardello Drums – Dennis Holt Engineer – Kyle Lehning Engineer [Assistant] – Doug Sarrett Engineer, Mixed By – Jeff Balding Executive-Producer – Neal Joseph Guitar – Jon Goin Mastered By – Hank Williams Percussion – Terry McMillan Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Keyboards [Mini Moog Bass], Backing Vocals – Keith Thomas Saxophone – Mark Douthit
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio Mastered At – Mastermix Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
One of the great crimes in the history of CCM was the sudden disappearance of Robert Vaughn and the fact that this amazing record was all but ignored. It may be the most significant AYSO on this entire list! There have been a few different incarnations of Robert Vaughn with different backing band names, but the husky, edgy and utterly unforgettable voice is pure Vaughn. Labeled initially as Americana rock and roll and compared to Springsteen, Mellencamp and Petty, there is much more originality here and a totally different musical landscape. Musically the most immediate comparison I ever mention is Hothouse Flowers with the soulful, expressive music and vocal stylings. This album was part of the short-lived Exit Records/IRS experiment that saw only The 77’s receive any deep distribution. This album and the self-titled Charlie Peacock never really saw the light of day, let a lone placement in Tower Records. That is a shame as RVaTS could have been a great success given any support for radio and touring. I saw them once at a showcase with Charlie Peacock and The 77’s and, if not for Mark Tootle’s guitar smashing antics, RV may have stolen the show. He was great live and much more passionate musically then even what appears on this great project. Everyone I know that owns this album has asked not “if” this album will make the list, but rather “where” as for those who own it know it is a total no-brainer for the album to be included. The rest should find a way to track it down!
Tracklist 1 – Spanish Rebels – 3:03 2 – Justice – 5:24 3 – Palace Of Tears – 4:22 4 – Dreaming Fields – 1:38 5 – Love And War – 4:37 6 – Love Came Falling – 3:00 7 – Nights On Fire (Bye Bye Moon) – 4:41 8 – December – 3:50 9 – Bordertown – 2:05
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Anthony Daluz, Robert Vaughn Backing Vocals – Anthony Daluz, Leo Corriea, T.J. Tindall Bass – Doug Boone Coordinator – Jan Volz Drums – Greg LaRocco Electric Guitar – Anthony Daluz, Robert Vaughn Engineer [Additional] – Daryl Zachman, T.J. Tindall Engineer [Assistant] – Rick Slater Executive-Producer – Mary Neely Flute – Steve Kocherhans Guitar – T.J. Tindall Keyboards – Steve Kocherhans Mixed By – Eric Calm Organ [Hammond] – John Nau Percussion – Bongo Bob Smith Piano – John Nau Producer – T.J. Tindall Programmed By – Bill Coe Recorded By – Michael W. Harris Sampler – Bill Coe Sampler [E-mu Ii] – John Nau, Robert Vaughn Saxophone – Steve Kocherhans Violin – Linda Cummiskey Vocals – Robert Vaughn
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Island Records Distributed By – MCA Records Published By – Sangre Productions Mixed At – Quad Recording Studios Recorded At – Western Audio Recorded At – Mix Masters Recorded At – Sacred Tone
Ron Moore is not an artist I was familiar with in the 80’s which is a bit surprising as he has 8 albums in the 70’s to early 90’s time period. Now after listening to the album it is unlikely I would have purchased the album as it was not my style of music but I still should have been aware of him. Even though it’s not my style it’s very well done which is all the more reason I should have heard of him. It is a mix of AOR and Easy Listening and Ron’s guitar work and vocals are excellent. It almost has a folk sound in places and his style could have compared to Cat Stevens (your mileage may vary). One final reason I should have heard of this album/artist is that it was released on blue vinyl. While this was a gimmick in the 80’s, it’s a gimmick that drew me like a moth to a light. All in all it’s a great album from a great artist and I look forward to listening to some of his other work. By the way if you’re interested in getting a copy of his music most of it is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
Tracklist 1 – Sarasota – 4:18 2 – Master Plan – 2:23 3 – Deep Magic – 2:34 4 – Givers And Takers – 3:57 5 – Forgiving – 2:22 6 – The Road Forever – 3:53 7 – Waiting – 4:04 8 – Faith In Action – 2:23 9 – Stand Your Ground – 2:57 10 – Star Chasers All – 4:51 11 – Don’t Take Long – 2:34 12 – Champion – 3:27
Credits Vocals – Ron Moore Acoustic Guitar – Ron Moore Electric Guitar – Ron Moore, Jim Thomas, Charlie Swanogon Bass – Ron Moore Synthesizer – Ron Moore, Kerry Moore, John Lawry, Dennis Ikler, Howard Eddy Percussion – Ron Moore, Michael Addison Drums – Walter Martin, Dennis Holt Background Vocals – Albrecht, Roley & Moore, Ron & Kerry Moore, Scott Roley, Pat Quinn, Michael and Audrey Henderson, Sandy Wynn, Jim Thomas, Kerri Evans Graphics – Kerry Moore Back cover photo – Kerry Moore Cover concept – Ron Moore, Dennis Preston, Kerry Moore Cover illustration – Dennis Preston Mastered by – George Graves Producer – Ron Moore Engineer – Bill Deaton, Bob Dennis, Ron Moore Horse Rider – Pauly Hubbard
This 1981 offering from Randy showcases his ability to stay relevant in the 80’s. Randy was an artist throughout the 70’s releasing 8 albums. This is his second album in the 80’s and his style was evolving without doing anything that would qualify him as a sellout. I compared his previous album as having a Joe Cocker sound and Scott commented that it also had a Bob Seger feel. This album has a strong Seger sound with a lot less of a Cocker sound. All in all an excellent album and if you can only listen to one song on the album I suggest the title track Plugged In. Point of trivia, Steve Scruggs engineered this album and his brother Randy played guitar on the album. They were the sons of the legendary Earl Scruggs.
