Sammy actually grew up in the church often accompanying his dad’s guitar with vocals on hymns. Unfortunately he slipped from the church and started what he called an alcohol addiction at 13 years old. At 17 years old his best friend died of alcohol poisoning at a party he and Sammy were drinking at. Sammy continued his music career and was in 60’s rock groups The Mor-loks and The Birdwatchers the latter group appeared in the 1967 youth exploitation film Wild Rebels. Those years were full of drug and alcohol addiction which led to 2 self deletion attempts. After his second attempt he came back to Christ and the Sammy Hall we know was born. He started a group called the Sammy Hall Singers and self released 10 albums with them. They sold these albums as they toured churches throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1974 he started releasing albums as a solo act but he continued to tour churches playing and ministering. I believe this was his first album on a label though I’m not positive of this as the history of The Sammy Hall Singers is a little shaky. This album was released in the U.S. and Canada on Impact records and in the U.K. on Pilgrim records. I have to admit that I didn’t know anything about Sammy before starting this project but I have taken a real interest in his music. This is rather strange because he definitely doesn’t perform my style of music but I’m really drawn to his work for some reason. As for this album it’s relatively easy listening but the real highlight is his cover of “Cat’s In The Cradle” which is a fantastic version and I actually prefer it to the original. Anyway Sammy’s work is an overlooked part of CCM history and should be listened to.
Tracklist 1 – If Nobody Loves You Create The Demand – 2:14 2 – Guess Who Moved – 2:10 3 – If You’re Happy Notify Your Face – 2:14 4 – We’re Not Gettin’ Older (Just Closer To Home) – 3:30 5 – Jesus Is My Soul Supporter – 1:59 6 – No Shortage (On God’s Love) – 2:46 7 – The Days We Let Slip By – 2:49 8 – Cat’s In The Cradle – 3:38 9 – My Dependable Friend – 3:58 10 – We Have Become The People Our Parents Warned Us About – 3:30
Credits Lead Vocals – Sammy Hall Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Gary S. Paxton
In 1965 Barry McGuire, former member of the New Christy Minstrels, released the album “Eve of Destruction.” During that same year the single of the same name went to Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100. But it would be 6 years later that McGuire would claim was the greatest event of his life took place. After an encounter with traveling evangelist Arthur Blessitt McGuire became a Christian and started a Christian Music career that would span as many genres as it would decades. Rock, folk, pop, country and even children’s music would be used by McGuire to proclaim the Gospel and he would find success in all of those areas.
Most would remember the hit Eve of Destruction while others may remember the corny novelty country/spoken word song,”Cosmic Cowboy.” Some may even be more familiar with his work with the Agape Ministries children’s project, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.” But it would be his second Christian release, “Lighten Up,” that would remain the landmark project of his career.
One side note before launching into a discussion of this fantastic, classic album is that McGuire’s Christian debut release, “Seeds,” would be notable for the inclusion of a trio of siblings doing backing vocals. Those siblings would later be known as The Second Chapter of Acts. They would also tour together several years later and record one of the great, classic live albums in CCM history entitled, To the Bride.
As I was listening to this project recently I was surprised by just how much it rocks! McGuire is a big man with a voice to match. It is rough edged, gravelly while remaining warm and personable. The songs in this collection match his particular voice better than just about any other project in his illustrious career. Lighten Up also featured an amazing cast of supporting musicians including Second Chapter of Acts, Leland Sklar, Michael Omartian, Larry Knechtal and Michael Been.
The album starts off with a shortened version of his monster hit, “Eve of Destruction.” This version lasts less than two minutes and is a little less folk sounding as it builds and moves, without a break, into the following song, “Don’t Blame God.” Lyrically it follows on the heals of “Destruction” quite well with images a decaying culture, but prophetically rebuking American not to blame God for the sins of America. But unlike the original “Eve of Destruction” there is a presentation of hope as McGuire quotes 2 Chronicles 7:
“If My people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray. Seek My face and turn from their wicked ways. Then from Heaven will I hear. Forgive them of their sin. And heel their land.”
The song itself just flat out rocks! After a slow and quiet start, the song builds into a full fledged Southern Rock riff that Molly Hatchet or Thin Lizzy would be proud of. It is also here that were are introduced to young keyboardist named Michael Omartian as his piano work is just brilliant.
Larry Knechtal (Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel) stands out with an amazing piano performance on “Callin’ Me Home” a beautiful and haunting ballad that is by no means “pop” but rather sung in a melancholy and longing manner to match the content. This stark and limited instrumentation behind McGuire’s gravelly, monster voice would become a trademark. In fact, later albums with bigger production and more instrumentation would prove to be not nearly as compelling. McGuire is so believable and authentic that just a voice and piano delivers.
