Tag: 1980

Pam Mark Hall – Never Fades Away – 1980

This was Pam’s third album and was a bit of a departure from her to previous style to the style we would more closely connect with her. It is a solid early 80’s pop offering though I will say I don’t think she was comfortable with the style as the album is just missing a little something. Of course later Pam would be a master of the pop style and have several successful albums. The album was produced by Fletch Wiley who was producing more worship oriented albums at the time so it was a bit of a new style for him too. Of note on the album Marty McCall helps with duet vocals on “Little Miss Much Afraid”. All in all a pretty good pop album but just missing a bit of edge but don’t be discouraged from listening to it.

Tracklist
1 – Gonna Love You – 2:47
2 – Strength To Be Weak – 4:16
3 – Your Book – 4:15
4 – Little Miss Much Afraid – 3:42
5 – Never Fades Away – 2:52
6 – Who Taught You The Game? – 3:30
7 – Two Worlds – 3:45
8 – Lord Of The Starfields – 4:20
9 – Burning In My Heart – 2:15
10 – If Ever – 3:59

Credits
Backing Vocals – Craig Smith
Bass – Roscoe Beck
Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards
Engineer – Brian Tankersley
Guitar – Jerry McPherson
Keyboards – Larry Williams
Lead Vocals, Songwriter, Guitar – Pam Mark Hall
Percussion – Fig Newton
Producer, Arranged By – Fletch Wiley
Synthesizer, Engineer – Paul Mills
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Tillman
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Marty McCall

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song Records
Copyright © – Star Song Records

Dion – Inside Job – 1980

This is Dion’s first Christian album. He was a huge artist through the 60’s and 70’s perhaps best known as Dion & The Belmonts and Dion & The Wanderers. I have to make a confession that my friends and I didn’t listen to Dion. I remember that we were aware of him but for some reason he just never made it onto our playlists (cassettes in the day). This is further confusing because I think all of us grew up with Dion in our homes in the 60’s and early 70’s. It is odd that I know his secular work better than his Christian work. I am going to further confess that I had not listened to this album before writing this review. Now the reason I am going on about this is that this album is great, I would have loved it in 1980. I do love Dion’s 60’s work but this album sounds more like his 70’s work and I think it’s darn good too. So my apologies to Dion for not listening to him at the time but I’m making up for it now.

Tracklist
1 – I Believe (Sweet Lord Jesus) – 3:34
2 – He’s The One – 5:02
3 – Center Of My Life – 4:28
4 – The Truth Will Set You Free – 6:10
5 – Gonna Be Ready – 3:39
6 – Old Souvenirs – 3:51
7 – New Jersey Wife – 3:54
8 – Man In The Glass – 4:21
9 – Sweet Surrender – 4:33

Credits
Art Direction [Cover Art Direction] – Dennis Hill
Bass – George “Chocolate” Perry
Co-producer [Co-Produced By] – Eric Schilling, Paul Harris
Drums, Percussion – Jose Galdo*
Engineer – Eric Schilling
Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jim Peterson
Guitar – Dion DiMucci, Tony Battaglia
Keyboards – Paul Harris
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Other [Cross Presented By] – August DiMucci
Photography By [Cover Photographs] – John Miller
Photography By [Cross Photograph] – Dion DiMucci
Producer [Produced By] – Dion

Companies, etc.
Produced For – Salt Productions
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd.
Recorded At – Bayshore Recording Studios

Semaja – Hear My Cry – 1980

This was Semaja’s first album. I does not appear to have been released in North America but instead looks like it was limited to Germany, their home country. I am really surprised that an American label didn’t grab this album. This may be one of the best 70’s sound albums I have heard and I’m not talking about 70’s Jesus music, I mean straight up 70’s rock. I can’t find out much about the band but I know their second album was released in America and was pretty well received. Anyway if you love seventies rock (not Jesus music) this just might be the album for you.