Track Listing:
1 – Plugged In – 3:42
2 – Ball & Chain – 3:50
3 – Can’t They See – 3:51
4 – Sooner Or Later – 3:21
5 – Hold Fast, Hold Tight – 4:04
6 – Over & Over – 2:43
7 – Prodigal Son – 3:13
8 – Loud Shroud – 3:44
9 – White Boat – 4:10
10 – Praise These Days – 3:41
Credits:
Acoustic Guitar – Randy Matthews
Backing Vocals – Bonnie D. Hatcher, Francine Belcher, Gary Scruggs, Kimberly D. Fleming
Bass, Backing Vocals – David McCaskell
Drums, Backing Vocals – Louie Weaver
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Randy Scruggs
Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Allen Holmes
Engineer – Steve Scruggs
Engineer, Mixed By – Tom Semmes
Executive Producer – Kent Washburn
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Gene Sisk
Producer – John Thompson
Deliverance was another band coming out of the California metal scene in the mid 80’s. They had a demo in 1987 that was very well received and then got two tracks on the first California Metal compilation. Then they got a deal in 1988 with Intense Records for this 1989 release. Though they are usually better known for their second album this album was well received but there was only a short pressing so there wasn’t as much promotion. The album ranked at No. 3 on Heaven’s Metal fanzine Top 100 Christian metal albums of all-time. The album was also well received in the secular metal community though I think it could be better referenced as having a secret secular fan club. The album was produced by Bill Metoyer who was working with top secular metal bands of the period. The album was re-issued by Retroactive Records in November of 2008 with new album artwork and “Attack” and “A Space Called Your” as bonus tracks. This playlist includes those two tracks. It was again re-issued in 2017 by Roxx Records & No Life ’til Metal Records with the same two bonus tracks.
Tracklist 1 – Victory – 3:44 2 – No Time – 4:28 3 – Deliverance – 3:03 4 – If You Will – 3:03 5 – The Call – 3:40 6 – No Love – 3:30 7 – Blood of the Covenant – 4:50 8 – Jehovah Jireh – 3:35 9 – Temporary Insanity – 5:25 10 – Awake – 6:03
2008 Bonus Tracks 11 – Attack – 3:54 12 – Space Called You – 3:45
Credits Art Direction – Ed Taggart Bass – Brian Khairullah Cover [Cover Concept By] – Deliverance Drums – Chris Hyde Executive-Producer – Caesar Kalinowski Guitar – Glenn Rogers Music By [All Songs By], Vocals, Guitar – Jimmy P. Brown II Producer – Bill Metoyer Remastered By – Rob Colwell
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Intense Records Copyright (c) – Intense Records Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Distributed By – Mainroads Music Group Recorded At – Mixing Lab A Recorded At – Mixing Lab B Published By – Broken Songs Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
There are a handful of families who could possibly lay claim to being the “First Family of CCM” including the Wards, Rambos, Winans, Cruze’s and the Archers. There was a time from the late 1970’s until the mid-80’s that the Archers were the biggest thing in CCM. Not too many CCM artists can claim to be invited to the Grammy Awards during that time, let along being asked to perform on the program…twice! The siblings of Steve, older brother Gary and little sister Janice recorded several albums, hit the top of the charts regularly, toured extensively and were the face of CCM for many years. One of their albums will also appear later on this last. In the early 80’s Steve was wanting to broach a solo career while maintaining a schedule with the family’s music plans. His first release “Solo” was warmly received and caused enough reaction to call for a follow-up. That follow-up was “Through His Eyes,” an album that, for the time, would be considered a “mega-hit” record with strong sales, topping the CCM sales chart and unbelievable radio support. It also featured what many people consider the first legitimate music video in CCM. Most albums start with an upbeat tune to grab the listener’s attention. Archer went against the norm and started with the title track, one of the few songs in CCM to deserve the “classic” title. The ballad was huge…I mean HUGE! Despite its sugary string arrangement (I want to blame Chris Christian) the song actually has an emotional center where concern for the lost and hurting around us is authentic. The song is call for those disenfranchised to see themselves as Christ sees them. This was not the normal “Jesus makes me happy” lyric that dominated (still?) Christian radio. Archer’s “blue-eyed soul (is that term overused enough?) is reminiscent to Hall and Oates (I’ll Do My Best) or a softer Bryan Duncan (Believe It). The album is filled primarily upbeat pop numbers and strong, radio friendly ballads. Archer bridge a generational gap and was a safe artists within Church circles, which allowed him to benefit from programs like “Hour of Power” and other national programs. This only increased his fan base. This fan base carried him for several more years both as a solo artist and with his family. I understand that music critic elitist simply do not understand the world of pop music and shutter when certain genres receive recognition. But within every genre are artists who are clearly superior in their craft. In the world of family and Church safe CCM no artists in his generation matched what Archer was able to accomplish.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Through His Eyes Of Love – 4:20 2 – Safe – 4:08 3 – I’ll Do My Best – 3:48 4 – Holy, Holy – 4:11 5 – Believe It – 3:52 6 – Renew Me Lord – 3:30 7 – Teach Me To Be Like You – 4:19 8 – New Heart – 4:10 9 – Must Be You – 4:47 10 – Unless God Builds Your House – 3:21 11 – Eye Of The Storm – 4:01 12 – Blood Of Jesus – 3:26
Credits Bass – Nathan East Drums – John Robinson Executive-Producer, Producer – Chris Christian Guitar – Dann Huff, Michael Landau Keyboards – Robbie Buchanan
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc. Manufactured By – LCS Music Group, Inc. Distributed By – LCS Music Group, Inc.
