If you were like me and was yearning for more from After The Fire then this album could be one for you. Iva Twydell is actually Ivor Twidell, the drummer of After The Fire. He was joined by fellow ATF member Nick Battle who played bass and produced the album. The album was financed by Redsky music who released it in The UK and New Zealand. It was also released in Canada on license by Tunesmith Records. The album is very Synth heavy and those duties were handeled by Anthony Phillips who was actually the original guitarist for Geneses. This is rather odd as I can’t find that Anthony was ever involved in any other Christian project. Anyway this is a great album and if you like ATF then you will likely enjoy this album even if it doesn’t have Peter Banks on vocals.
Tracklist 1 – The Man Inside – 3:37 2 – The Warning – 3:20 3 – Teaching Me The Hard Way – 3:43 4 – See No, Hear No, Speak No Evil – 3:58 5 – Final Fuse – 4:27 6 – Decline And Fall – 4:17 7 – Hear Me – 3:36 8 – Addicted – 3:03 9 – Get It Right – 2:58 10 – Abdication Day – 4:06
Credits Backing Vocals – Annie McCaig, Colin Blunstone, Mo Turner Drum Machine Programming – Richard Scott Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar – Nick Battle Synthesiser, Keyboards, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar – Anthony Phillips Vocals, Synthesiser, Electric Guitar, Percussion – Iva Twydell
Throughout the 80’s The Predators released three albums of authentic, frantic and believable new wave/pop punk rock geared directly at the lost but from a distinctly Christian worldview. Two of the albums will make this list, including this, the debut from 1982. I did not have a chance to hear them for several years after this released because of the limited distribution in the US and even more limited Christian Bookstores willing to carry the album. Though not as strong as the follow up, Social Decay, this release does have more energy and a distinctive garage appeal. Borrowing liberally from the post punk and new wave of England at the time, the band forged a trail few would follow. Not only high energy and driving rhythms, but a social awareness of topics that ranged from racism to personal vanity to emotional and mental struggles. The album kicks off with “Sunday Boy,” a fun punk rocker dealing with maintaining faith amidst the insanity that surrounds us in the culture. It also serves as a stark warning to the lost. “You Better Run” is more reminiscent of the pop side of Undercover’s first two albums. In fact, the lead vocals are eerily similar to Bill Walden. Again, the theme that runs throughout the album of warning of a short life and need for Christ, is present here. “Don’t Burn That Cross” deal openly and obviously with racism. It is couched in a world music rhythm similar to The Police. It is a tough and unflinching song, especially for the time it was released. “Maybe Tomorrow” remains a favorite some 40 years later. It is the most commercially accessible song on the album and Christian radio most likely would have embraced it in some areas if it was available.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Sunday Boy – 2:42 2 – Man Of The War – 3:12 3 – Don’t Burn That Cross – 4:43 4 – Don’t Mess Around – 3:41 5 – Maybe Tomorrow – 3:50 6 – Never Said A Word – 2:50 7 – Plastic Surgeon – 3:11 8 – Emotional Upset – 4:17 9 – Where You’re Going – 4:42 10 – You Better Run – 2:52 11 – Drift Away – 6:06
Credits Bass, Vocals – Chris Thompson Drums – Francis Johnson Guitar – Kelvin Allwood Keyboards – Christopher Norton Lacquer Cut By – BilBo Plated By – PAG Producer – John Pantry Vocals – Kevin Smith
A decade before the Mac Powell lead Third Day began owning the Christian radio and album sales charts there was a band from Ontario, Canada with the same name and a distinctly different sound. Once again it was the little, progressive Canadian label, Tunesmith, that delivered the band to the States. The band released one fantastic and completely original album in 1982 and little is known about them other than what I can read on album sleeve and hear in the grooves. Primarily a jazz influenced, progressive rock band with a male lead vocalist and female backing vocals. Great guitar and synthesizer work. “Covenant” kicks off side one with the albums most memorable tune. I vaguely remember playing this one for a short while on KYMS back in 1982. The album is often filled with straight scripture. It is also filled with very good guitar solo work. The opening track has both. I have always enjoyed a band that is not afraid to stop singing and actually play their instruments, something they do quite well. In fact, there is a nearly 7-minute instrumental on an album only containing 8 songs. Outside of the one token cheesy ballad (His Yoke Is Easy) most of the album rocks pretty hard within the progressive constraints. This would be more for fans of early Genesis, with more folk and rock influences. In fact, I read a review once that described them a “prog-folk,” and the label kind of works. In 1982 there was Resurrection Band and a few “metal” bands, but very few progressive rock band in the vein of Third Day and, as a result, they stood out. They also stood out initially because of the great artwork and “gate fold” LP packaging Tunesmith provided. If only the label would have spent a few more pennies on the production of many of their releases. But here Third Day stands out again with great production.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Covenant – 3:53 2 – The Real You – 5:30 3 – It’s A New Day – 6:30 4 – His Yoke Is Easy – 2:47 5 – Revelation – 5:20 6 – The Word – 4:55 7 – Without Love – 4:54 8 – He Holds The Sun – 4:37