Another upbeat rocker follows called “Pay the Piper.” This songs adds instrumentation (though still stark and limited) and intensity as it moves along and McGuires edgier, bluesier vocals shine here. Musically it has a feeling like something closer to The Doors than anything else at the time.
One of the highlights from Lighten Up (and any other McGuire album for that matter) is “When the Mist Has Rolled Away.” Again the wonderful piano work of Knechtel shines with a groove closer to Lynard Skynard’s southern rock than country or folk and the backing vocal work of the Wards and Herrings really shine here. There is also a surprising twist with a horn section coming in just past the midway point. If this release wasn’t on Myrrh this could have been a secular radio favorite. It remains one of McGuire’s finest offerings.
McGuire’s ability to shift from melancholy and dark to upbeat, boisterous and joyful is really quite amazing as the first of several upbeat, poppy tunes, “Walk in the Sonshine” displays his brighter side. McGuire’s authenticity and joyful expressions keep the song from sounding like something from the Brady Kids.
This is immediately followed by “Hey! World,” a straight ahead rocker, heavier than just about anything available in mainstream Christian Music at the time. This song moves through differing time signatures and rhythms flawlessly. Both funky and bluesy it simply works! Tale note of the great bass and drum work on this one.
McGuire returns to a more simple, country rock vibe with “You’ve Heard His Voice.” Once again McGuire carries the song with his passion and clarity of mission. Fitting perfectly into the mid-70’s of darker, story-like anthems, the song reveals a more artistic side to McGuire’s musical palette.
Another stand out on the project would becomes the signature song for McGuire for many years to follow. The fun and funky “Happy Road” works well in this set and is the perfect juxtaposition to the darker and heavier themes previously explored. This “life on the road” ditty could have been covered by any number of southern rock acts of the same era.
The record closes with “Anyone But Jesus,” another funk and blues driven tune and features the best and most passionate vocals from McGuire on the whole project. He appears pleasantly content and passionate about singing:
“I’m not gonna sing about anyone but Jesus…”
That defines Barry McGuire and his 40 year Christian Music ministry! This long out of print project still remains his definitive work and it’s albums like this that deserve to find a home on the shelf of all fans of Christian music and anyone who wants to have a sense of the great history of the genre.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Eve Of Destruction / Don’t Blame God / II Chronicles 7:14 – 6:07 2 – Callin’ Me Home – 2:45 3 – Pay The Piper – 3:18 4 – When The Mist Has Rolled Away – 3:10 5 – Walk In The Sonshine – 2:57 6 – Hey World! – 3:26 7 – You’ve Heard His Voice – 4:05 8 – Happy Road – 3:28 9 – How Many Times – 4:38 10 – Anyone But Jesus – 4:32
Credits Arranged By [Horn] – Mike Melvoin Backing Vocals – 2nd Chapter Of Acts Bass – Leland Sklar Clavinet – Larry Knechtel Drums – David Kemper Engineer – Buck Herring Guitar, Banjo – Mike Deasy Harmonica – Ben Benay Keyboards [Aarpvark] – Mike Omartian Organ – Larry Knechtel Photography By – Wally Duguid Piano – Larry Knechtel Producer – Buck Herring Written-By – B. McGuire
I’m not entirely positive but I believe this is the first album from Danny and Paul Janz. It is possible there was an earlier one as the church they attended did have their own record company so they may be earlier work. This album however is the first album they did that was released in both Germany and Canada. I also found a reference that it was released in the United States but I am unable to confirm this. Anyway the album was released in Germany first with 8 German language tracks and 3 English tracks. Each version has 2 tracks that aren’t shared between the 2 versions. There are also some differences in the mix between the two. The English version was released by Image VII and Word and it sounds like they reworked the mix on most of the mutual tracks. As for the album it has a seventies folk sound and wasn’t really much of a hint of what was to come from the brothers.
