Category: Albums

The Alarm – Eye of the Hurricane – 1987

The third studio album from The Alarm came to us in 1987. It was very well received reaching number 23 in the UK secular charts and number 77 in the US secular charts. The band actually toured with Bob Dylan the same year in support of the album. They also played Greenbelt the same year giving the Christian festival attendees a sneak peek of the album. The first single was “Rain In The Summertime” and when asked about it Mike Peters said they wrote the song together as a band. He also had this to say “We had a huge battle and it tore us apart. To get to the end of the record and have that song, it felt like we’d weathered a massive storm. We’d come through the eye of the hurricane, and here was the rain at the end of this intense period just to wash away all the ill feeling and bad experiences that we had, to bring us together.” The album is actually a little difficult to categorize. On one hand it’s rock but on the other hand new wave and on the third hand pop. However you categorize it, it is very good and a must listen.

Tracklist
1 – Rain In The Summertime – 5:12
2 – Newtown Jericho – 4:05
3 – Hallowed Ground – 4:17
4 – One Step Closer To Home – 4:31
5 – Shelter – 3:08
6 – Rescue Me – 3:19
7 – Permanence In Change – 4:01
8 – Presence Of Love – 4:01
9 – Only Love Can Set Me Free – 4:22
10 – Eye Of The Hurricane – 3:38

Credits
Bass Guitar, Synth [Bass Synth], Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Eddie MacDonald
Design, Art Direction – Steve Stretton
Drums, Drum Programming [Linn Programming], Backing Vocals – Twist
Engineer – Tony Platt
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Dave Sharp
Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harmonica – Mike Peters
Management – Ian Wilson, Third Light Management
Mastered By – Jay Willis
Mixed By – David Leonard (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4), Tony Platt (tracks: A4, B5)
Mixed By [Assistant] – Gary Wilkinson (tracks: A4, B5), Jim Champagne (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4), Nick Blundell (tracks: A4, B5), Ron DaSilva (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B4)
Musician [Additional], Piano, Organ [Hammond] – Chris Stanton* (tracks: A4, B4, B5)
Musician [Additional], Piano, Synthesizer [Dx7] – Mark Taylor (tracks: A1 to A3, B1 to B3)
Photography By – Spencer Rowell
Producer – John Porter, The Alarm
Programmed By – MacDonald, Porter, Twist
Written-By – Sharp (tracks: A4), MacDonald (tracks: A2 to A4, B1 to B5), Peters (tracks: A2 to A4, B1 to B5), Twist (tracks: A4), The Alarm (tracks: A1, A5)

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – MCA Records, Inc.
Distributed By – MCA Records, Inc.
Pressed By – Europadisk
Recorded At – Great Linford Manor
Mixed At – Soundcastle
Mixed At – Image Recording Studios
Mixed At – Great Linford Manor
Mastered At – Precision Lacquer
Phonographic Copyright (p) – International Record Syndicate, Inc.
Copyright (c) – International Record Syndicate, Inc.
Published By – Illegal Songs, Inc.

Petra – This Means War – 1987

This Means War! is the ninth studio album from Petra. The album was the start of a shift from their better known pop sound to a more guitar driven rock sound though the keyboards did remain and still dominated some tracks. The album was produced by the Elefante brothers and this is the style of music they excelled in producing. It is said that the title track “This Means War!” was a rebuke to those who criticized Christian Rock especially Jimmy Swaggart who had actually singled out Petra on his ridiculous rants against Christian rock. Personally I don’t really hear it but it’s an interesting side note to the album. The album garnered Petra their fourth Grammy Nomination in the Best Performance by a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus category but alas they did not win the Grammy for the fourth time. The album released 2 singles. Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened made it to #1 and I Am Available made it to #4.

