Here we have Janny’s (Janny Grein) second album. As I said previously when I reviewed her first album I had no idea who she even was up until a few months ago. This album makes that mystery even a little deeper. This album is much more upbeat than her first album and I definitely should had heard this one back in the day. It’s still not Rock & Roll but is much more youthful. It has a strong Carol King feel and on this album there is a real vocal resemblance. It is still in that 70’s style and if that’s your style you should give this one a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Let Yourself Go – 3:35 2 – Bread On The Water – 3:13 3 – You And Me Together – 3:13 4 – Spirit Born – 2:33 5 – He Is Love – 4:03 6 – Covenant Woman – 2:56 7 – Long Before The World He Is – 5:10 8 – Sanctified, Made Useful – 3:13 9 – Blessin’s – 3:03 10 – Makin’ Way – 4:12
Credits Backing Vocals – Bili Thedford Bass – James “Arky” Felix Drums – Billy Maxwell Engineer – Billy Taylor Guitar, Backing Vocals – Mike Deasy Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Strings [Arrangements] – Harlan Rogers Lead Vocals – Janny Grine Piano – Janny Grine Producer – Billy Ray Hearn Written-By – Bill Grine, Janny Grine, Jim Coble, Mike Deasy
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records, Inc.
This was the final album from the band Parchment who were a mainstay of the Jesus movement in the U.K. While relatively unknown in the U.S. from what I have read that they were huge in The U.K. Unfortunately this was the final act from them but what a great name for an album when you are retiring. The album is rather typical of Seventies Jesus music with some really good harmonies. It includes a cover of their own great hit from 1972, “Light Up The Fire” that was the first track of their first album and the last track on this their final album. Sue McClellan’s vocals are a real stand out on the album and was a good launching point for her next band Fresh Air. If you’re a fan of 70’s Jesus Music but lived in the U.S. you probably haven’t heard this one. You should give it a listen, it’s well worth it.
Tracklist 1 – Glory Shone Around – 3:34 2 – Still Waters – 2:54 3 – Vision – 4:06 4 – Borders Of Belief – 4:00 5 – Jesus On The Mainline – 4:30 6 – Golden Game – 1:36 7 – Angel Voices – 4:24 8 – I Want To Go Home – 4:39 9 – Talking To You – 3:11 10 – People And Places – 4:42 11 – Light Up The Fire – 2:47
Credits Arranged By [String & Brass] – Dave Anfield Artwork By, Design – M&M Advertising & Marketing Ltd. Bass – Nick Ryan Drums, Percussion – Mike Wade Engineer – Colin Owen Engineer, Producer, Synthesizer [Korg] – John Pantry Lead Guitar, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar – Mo Witham Mixed By – Andy Kidd Photography – Mike Springer Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Peter Yates-Round, Sue McClellan Vocals, Mandolin – John Pac
Companies, etc. Recorded At – The Old Smithy Recording Studio Recorded At – Grosvenor Studios Mixed At – ICC Studios Printed By – Errey’s Printers Ltd.
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
This album probably contains the biggest CCM Christmas song ever. The title track was written by Andrew Culverwell and suited Evie’s vocals perfectly. The album also received a nominated for Grammy Award for best Contemporary Gospel performance. The album is mainly traditional material but Lennart Sjöholm did many of the arrangements. The album has a country feel and is one of the most loved CCM Christmas albums still to this day.