Tracklist
1 – Sometimes – 4:35
2 – Hear My Cry – 4:30
3 – Jeden Tag (Jesaja 55) – 6:45
4 – This Life – 4:12
5 – Jesaja 53 – 7:35
6 – The Wind – 7:35
7 – Big Noise – 5:52

Credits
Artwork – Dirk Pape
Bass, Vocals – Wilfried Herrmann
Design – Peter Klüger
Drums – Harald Nagel
Engineer – Achim Bosch
Guitar, Vocals – Ulrich Plinke
Keyboards – Claus Feldmann
Lead Vocals – Markus Egger
Lyrics By, Music By – Semaja
Percussion – Klaus Hermann
Producer – Manfred Wieczorke

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Wind Music
Manufactured By – Sonopress
Printed By – Sonopress
Recorded At – Spygel Studio
Remixed At – UTV Studio

Paradise – Paradise – 1980

This is the introductory album from funk band Paradise. As far as I can tell it was only released in the U.K. I find this incredible odd as it is a fantastic album and the largest funk market is the United States. I’m often confused by the CCM record companies and this album is an example of what they got wrong. As near as I can tell the album was released on their own label so obviously they would have signed a deal for U.S. distribution. Oh well I’m ranting again. Anyway this album is probably one of the best Christian funk albums and it came out in 1980. An added plus is that I didn’t get any disco feel from any of the tracks which was typical in funk albums released at this time. Give this one a listen even if your not the biggest fan of funk, you just might think different after listening to this one.

Tracklist
1 – Keep The Fire – 3:15
2 – Love Is Not A Mystery – 4:22
3 – It’s Up To You – 4:44
4 – I’ll Meet You There – 4:35
5 – We All Need – 4:20
6 – Light Of The World – 5:10
7 – Give Thanks – 4:05
8 – With You – 4:11
9 – Spread The Word – 3:50

Credits
Backing Vocals – Desr’ee Hoyte, Elaine Bent, Jasmine Cohen, Lorrane Greenaway, Monica Knight, Novlette Davis, Yvonne White
Bass – Junior Edwards
Design, Artwork – Mick Payne
Drums – Bobby Clarke
Engineer – Colin Owen, Paul Robbins
Guitar, Keyboards, Horns – Raymond Dennis
Horns – Charles Pinder, Neil Pinder
Illustration – John Coster
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Phillip Edwards
Lead Vocals, Horns – Doug Williams
Percussion – Devon Burke, Karl Edwards
Photography By – Tony Martin
Producer – Paradise
Producer, Art Direction – Mick Martin
Saxophone, Flute – Hugh Thomas

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Marshall Morgan & Scott
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Ebony Records
Copyright © – Ebony Records
Published By – Coronation Music
Recorded At – The Old Smithy Recording Studio

Dave Kelly – Crowning Of A Simple Man – 1980

Dave Kelly was a member of a great band called “Ark” that released one incredible album that will be featured later on this list. Ark was a wonderful band that escaped the attention of most fans but critics loved for very good reason. Dave Kelly was an integral part of Ark and his songwriting prowess shows on this solo debut. Fans of British pop will love it immediately with a Beatlesque quality and an overall sound comparable to Alwyn Wall and Cliff Richard. Very catchy hooks and memorable melodies from start to finish and a message that was upfront but without a “preachy” quality to it. The albums closer is worth a mention here. A Scottish inspired acoustic number with violin and bagpipes accentuate a story of kings and dragons and knights in a castle. Lyrically sounding like something Kemper Crabb may have written, but musically closer to Van Morrison. All the imagery points to the redemptive work of Christ. Anyone even remotely interested in the early days of CCM in England and the influence of the birth of a more legitimate musical expression in the states should try and obtain a copy of this great album.