Tracklist
1 – This Means War! – 3:30
2 – He Came, He Saw, He Conquered – 4:10
3 – Get On Your Knees And Fight Like A Man – 4:32
4 – I Am Available – 4:27
5 – Kenaniah – 3:43
6 – You Are My Rock – 4:21
7 – The Water Is Alive – 3:48
8 – Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened – 3:41
9 – Dead Reckoning – 3:23
10 – All The King’s Horses – 4:17

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Mark Kelly (8)
Bass Guitar – Mark Kelly
Booking [Concert Bookings] – William Morris Agency
Booking [Ministry Dates] – Ambassador Artist Agency
Drums – Louie Weaver
Drums [Drum Section] – Tom Hrbacek (tracks: 1)
Engineer [Engineered By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Illustration – Chris Hopkins
Keyboards – John Lawry
Lead Guitar – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Management [Management By] – FirstBorne Productions, Inc.
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Producer [Produced By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Bob Hartman, John Elefante, Louie Weaver, Tim Heitz
Programmed By [Computer Programming] – John Lawry
Promotion [Newsletter & Band Information] – Petra

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Pressed By – CTA Co. Ltd. – X-733
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Published By – Dawn Treader Music
Published By – Gaither Music
Published By – Petsong Publishing
Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing
Published By – Stop Shakin Publishing

Twila Paris – The Warrior Is A Child – 1984

It is not very often that an artist has the privilege of writing and recording a song that would one day be considered a classic. Even less often does that same artist write and record two or three such songs. Almost never do those three songs all appear on one album. After a sweet but neglected debut release, Knowing You’re Around, Twila released the popular Keepin’ My Eyes On You in 1982. That album showed the promise that would be realized on The Warrior is a Child. The album would contain several Top 10 singles and a few Number One singles. The most notable is the title track which went on to win several awards, own the radio charts and be the definitive song for an artist that has recorded over 20 albums and charted over 30 number one singles! Many songs have been added to recent editions of Church Hymnals while others have become modern worship classic. “Do I Trust You,” written after the death of Keith Green remained a radio favorite for years and one of the top selling accompany tapes ever sold. The beautiful and memorable melody has been added to hymnals and worship playlists. The song of God’s sovereignty has hit home with millions as a reminder of God’s role in our lives, even and especially during the difficult times. “We Bow Down” has also found it’s way into many modern hymnals and remains one of the most popular praise and worship songs of all time. It’s important to note that she was writing “pop” music for the masses that became worship classics well before the modern worship phenomenon. Very few MOR/Inspo albums have made there way on to this list, but one must recognize that when someone excels even in an area or style that is not a personal favorite, there is deserved recognition. Such is the case here as The Warrior is a Child remains a classic for the genre and genuinely great album with lasting impact and implications.

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

Tracklist
1 – The Warrior Is A Child – 4:05
2 – Forever Eyes – 3:32
3 – Clearer Vision – 4:13
4 – Do I Trust You – 4:11
5 – Covenant Keeper – 2:43
6 – The Battle Is The Lord’s – 2:55
7 – We Bow Down – 2:41
8 – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – 4:18
9 – To Do Your Will – 2:40
10 – Come On In – 3:58
11 – Praise Him – 3:36

Credits
Arranged By – Jonathan David Brown, George (Smitty) Price
Art Direction, Design – Joan Tankersley
Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Jamie Owens Collins, Jonathan David Brown, Kelly Willard, Starla Paris, Twila Paris
Bass Guitar – Jim Johnson, John Patitucci
Drums – Cactus Moser
Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Engineer – Jonathan David Brown
Engineer [Assisted By] – Steven Ford, Todd VanEtten
Executive-Producer – Phil Brower
Layout – Lori Cooper
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Percussion – Victor Feldman
Photography By – Craig Stewart
Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano [Rhodes] – George (Smitty) Price
Piano [Acoustic], Organ [B-3] – Harlan Rogers
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Synthesizer – John Schreiner
Written-By – Twila Paris (tracks: A1 to B2, B4 to B6)

Companies, etc.
Record Company – The Zondervan Corporation
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Singspiration
Copyright (c) – Singspiration
Published By – Singspiration Music
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – Future Disc
Designed At – The Cover Story

David Martin – Stronger Than The Weight – 1985

David Martin was am aspiring lyricist it the early 80’s and was having some success. In 1985 it was decided it was time for him to release his first album. Growing up in Atlanta he grew up listening to Southern Rock, Soul, and Gospel. That said this album is decidedly AOR and it will come as no surprise that Chris Christian produced the album. The musicians were mainly session musicians but were some of the best Nashville had to offer at the time. The album had 3 singles, Stronger Than The Weight made it to #5, Take Him To Heart made it to #13, and Adonai made it to #34. Not too shabby for a first album. There is a follow up album to this one which is a little more upbeat but we’ll get to it in due time.