Tracklist 1 – Come On, Ring Those Bells – 3:02 2 – Away In A Manger – 2:37 3 – No Room/Have You Any Room For Jesus? – 3:42 4 – Mary’s Boy Child – 2:45 5 – Silent Night – 3:34 6 – O Holy Night – 3:45 7 – What Child Is This? – 3:35 8 – Some Children See Him – 1:43 9 – One Small Child – 3:04 10 – A Thousand Candles – 2:39
Credits Backing Vocals – Janie Fricke Singers Bass – Jack Williams Drums – Bill Harris, Jerry Carrigan Guitar – Billy Sanford, Jerry Shook, Pete Bordinella Harmonica – Charlie McCoy Keyboards – Lennart Sjöholm, Randy Goodrum Oboe – Bob Taylor Percussion – Farrell Morris Recorder, Clarinet – Billy Puett Steel Guitar – Weldon Myrick Strings – Shelly Kurland Strings
Companies, etc. Recorded At – The Sound Lab, Nashville Remixed At – Europa Film
This album appears to be Ron Salsbury And J.C. Power Outlet without David Edwards. I’m a little unsure how this came about as David was still working with Ron & John on other projects so I don’t think there was any great drama here. Now to be clear this was a Solid Rock/Larry Norman project so who knows when it was actually recorded but I think it’s a good guess in was recorded in 76 or 77. You can definitely feel Larry’s influence on the album especially on “I’m Just A Record” which has Larry written all over it. As was typical for Solid Rock in this time period Tom Howard and Randy Stonehill appear on the album. The album has a seventies feel and I actually really liked it especially “I’m Just A Record”. In typical Larry fashion Side 1 of the album is labelled “Rock” and Side 2 “and Roll.” In 2023 Randy Layton over at Alternative Records re-released this album with a ton of bonus material, and I mean a ton. Depending on when you read this we have already uploaded it or plan to (Dec 2025).
Tracklist 1 – I’m Just A Record – 4:18 2 – Soul Seeker – 6:17 3 – Hold On – 5:37 4 – I Need You – 4:06 5 – People Tend To Forget – 4:50 6 – Lover Of My Soul – 3:39 7 – Magic Of The Moonlight – 5:47 8 – To Be Near You – 4:30 9 – I Don’t Wanna Wander – 5:48
Credits Arranged By [Strings], Conductor [Strings] – Tom Howard Backing Vocals [Background] – John Pantano, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Ron Salsbury, Tom Howard Bass – David Coy Drums, Percussion – Peter Johnson Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Tom Howard Engineer – Stewart Whitmore Graphics [Graphic Production] – Liza McDonald Management [Coorespondence], Booking [Concert Representation] – Street Level Artists Agency Percussion – Bruce Neal Photography By, Design [Album Etc.] – Larry Norman Piano – Jeffrey David Hooven Producer [Produced By], Arranged By – Larry Norman Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Ron Salsbury Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica – John Pantano
So today as I am reflecting on the life of Chuck Girard and I had to pick an album to listen to. I actually chose Glow in the dark as I think that is his best album but this is his second best in my opinion. Chuck Girard holds a strange place in my CCM listening history. His style is not in my preferred genre BUT I have always enjoyed listening to him. Growing up my circle and I probably ranked Anthem as the best album intro in history. We preferred Rez or David Edwards but something often drew us back to Chuck. While his style was definitely on the easy listening side of the market we always seemed to connect with his vocals and harmonies. I remember many nights driving around in my best friends car and us listening to Chuck and in particular “Somethin’ Supernatural”. This particular album from Chuck is definitely on the lighter side of his work but as usual his vocals and harmonies are second to none. I rank this one so high because of the quality of those vocals and the quality of the writing. So give this one a listen and reflect on one of the greatest CCM artists thetre ever was.
Tracklist 1 – Spirit Wind – 3:37 2 – Mary’s Song – 3:51 3 – Thank You Lord – 3:26 4 – Plain Ol’ Joe – 4:50 5 – Harvest Time – 3:40 6 – Fool For Jesus – 2:40 7 – Hear The Angels Sing – 3:26 8 – Peace In The Valley – 4:26 9 – The Warrior – 6:45
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Dan Ferguson, Jon Linn Arranged By [Strings, French Horns, Bells and Timpani] – Jimmie Haskell Art Direction – David Larkham Autoharp – Kit Alderson Backing Vocals [All Background Vocals] – Chuck Girard, Jay Truax, Larry Myers, Terry Clark Bass – Mark Levine Drums – Jim Keltner Electric Guitar – Jon Linn Electric Piano – Chuck Girard Graphics [Logographics] – Margie Melton, Tom Nikosey Keyboards [Supplementary] – Chuck Girard, Herb Jimmerson Music By – Terry Clark Music By, Words By – Chuck Girard Photography By – Christian Micoine Piano – Chuck Girard
Lou Hayles was a member of U.K. band Meet Jesus Music which is how I discovered her. I’ve found so many great albums by clicking on random names on Discogs. Anyway I can’t find any information on Hayles other than she was a member of Meet Jesus Music. As for the album it follows along with her previous bands work but maybe turned down a notch. I can’t really pick a favourite track because well this album just isn’t my style. There is nothing wrong with the album in fact for this style it really a good album so as I usually say, if Jesus Music is your thing this one might be one for you.