Tracklist 1 – Wer Zeigt Mir Den Weg – 2:57 2 – Alleine Schaff Ich’s Nicht – 2:13 3 – Du Bist Mein – 2:43 4 – He’s Always There – 2:32 5 – Kann Jemand Helfen – 3:13 6 – Jesus Liebt Mich – 2:41 7 – Salvation Song – 3:39 8 – Ein Tag Geht Zu Ende – 3:55 9 – Ein Guter Freund – 2:49 10 – Du Bist Schlau – 3:09 11 – Day By Day – 2:35
Credits Bass, Guitar – Wayne Quiring Coordinator – Margitta Paul, Nils Kjellström Drums – Mike Starr Engineer, Photography By – John Dueck Graphic Design – Helmut Mono Keyboards – Paul Janz Producer – Paul Janz
Psalm 150 included Bob Carlisle (Allies, Good News), Jack Blades (Damn Yankees, Night Ranger), and Randy Thomas (Allies, Sweet Comfort Band). To say this was a great group of musicians is putting it mildly. Several other members also went on to very good studio careers. The album lists 8 members of the band but there were actually many more that came and went. With that many members there’s no way anyone ever made any money so we have a group of people who were actually in the business to preach to the masses. Remember that most bands in the Jesus music movement at this time were more folky but not these guys. This was a solid late 70’s sound with even a little disco mixed in. Unfortunately but not unsurprising this is the only album we got from them. Too bad as they had a great style of seventies sound that was welcome in the genre at the time.
Tracklist 1 – God Be Magnified – 3:36 2 – Live In Me – 3:57 3 – Decision – 3:36 4 – Your Life Is At Hand – 6:28 5 – Get Yourself Together – 5:42 6 – Change It – 4:07 7 – My Father’s Business – 3:50 8 – Wonderful World – 7:34 9 – Make Up Your Mind – 7:26
Credits Arranged By, Producer – Psalm 150 Backing Band, Bass – Jack Blades Backing Band, Vocals – Chris Brock Bass, Guitar, Vocals – James Felix Design – Ray Storey Engineer – Frank Kejmar, Paul Elmore Guitar – Bob Anglin Keyboards, Vocals – Mike Escalante Percussion, Vocals – Jimmy Erickson Producer – Hal Spencer Trumpet – Allen Gregory Trumpet, Percussion, Vocals – Greg Eckler
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Manna Records Recorded At – Whitney Recording Studios
There’s not much info out there on Message but it was a project by Allan Butt and Pat Merchant. It was self released and as such there aren’t many copies out there and if you have one it’s worth a fair amount of money. None of the artists involved ever did another project that I can find. This is rather surprising as it’s a really good album. It’s easily as good as most albums from the 70’s that I have listened to. But this isn’t really surprising as I’ve always thought that the record companies really were confused with what to do with music from the Jesus movement of the 70’s. If you like 70’s stuff I suspect you’ll love this one.
Tracklist 1 – I Dreamed I Saw Jesus – 2:40 2 – Highway 45 – 5:07 3 – Changing Up My Lines – 2:43 4 – Coming Soon – 2:23 5 – Should’ve Followed Jesus – 2:43 6 – Thank You Jesus – 4:22 7 – He Was A Carpenter – 4:17 8 – Crucify – 3:17 9 – It’s Hard To Be A Christian – 3:16 10 – Sailing Home – 4:31
Credits Allan Butt – Guitar, Vocals, Recorder Pat Merchant – Harp, Vocals, Lead Guitar, Slide Robin Barnett – Drums David Dealfe – Bass Rick Cagle – Backup Vocals Buddy Philen – Producer
A good friend, Micheal Anderson, whose album will appear later on this list was having a birthday party for his wife at a wonderful gourmet Chinese restaurant in Beverly Hills. I was seated at a table with my wife and the wonderful Hal Fishman, the late famed local news anchor in Southern California. Seated to my right, though, was a man I had admired my entire music listening life. I have met countless “famous” people over the years and seldom found my self starstruck. That night I was as I was seated next to Michael Omartian. Michael Omartian is easily the most renowned, decorated and successful individual in Christian music. Most of that as a producer in mainstream music for everyone from Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross to Donna Summer and Rod Stewart. Grammys, Doves and Billboard awards cover the portions of the wall not occupied Gold and Platinum albums. He, along with Quincy Jones, produced the most successful single in history, We are the World. In 1974 Omartian released his first solo album on ABC/Dunhill and later that year on Word’s Myrrh label. I was easily the finest produced album the Christian music world had seen at the time. Leaps and bounds above its contemporaries, White Horse is a majestic and stellar album that easily has earned its “classic” status. The album was also one of the most progressive musically any artist had released. Fusing jazz, funk gospel and progressive rock sounds very “current” for the time with some of the finest musicians in the world, White Horse was a revelation and a game changer like nothing the industry had ever seen. Am added plus is that the album is also filled with wonderful songs, both lyrically creative and musically stunning. Omartian collected a line-up of supporting musicians second to none. Larry Carlton, David Hungate, David Kemper, Dean Parks and a host of others lent their talents to this amazing project, Omartian’s voice has touches of Peter Gabriel and Neil Young and he weaves