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

Tracklist
1 – King of Love 02:39
2 – God Knows 03:46
3 – Tonight 02:25
4 – Turn Your Back 02:49
5 – Dead Or Alive 02:13
6 – Trouble 02:49
7 – Love Night and Day 01:56
8 – Supernatural Man 02:21
9 – Sandy 02:19
10 – Ballad of J.C. 02:32

Credits
Background Vocals – Mary Russell, Mona Lisa Young
Bagpipes – Alex McGilvery
Bass – Dennis Belfield
Drums – Jim Keltner
Harmony Vocals – Jim Seatter
Lead Guitar – Billy Joe Walker
Lead Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitar – Dave Kelly
Organ, Piano, Background Vocals – Terry Young
Penny Whistle, Fiddle – Stewart Hamilton
Prophet Synthesizer – Dale Ocherman

John Fowler & Harpoon – Live – 1980

This is one of the real rule breakers. A glorified EP and live album to boot. But given that it is the only distributed output from the band, and it is so exceptional, there was no way to leave it off the list. It is also one those very rare 10 inch vinyl releases. Fowler practiced one day with the band (as he was going to just perform solo) and then recorded live at a Calvary Chapel concert night. Fowler, though, has had a very good career as a songwriter with songs having been recorded by Martina McBride, Bob Bennett, Cindy Cruse, Dion and others. This is blues! Straight ahead honking freakin’ blues! Fowler and his band possess, hands down, the best blues guitar work I have ever heard on a Christian album, albeit six songs may not be a large enough sample size. He also plays a mean harmonica. Fans of Larry Howard, Glenn Kaiser and definitely Ed Raetzloff will have much here to enjoy. I remember seeing them once at a Calvary Chapel concert and, who knows, that could be where this was recorded. I really very limited information on the group and google searches only bring up a few short reviews with limited information. The placement is based solely on the amazing musicianship, great songwriting, smoking hot vocals and sheer rocking passion. Fowler has commented on the original countdown blog. As a traditional rock and blues project the point here is not the lyrical content as most of the songs are simple blues fair with repetitive lines and big hooks in the choruses. It’s about the blues. Does it feel real? Fans of Bad Company, Eric Clapton and the previously mentioned Ed Raetzloff will love this.

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

Tracklist
1 – B.C. Blues – 3:42
2 – You Only Go Round Once – 3:26
3 – 51st Street Blues – 5:06
4 – Lookin’ Back – 3:03
5 – Faithful – 6:43
6 – Liar! – 3:37

Credits
Producer – Michael Aguilar, Thom Roy

Companies, etc.
Produced For – Lightworks Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lightworks Records
Copyright © – Lightworks Records

Giantkiller – The Alternative – 1980

Giantkiller was a British band that had a solid following in England but just a cult following in North America. They originally self released this album but it was picked up by Kingsway Music in the UK and Star Song in North America. Strangely they added a track, “Refuge From The Wind” for the two label releases. I don’t quite know how to classify them but I would say this was progressive new wave for 1980. At time you definitely hear a seventies rock sound and almost punk at others. This is one that I missed in the 80’s which is too bad as it would have been right up my alley. I kind of doubt it was released in Canada so that’s probably why I didn’t hear them at the time. Production on the album was a little weak and I would love if a real producer found the original tracks and remixed them.

Tracklist
1 – Voices – 3:29
2 – Dirty Hearts – 2:41
3 – Refuge From The Wind – 2:22
4 – Problem Page – 3:02
5 – Living In The Cities – 2:14
6 – Innocent Blood – 4:13
7 – Kicking In The Gates Of Hell – 3:28
8 – Fire In My Heart – 2:55
9 – Children Of The Promise – 5:03
10 – King Of Kings – 3:30
11 – Stand And Be Counted – 3:55
12 – Kingdom Come – 5:23

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Alan Hiscox
Drums – Steve Purton
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Paul Herbst
Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Pete Gilgan
Producer – Terry Gavaghan
Vocals – Richard Nicholson

Abraham And Moses – ‘Til You Came In… – 1980

I really can’t find much info on this album. As near as I can tell it was only released in Canada on New Born Records which was a division of Praise Industries Corp. Abraham is Abraham B. Cardenas and Moses is Moses Perez. I can not find that they recorded or even assisted on any other albums. Strangely the studio support musicians are mainly from the band Glad but there appears to be no other connection. The album was recorded at Susquehanna Sound productions in Pennsylvania which is the same state as Glad came from. That’s it, that’s all I got for this worship oriented album. It’s actually pretty good and while we owned almost the entire Praise Industries library back in the 80’s we did not own this one as I’m guessing the name scared us away.