Tracklist 1 – Don’t Let Them Fool You – 4:12 2 – Father of the Fatherless – 3:10 3 – Sweet Lamb – 4:10 4 – Tapestry – 3:15 5 – Wedding Song – 1:55 6 – Come to Me – 3:45 7 – The Kingdom Song – 2:27 8 – Traveling Along – 3:15 9 – High Priest – 2:51 10 – Don’t Hide Away – 3:00
Credits Lou Hayles – Vocals, Keyboard Barry Morgan – Drums Dave Markee – Bass Kevin Peek – Guitar Lizzie Mills – Oboe Jon Miller – Producer Rod Edwards – Producer Roger Hand – Producer Lennart Sjöholm – String arrangements Dave Harris – Engineer
Right off the bat I have to start out by apologizing because some of the videos in this playlist are blocked in some countries. This has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Cliff Richard. He has always had copyright issues and whatever management company he is using now doesn’t understand digital world copyright. I know Cliff has nothing actively to do with his copyright issues but if anyone reads this and talks with Cliff could you please tell him to fire his management company and get one that understands international copyright law in 2023 because it’s not 1980 anymore. Oh and he’s losing money because of them.
Okay and it’s on to the album. As you probably know Cliff put out a smattering of Christian albums in the 70’s and 80’s that sold poorly but were mostly loved in the CCM community. I believe this is probably the best known of those albums even though it was never released in North America. In reality there’s no original work here and the album is entirely covers of better known CCM tracks. Yes Cliff did change the arrangements but even that’s questioned as some history says that Terry Britten actually did the arrangements. To be clear I’m not picking on Cliff because I really like this album. The Larry covers are excellent I’m just telling the story. Actually my favourite cover on the album is I Love originally from Malcolm & Alwyn. Anyway if you missed this one back in the day it’s a must listen to if YouTube will allow you to.
Tracklist 1 – Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – 4:05 (Written-By – Larry Norman) 2 – I Love – 3:15 (Written-By – Alwyn Wall, Malcolm Wild) 3 – Why Me – 2:40 (Written-By – Kris Kristofferson) 4 – I’ve Got News For You – 4:14 (Written-By – Randy Stonehill) 5 – Hey Watcha’ Say – 3:56 (Written-By – 2nd Chapter of Acts) 6 – I Wish We’d All Been Ready – 4:38 (Written-By – Larry Norman) 7 – Joseph – 3:22 (Written-By – Terry Britten) 8 – Good On The Sally Army – 3:04 (Written-By – Alan Shiers) 9 – Goin’ Home – 2:51 (Written-By – Annie Herring) 10 – Up In Canada – 2:44 (Written-By – Larry Norman) 11 – Yes He Lives – 3:28 (Written-By – Terry Britten) 12 – When I Survey The Wondrous Cross – 2:11 (Traditional)
Credits Arranged By – Nick Ingman Bass Guitar – Alan Tarney Chorus [Vocal Group] – Cliff Richard, John Perry, Stewart Calver, Tony Rivers Drums, Percussion – Brian Bennett Engineer – Tony Clark Engineer [Assistant] – Allan Rouse, Hayden Bendall*, John Barrett, Mike Jarrett Guitar – Terry Britten Keyboards – Graham Todd Mastered By – Chris Blair, Nick Webb Photography By – Gered Mankowitz Producer – Cliff Richard
This is the first album from Albrecht, Roley And Moore. Mike Albrecht and Scott Roley formed the band in Georgia in the early 70’s and were joined by Alan Moore to form the trio in 1977. The album is a rather typical 70’s Jesus Music album with strong country vibes. The album was released on White Horse Records and was only one of two albums released by this label. That’s a pretty short lived label. As such the album had a pretty limited release and most people may not even know about it. Also strange is that the album was the only one ever recorded at Riverside Studios in Bismark North Dakota. I have no idea how these guys ended up in Bismark but I’ve been to Bismark and it really is a town in the middle of no where.