through musical genres as diverse as those he has produced. Touched of Genesis, Yes, Kansas combine with pop, gospel and jazz fusion. Lyrically the album did not reflect the simplistic evangelical approach which was the norm for the time. perhaps the mainstream release did not limit Omartian’s content and his wife, Stormie, provided the bulk of the lyrics. The lead track, Jeremiah, walks through the themes of the minor prophets and relates them both to the historical setting and modern application. The Steely Dan like groove of “Fat City” shows off Omartians stellar keyboard work and an amazing brass section. The title track is a seven minute epic masterpiece. Starting slow and building into an amazing instrumental section driven by Omartian’s keyboard work and Larry Carlton and Dean Park guitar work. The industry had never seen anything like it and it would be quite some time for the rest of the industry to catch up.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Jeremiah – 4:37 2 – Fat City – 3:09 3 – The Orphan – 2:01 4 – Silver Fish – 2:34 5 – Add Up The Wonders – 5:19 6 – Take Me Down – 3:39 7 – Right From The Start – 2:30 8 – The Rest Is Up To You – 2:47 9 – White Horse – 7:06
Credits Backing Vocals – Ann White, Carolyn Willis, Patti Henderson, Stormie Omartian Cover [Album Cover Artwork By], Artwork [Album Cover Artwork By] – Dave Jarvis Cover [Album Cover Concept By] – James Fitzgerald Guitar – Dean Parks, Larry Carlton Lyrics By – Stormie Omartian Management [Personal Management] – James Fitzgerald Enterprises, Inc. Music By – Michael Omartian Photography By – Harry Langdon Producer, Arranged By – Michael Omartian Tenor Saxophone – Don Menza, Jackie Kelso Trumpet, French Horn – Paul Hubinon Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion – Michael Omartian
This is the first album that The Archers recorded with Impact Records. They did re-release their first album with Impact but Impact were not involved with that album other than that. Impact had Bob MacKenzie step in and do the production for the album. They all obviously meshed together well as the album had 2 number one hits, “Little Flowers” and “Jesus, He Is The Son Of God”. This is the album that really introduced The Archers to the world but strangely they couldn’t follow it up with Impact as they switched over to Light Records after this album. Anyway if your an Archers fan this is the one that actually started it all even though it wasn’t their first album.
Tracklist 1 – Keep Singin’ That Love Song – 2:50 2 – Truth, Peace And Joy – 3:21 3 – He Washed My Sins Away – 2:34 4 – Children – 3:11 5 – Jesus (He Is The Son Of God) – 3:00 6 – Thank You, Lord Jesus – 3:51 7 – Little Flowers – 4:16 8 – Soul Down – 3:00 9 – He Loves You – 2:42 10 – There Is A Light – 3:38
Credits Don Aldridge – Songwriter Steve Archer – Vocals Tim Archer – Vocals The Archers – Vocal Arrangements Andrae Crouch – Songwriter Stu Evans – Engineer Jon Ferrin – Songwriter Toby Foster – Remix Engineer, Mastered Lee Hazen – Remix Engineer Phil Johnson – Songwriter Danny Lee – Songwriter Bob MacKenzie – Producer Billy Masters – Songwriter, Vocals Nancye Short – Songwriter, Vocals Bob Sisco – Vocal and Instrumental Arrangements
This is one big time serious ALBUM YOU SHOULD OWN! (AYSO) But good luck with that. It’s nearly 50 years old and has been out of print for most of those 50 years. For those fortunate enough to track down a copy by hook or by crook know just what a gem this funkadelic soul masterpiece truly is. It is legit with a capital “L” and sounds so good even right now as I listen to it. As far as I have been able to track down, this is the only full length release, while there are some singles floating around. It also appears that in the decade since I first reviewed this album, some streaming services have added their music. The title track kicks off the album with such a soulful jam, tight harmonies and a blistering lead vocal. Very few Christian label releases ever matched this mainstream release. Songbird was a traditional Gospel label that was eventually sold to ABC. I have asked everyone I know from that era and no one can remember any distribution to Christian/Bible bookstores. The soul styling of the title track only hints at what is to be found inside. The members share lead vocal duties and the interaction between them is fun and funky. The cover of Parliament’s “I Want to Testify” is worth the price of admission. The slower soul tunes are packed with real emotion, something sorely lacking in the general world of CCM and the Jesus Music of the time. Even Andrea Crouch and the Disciples never quite reached the authenticity of this great album. In the review over a decade ago I neglected to give kudos to the musicianship that fills this album. Most notable are the amazing bass lines and soulful, gospel organ that permeate the project. Check out “Standing in the Need of Prayer” for evidence. It’s almost unfair to review and so heavily promote this album since for most it will be nearly impossible to find. For those that have it and those that do track down a copy, they will know exactly what I’m talking about. I have seen the vinyl on-line for anywhere from $50 to $100. For some it may be worth it!