Tracklist
1 – Take Him To Heart – 3:22
2 – Stronger Than The Weight – 3:54
3 – Adonai – 3:12
4 – Lookin’ For The Light – 4:16
5 – Miracle Man – 3:46
6 – Let The Wind Blow – 4:05
7 – How Can I Repay? – 3:20
8 – The Carpenter – 3:44
9 – Heart Of The Shepherd – 3:33
10 – He Holds Tomorrow – 3:32

Credits
Arranged By [Rhythm Track] – Jeff Balding, Phil Naish
Art Direction [Direction], Design – Kent Hunter
Backing Vocals – Denny Henson (tracks: 4, 8), Greg Guidry (tracks: 4, 8)
Bass – Mike Brignardello
Drum Programming [Overdubs] – Dennis Holt
Engineer [Recording], Mixed By – Jeff Balding
Engineer [Second] – David Pierce
Executive Producer – Chris Christian
Guitar – Jon Goin
Keyboards – Phil Naish
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Photography By – Scott Bonner
Producer, Written-By – Phil Naish (tracks: 6, 8)
Programmed By [Linn, Dmx And Simmons] – David Martin*, Phil Naish
Saxophone – Sam Levine (tracks: 2, 3)
Vocals, Written-By – David Martin

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – LCS Music Group, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Home Sweet Home Records
Copyright (c) – Home Sweet Home Records
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio East

Manna – Calling You – 1983

Manna started out as a successful secular band called The Wilton Brothers but in 1981 they changed genre to Christian music and changed their name to Manna. Though original the band consisted of the 4 Wilton brothers they were joined by Wilf Truchon on guitar and Jeff Chaignon on bass to round out Manna. Out of Edmonton Alberta Canada they stated touring the local Alberta and British Columbia area. In 1982 or 83 they went into the studio and recorded this album. I have spoken with lead singer Dennis Wilton and he wasn’t really that impressed with the engineering/production on the album. He feels that the album didn’t truly capture the sound of the band. I would have to agree after listening to some of their live recordings which are available on Dennis’s soundcloud’s channel. The band was far more Rock oriented than this album represents and I think we can blame this on Tunesmith Records who unfortunately often thought they knew better than the band. Unfortunately this was all we got from the band which was also fairly common with Tunesmith records. Pity really as I feel they were headed in a good direction judging from their live work.

Tracklist
1 – Calling You – 4:33
2 – Eyes To See – 3:10
3 – Stand Up – 5:00
4 – Worthy Is The Lamb – 5:49
5 – Choose Today – 4:31
6 – Devotion Song – 3:00
7 – Open Your Heart – 4:36
8 – Greater Is He – 3:37
9 – Be Still…Be Silent – 3:20

Credits
Lead Vocals – Dennis Wilton
Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Vocals – Wilf Truchon
Keyboards, Vocals – Rick Wilton
Keyboards, Vocals – John Wilton
Drums, Vocals, Birdcalls – Paul Wilton
Bass Guitar, Co-Producer – Jeff Chaignon
Concert Engineer – Kevin Phelps
Executive Producer Charles H. Clements II
Producer – Rob Hewes
Engineers – Dean McElwaine, Rob Hewes
Mixed & Remixed – Dean McElwaine

Companies
Recorded At – Zone Five Studio, Edmonton
Record Company – Tunesmith

Contagious – Free Indeed – 1988

I actually read a few reviews of this album before I listened to it and they weren’t that great. In fact they were all bad. Most of you are aware that metal is not my chosen style of music but I buckled down, got a soda and started listening. My first surprise was that all the songs were mislabeled. Turns out the album and the CD had different track orders but the CD used the back of the vinyl jacket for it’s track listings meaning they were all in the wrong order. As a result the software I use immediately mislabeled all of the tracks. On the upside I actually had to listen to the album to pick out the tracks properly. I really don’t know why this album was disliked as much as it was. Yea the vocals aren’t stunning but I don’t expect every metal singer to have a 5 octave range. I found the vocals to be adequate and the guitar was very very good. Bass was…. well it was bass and the drums sounded pretty good to me. Now I do agree that the album could have had better production quality. It was produced by Randy Thomas (Sweet Comfort Band) and maybe production isn’t his strong suit or maybe he just wasn’t familiar enough with this style of music. Personally I found the album to be OK but again this is not my favored style of music so my opinion might be completely wrong.