Tracklist 1 – Take Me To The Comfort – 2:16 2 – Engaged – 1:05 3 – Further Up & Further In – 3:33 4 – Over The Next Horizon – 3:27 5 – Constantly – 3:16 6 – Lead Me Through – 3:19 7 – Shotgun – 2:45 8 – Journey – 1:32 9 – White Seagull – 3:55 10 – Drink In The Soft Sound – 2:58 11 – To Keep Me Struggling On – 3:50 12 – Gently Flowing Feeling – 2:07
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Alan Moore, John Michael Talbot, Michael Albrecht, Scott Roley Arranged By, Conductor – Greg Nelson Banjo, Dobro – John Michael Talbot Bass – Alan Moore, David Swenson, Greg Nelson, Russ Daughtry, Steven Alexandersen Engineer – Bill Townsend Engineer [Asisstant] – David Swenson Executive-Producer – Ray Nenow Fiddle – Tim Briggs Illustration, Design – Chuck Strantz Lead Guitar – Bob Hartman Management, Booking – Ray Nenow Mixed By [Final Mix Engineered By] – Travis Turk Orchestra – Pinebook Players Pedal Steel Guitar – Al Perkins Percussion – Bob Gelotte, Steve Hanna Photography – James Elliot Piano, Electric Piano – Greg Nelson, Steven Alexandersen Producer – Greg Nelson, The Col. And The Gang Remix – Monty Matthews, Randy Matthews, Ray Nenow Vibraphone – David Ringenbach Vocals – Alan Moore, Michael Albrecht, Scott Roley
This is the 3rd album from The Pat Terry band and their most successful. This album has the only CCM charting single for the band, “I Feel Free” which made it to #25. While I usually struggle with the CCM chart choices this time I’m in full agreement as it’s a great track. The album has a 70’s feel and sound and is probably one of my favourite 70’s albums. The album was produced by the legendary producer Al Perkins and Matthew Ward helped out with background vocals and handclaps on a couple tracks.
Tracklist 1 – Ladder Of Love – 3:26 2 – To Me For You – 3:17 3 – I Feel Free – 3:24 4 – Wonder Of Your Love – 2:36 5 – Sweet Music – 3:18 6 – One Step Closer – 3:24 7 – Never Lose A Minute – 2:48 8 – New New New – 4:30 9 – You – 3:02 10 – Melody For You – 3:32 11 – Things I Never Knew – 3:51
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Pat Terry Arranged By [Strings] – Jim Stipech Art Direction – Bill Weaver Bass Guitar – Randy Bugg Clarinet – Mike Carnahan Concertmaster – Glenn Grab Conductor [Strings] – Jim Stipech Design – D. M. Gaadt Drums – Chet McCracken Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Jacob Handclaps – Kirk Herring, Matthew Ward, Pat Terry, Randy Bugg, Sonny Lallerstedt Illustration – D. M. Gaadt Keyboards – Pat Terry Lead Guitar [Acoustic And Electric] – Sonny Lallerstedt Lead Vocals – Pat Terry Mastered By – Lanky Linstrot Percussion – Chet McCracken Photography By – Bill Wages Producer – Al Perkins Saxophone – Mike Carnahan Steel Guitar – Al Perkins Trombone – Mike Egan Vocals – Randy Bugg, Sonny Lallerstedt Vocals [Additional] – Matthew Ward