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Do You Know Him – 3:33 2 – I’m Sorry – 3:20 3 – I Just Want To Testify – 3:40 4 – Standing In The Need Of Prayer – 3:24 5 – Where Could I Go – 3:25 6 – Didn’t Think I Could Make It This Far – 3:52 7 – Here I Am Jesus – 2:13 8 – Don’t Let The Devil Fool You – 2:50 9 – A Letter – 3:27 10 – Get On Up – 4:00
The UK’s Malcolm & Alwyn, the Simon and Garfunkle of Christian music, return with their second album that was released in both the UK and the US. Their first album sold well and developed a following for this duo and this album continues the sound from their first album but is a little more upbeat. Personally I came to the Malcolm & Alwyn train late after I heard Alwyn doing work with Larry Norman in the 80’s. Luckily I got caught up on their work and while I think their live work is their best this album is certainly a must listen to. In 1999 Footstep Records reissued this album on CD and added 3 bonus Live tracks which we have included.
Tracklist 1 – I Feel Fine – 3:48 2 – I Love You More Today Than Yesterday – 4:15 3 – Spaceman – 4:15 4 – Someone To Sing To – 2:21 5 – I’ll Carry You Through – 3:47 6 – Buried Alive – 3:27 7 – Stay With Me – 3:27 8 – I Love – 3:50 9 – Wildwall – 2:48 10 – England Goodbye – 5:18 CD Bonus Tracks 11 – I Feel Fine – 4:29 12 – Morning Star – 3:21 13 – Fool’s Wisdom – 2:54
Credits Acoustic Guitar – James Litherland, Roger Hand Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals – Alwyn Wall Arranged By [Brass] – Roger Ball Arranged By, Co-producer – Rod Edwards Arranged By, Producer – Jon Miller, Roger Hand Autoharp, Lead Vocals – Malcolm Wild Backing Vocals – Rod Edwards, Roger Hand Bass – Johnny Gustafson Drums – Mike Giles Electric Guitar – Davy Johnson, James Litherland Engineer – Denny Bridges Engineer [Remix] – Bill Price, Denny Bridges Keyboards – Rod Edwards Music By [Additional] – Rod Edwards, Roger Hand Saxophone – Malcolm Duncan, Roger Ball Sleeve – Paul Welti Trombone – Chris Pyne Trumpet – Henry Lowther Written-By, Composed By – Alwyn Wall, Malcolm Wild
Companies, etc. Published By – Thankyou Music Recorded At – Redan Recorders
Before there was “After The Fire” there was Narnia. Tim Hatwell, Peter Memory Banks, and John Russell all seem to have started here. Lead singing duties were handed over to Pauline Filby who had released a solo album in 1969. Now don’t think you are going to hear a version of ATF here because you’re not going to. This is a straight out Jesus Music album and Pauline’s singing in no way resembles anything ATF ever did. This album has very strong vocals and though sometimes they seem a little strangely performed it all works well after a few listenings. It’s always nice to go back to the roots of 80’s bands but sometimes those roots will leave you a little confused.
Tracklist
1 – You’d Better Believe It – 3:12
2 – Muddy Ground – 3:52
3 – The Juggler – 3:51
4 – Agape – 5:49
5 – To A Fountain – 3:19
6 – Miracle Of Birth – 4:08
7 – In The Forest – 3:03
8 – Boogie For Narnia – 2:37
9 – Living Water – 5:41
Credits
Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Tim Hatwell
Design [Sleeve Design] – Bernard A. Cope
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Kenneth ‘Ginger’ Dixon
Engineer – Nick Sykes, Robin Thompson
Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar – Peter Banks
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Recorder, Vocals – John Russell (7)
Producer – Tony Hooper
Vocals – Pauline Filby
Written-By – Welch (tracks: A1), Tom Paxton (tracks: A1)
Written-By, Arranged By – Narnia (2) (tracks: A2 to B5), Pauline Filby (tracks: A2 to B5)
Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – United Artists Music Ltd.
Copyright (c) – World Music (UK)