Tracklist
1 – Free Indeed – 4:03
2 – Fighting The Good Fight – 4:09
3 – Backslider – 4:15
4 – Building On The Rock – 4:46
5 – The Provider – 2:56
6 – Hebrews 13:8 – 3:33
7 – Turn – 3:11
8 – To The King – 3:03
9 – Children Of The Father – 5:18

Credits
Backing Vocals – Thomas Mitchell III
Bass [Fretless] – Mark Lewis (tracks: 8)
Drums, Backing Vocals – Ryan Crampton
Executive-Producer – Contagious
Keyboards – Mark Lewis (tracks: 3), Ryan Crampton (tracks: 8)
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Scott Sifton
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Bass – Mark Lewis
Producer – Randy Thomas

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Allies Recording Studio
Mixed At – Allies Recording Studio

Archers – Colors Of Your Love – 1991

This is the album that wrapped it all up for The Archers after a twenty year run. It was also a return after a five year hiatus during which most of the band were working on solo projects. This albums appears to be a one album deal with Reunion Records and a part of me thinks there is a story behind this rather weird timeline. Furthermore the album only has 1 song written by Steve and Tim with the rest being penned by other songwriters. All in all this album has a rather odd story but I searched to find the story as it’s not out there so I’ll just be happy with the album, which brings me to the album. Most of the songs are standard Archers ware but there a couple good pop songs on the album if you prefer your music a little more upbeat. The album spawned 3 radio singles. “Be Our Guest” made it to #6, “I Love You Lord” made it to #10 as did “Run To You.”

Tracklist
1 – All Things – 3:34
2 – I Love You Lord – 4:32
3 – All Because You Love Me – 4:52
4 – The Colors Of Your Love – 4:37
5 – Run To You – 4:04
6 – Music (All Around The World) – 4:53
7 – Back On Track – 4:49
8 – Be Our Guest – 4:34
9 – Beneath Your Blood – 4:09
10 – We Need Each Other – 4:58

Credits
Arranged By – Smitty Price
Arranged By [Vocals] – Jonathan David Brown, The Archers
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson, D. Rhodes
Bass – Gary Lunn, John Patitucci, Spencer Campbell
Design – Sam Knight
Drums – Keith Edwards, Mark Hammond
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton, Richard Headen, Terry Hemmings
Guitar – Marty Walsh
Guitar [Additional] – Jerry McPherson
Keyboards – Smitty Price
Keyboards [Additional] – Carl Marsh, Phil Kristianson
Mastered By – Ken Love
Percussion – Eric Darden, Johnny dB
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
Saxophone – Mark Douthit

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – 41B Studios
Overdubbed At – Eagle Mountain Studios
Overdubbed At – Digital Recorders
Mixed At – Johnny dB’s Basement
Mastered At – Mastermix
Designed At – Jackson Design

Margaret Becker – The Reckoning – 1988

This was Margaret’s third album and probably her most Rock oriented one. Sparrow gave her some latitude on this album and she took full advantage of it. We knew she had a good voice but here we learn she can do Rock also. To say the album was a success is an understatement. It had 4 singles, “Find Me”, “Who Am I”, “Streets Of Innocence”, and “Come Quickly Lord”. “Find Me” made it to #3, “Streets Of Innocence” to #4, “Who Am I” to # 5, and “Come Quickly Lord” to # 23. Three top 10 hits on one album is no easy feat. Oh and guess who appears as a guest on the album? Dann Huff, I think he was on 90% of the best albums of the era.