Tracklist
1 – Upon You Lord – 3:10
2 – ‘Till You Came In – 4:03
3 – Natural High – 3:22
4 – You Send Me Love – 3:06
5 – I’ll Follow You – 4:15
6 – Cool – 3:20
7 – We Should Fly – 4:52
8 – Open Your Heart – 4:42
9 – A Prayer For You – 1:40
10 – Work – 3:45

Credits
Arranged By [Strings And Horns] – Walt Straiton, III
Arranged By, Bass – Don Nalle
Arranged By, Drums – Mark Farley
Arranged By, Piano, Keyboards – Bob Kauflin
Design – Craig Heisey
Flugelhorn – Jim Gambini
Lead Guitar – Chris Davis
Percussion – Craig Lauterbach
Photography – Nick Frey
Producer, Arranged By – Moses Perez, Abraham B. Cardenas, Ed Nalle
Producer, Engineer – Scott Gelnett
Rhythm Guitar – Moses Perez, Abraham B. Cardenas
Vocals – Moses Perez, Abraham B. Cardenas

Ken Medema – Kingdom In The Streets – 1980

To say Ken was a music generator in the CCM industry is an understatement. He had 7 albums in the 70’s and 5 albums in the 80’s. This album came out in 1980. The problem with a performer putting out this many albums is that they get lost due to volume. This however was one of Ken’s best 80’s albums. Strangely over a career of more than 20 albums Ken never had a CCM charting single. Now this is silly as his style is exactly what CCM was looking for on their charts. How he never had a charting single is completely beyond me but I think we can rest assured there was more to the story. CCM was well known to have manipulate their charts and if you need any proof, Ken is the proof. Anyway this is a great upbeat worship album so if that is your style and no one ever suggested you listen to this album be sure to give a listen now.

Tracklist
1 – Don’t Tell Me – 4:26
2 – Is There A Place For Dreaming? – 5:58
3 – Those Love Songs – 3:21
4 – I Saw You – 4:29
5 – Kingdom In The Streets – 6:59
6 – Barn Builder – 3:20
7 – By The Waters Of Luxury – 4:39
8 – Corner Drugstore Jesus – 6:04

Credits
Arranged By – Bill Pursell,
Engineer – Brian Tankersley, Paul Mills, Phil York
Mastered By – Eric Tomlinson, John Mayfield
Producer – Kurt Kaiser
Words By, Music By – Jane Medema
Words By, Music By, Sleeve Notes – Ken Medema

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Sumet Sound Studios
Recorded At – Autumn Sound Studios
Mastered At – Sumet Sound Studios
Mastered At – Abbey Road Studios
Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse
Made By – Garrod & Lofthouse

Tim Koller – Last Days – 1980

This was the one and only album from Tim Koller and it’s almost impossible to find any info on him. His album appears to be the first full album released on Ministry Resource Center which in itself is rather historic. Taking a look at the credits we can see that Kelly Willard sang some background vocals and her husband Dan engineered and produced the album. We also see Michelle Pillar supplying some background vocals so there was no shortage of talent on the album. The track “May You Get All The Glory” appears to have been the single and was also released on the 1981 sampler “Back To The Rock!”. The album itself has a late 70’s rock feel and is actually really good and I’m surprised it wasn’t more widely heard but that’s how this industry went at the time. If you missed this one in the 80’s (and I’m guessing you did) give it a listen now.

Tracklist
1 – Last Days – 5:16
2 – New World Comin’ – 4:40
3 – Rock-n-Roll for Jesus – 4:05
4 – Take Another Drink – 4:58
5 – Spiritual Counterfeits – 4:51
6 – May You Get All The Glory – 5:53
7 – The Just Shall Live By Faith – 3:29
8 – The Puzzle – 5:14

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals – Tim Koller
Drummer – Keith Edwards
Keyboards – Jeff Lams
Bass – Darrel Cook
Electric Guitar – Tony Dean
Piano, Background Voclas – Kelly Willard
Background Vocals – Michelle Pillar
Producer, Engineer – Dan Willard
Master – Kevin Grey, Thom Roy
Photography – Bill Valenzuaia
Art Director – Bill Converse