Tracklist
1 – Light In The Darkness – 3:28
2 – You Can’t Take It With You – 3:49
3 – Find Me – 3:42
4 – Take Me Away – 3:23
5 – Pico Boulevard – 4:22
6 – Who Am I – 4:52
7 – Start The Fire – 4:20
8 – ‘Til My Feet Don’t Move – 4:05
9 – I Don’t Want To Be Without You – 4:19
10 – Come Quickly Lord – 4:43
11 – Streets Of Innocence – 3:40

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Dann Huff, Margaret Becker, Tim Pierce
Art Direction – Barbara Catanzaro-Hearn
Backing Vocals – Andrea Robinson, Bob Carlisle (track 10), Kurt Howell, Margaret Becker, Tommy Funderburk
Bass – John Pierce
Cello – Kevin Toufec
Design – 5 Penguins Design, Inc.
Drums – Mike Baird
Electric Guitar – Dann Huff, Tim Pierce
Executive Producer – Peter York
Keyboards – Alan Pasqua, Smitty Price
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Percussion [Additional] – David Huff
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer – Dan Posthuma
Recorded By [Rhythm Tracks], Mixed By – Csaba Petocz
Recorded By [Vocals And Overdubs] – Dan Garcia

Temperance – They Gotta Know – 1987

Temperance were an unsigned band out of Naples Florida that self produced this album in 1987 and what an album it is. It goes without saying that growing up in Canada I have never heard this album before. What a pity as this is a great Rock & Roll album save the one Reggae track. Yes there’s a Reggae track and it’s just fun so don’t take it too seriously. But back to the Rock. I can’t believe these guys and gals were never signed to a record label. This album was good to go with no production or engineering required. This may be the best production I have ever heard on a self released album. A few of the tracks are very very reminiscent of Barnabas, so mush so that you could easily be fooled into believing it is them. If you missed this one in the 80’s, and I’m betting you did, you need to listen to this album.

Tracklist
1 – Start Praisin’ the Lord – 4:28
2 – Defenders of the Faith – 3:22
3 – Jesus – 3:48
4 – Out of Control – 4:27
5 – Give It to Him – 4:44
6 – They Gotta Know – 4:05
7 – The Great I Am – 3:14
8 – Lord, Lord – 4:07
9 – It’s a Lie – 3:11
10 – Yah Mon – 2:29

Credits
Bass – Eric Bennett
Drums, Percussion – Fred Corr
Keyboards – Beth Clear
Lead Guitar – Scott Carroll
Lead Vocals – Bill Kullen, Sandy Knight

The Predators – Social Decay – 1983

I have no idea how I ever got copies of the three albums from The Predators back in the early 80’s. I don’t even know how the were distributed here in the US. I don’t even remember buying them. All I know is that I love all three and this, Social Decay, is just fabulous. When the dictionary defines “new wave” they should have a picture The Predators. Heavy keyboard dominated dance music with guitar stylings taken straight from The Knack and vocals at times sounding eerily like Bill Walden of early Undercover fame. In fact, the first Undercover album may be a decent comparison, though much more musical and stronger songwriting.But it is not a stretch to hear comparisons to Weber and the Buzztones, Quickflight, Elvis Cotello and even Ishmael United. There is a great combination of straight ahead evangelical lyrics and thoughtful and vague pop themes, but all with a Biblical worldview. “Man in My Room” has the feeling of a stalker story until you realize the song is about the Holy Spirit. “Stand Up and Be Counted” is a Christian anthem and “Nasty Video” addresses the problem of modern cinema and its impact. Their catalog is a tough find but worth the effort for those with an affection for early 80’s new wave pop.

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

Tracklist
1 – Jack – 3:10
2 – Free World – 3:09
3 – Man In My Room – 4:07
4 – Stand Up And Be Counted – 3:45
5 – Lost At Sea – 3:48
6 – 2 Out Of 7 – 3:49
7 – One More Time – 3:12
8 – Wipe The Tears – 4:16
9 – Nasty Video – 3:02
10 – Never Say Die – 3:26

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Andy Rayner
Drums, Percussion – Francis Johnson
Engineer – Mick Robson
Guitar – Kelvin Allwood
Keyboards, Vocals – Brian Westhead
Producer – John Pantry
Vocals – Kevin Smith