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Art Direction, Photography By – Tom Fenney Artwork [Signed] – D. Rieger Backing Vocals – Beth Hudson, Esther Hudson, Sharon Hudson Bass – Geoff Taylor, Lazarus Varla, Steve Kennedy Cover, Illustration – Adolph Rieger Drums – Frank Difelice, Paul Quinton Electric Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Electric Piano [Rhodes] – David Geldart Engineer [Assistant] – Lori Taylor, Paul Templeman Engineer [Second] – Cam Shearer, Frank Kitson Engineer, Mixed By – Paul Massey Flute, Piccolo Flute – Bev Joel Guitar – Lazarus Varla Lead Guitar – Lazarus Varla Lead Vocals – Lazarus Varla Mixed By – Doug McKenzie Percussion – Paul Quinton Producer, Arranged By – Lazarus Varla Rhythm Guitar – Al Tiernay Synthesizer – Lazarus Varla Synthesizer [Oberheim O B X] – David Geldart, Lazarus Varla Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Bob Federer Vocals – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla Written-By – Al Tiernay, L. Varla
Companies, etc. Published By – Noteworthy Publishing Recorded At – Master’s Workshop Mastered At – Greg Lee Processing
This is the album that started it all for Kathy and for Reunion Records. But lets start a few years earlier. Kathy grew up Catholic but became born again in 1978. She had been working in the music industry struggling to get noticed. Kathy got her break in 1980 when she opened for Glad at her own church. Ed Nalle from Glad took note of her voice and approached her about cutting a demo with his band. Ed shopped that demo to Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell who reportedly were thinking of starting a new record label. This album became the first album on that label, Reunion Records. The release was a smashing success and the album is reportedly the best-selling debut album by a CCM female artist. That said the album only had one charting single with “Stubborn Love” peaking at #2. In my opinion “You’re All I Need To Get By”, a cover of a Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrellduet hit, was the best track on the album. But this was 1982 and no way were the CCM chart people going to allow a secular cover to chart. The whole album is great for this genre of CCM music and is easily as good as anything Amy Grant was doing at the time. You probably heard this one in the 80’s so today’s a great day to listen to it again for the memories.
Tracklist 1 – You’re All I Need To Get By – 4:02 2 – Hand In Hand – 3:40 3 – All I Must Do – 3:47 4 – It’s The Small Things – 3:20 5 – Lord I Need You Now – 4:03 6 – There’s Still Time – 3:42 7 – Once In A Lifetime Love – 4:44 8 – Stubborn Love – 4:29 9 – It’s Your Love – 4:22 10 – Love Of My Life – 3:57
Credits Arranged By [Strings] – Alan Moore Bass – Craig Nelson, Mike Brignardello Design [Album] – Dennis Hill Drums – Keith Edwards Engineer – Gene Eichelberger Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Mike Blanton Guitar – Dann Huff, Jon Goin Harp – Cindy Reynolds Keyboards – Gerrit Wilson, Michael W. Smith, Shane Keister Liner Notes – Brown Bannister Mastered By [Runout Etch] – Hank Williams Overdubbed By – Bob Clark Percussion – Mark Morris Photography By [Back] – Mark Pleasant, Wade Jaynes Photography By [Front] – Mike Borum Producer – Brown Bannister Saxophone – Dennis Solee Synthesizer – Shane Keister Vocals – Denny Henson, Diana Dewitt, Donna McElroy, Greg Guidry, Kim Flemming, Sandy Guidry
This was the 2nd album from Paradise and they dialed the funk back a bit for this one. That said don’t worry there’s enough funk here for everyone. Originally recorded for Ebony Records in the U.K. (Paradise is a U.K. band) it was picked up ion North America by Onyx International Records. Apparently it sold well but it’s relatively difficult to find these days and I just say a NOS version for sale for $350 U.S. YIKES!!! I mean it’s a good album but it’s not $350 good. If you really need a copy I’m happy to let you know that it was reissued in the U.K. on CD in 2013. Anyway we don’t post many funk albums but sometimes one slips through the cracks when I particularly like it.
Tracklist 1 – World’s Midnight – 4:58 2 – Here And Now – 3:16 3 – Never Will Turn Back – 3:42 4 – Your Love – 3:34 5 – Something Wonderful – 4:05 6 – Stop And Think – 5:15 7 – Life Assurance – 3:25 8 – Success – 3:11 9 – I’m Going Away – 4:03 10 – Quiet Times – 4:07
This was Jan’s second album and his first released outside of Norway. He was picked up in North America by tiny label Pilgrim America and in the U.K. by Marshalls. It was recorded in Nashville and they used the Joe English band, including Joe English, for the backing band. Someone important must have helped put this together as Jan was a relatively unknown at this point. Sometimes I would just love to hear how projects like this came together. The album has an early 80’s Pop feel and is a little heavy on Easy Listening tracks. Considering what Jan would do in the future it’s a pretty mellow album. But at this point in his career I suspect the record labels were pretty well dictating what he would do. Anyway it’s a good album and deserves a listen.
Tracklist 1 – So Glad – 2:57 2 – The King Has Come – 3:16 3 – Circle Of Love – 3:37 4 – Wait For Me – 3:19 5 – Take Me – 3:36 6 – Peace Like A River – 4:25 7 – Count On Me – 3:34 8 – Shine Your Light – 4:35 9 – I’m All Alone – 3:39 10 – He Really Loves You – 3:11
Credits Backing Vocals – Carolyn Brandt, Donna Gillie, Mo James, Pam Wolfe, Scott Roley, Suzy Mac, Tom Douglas Bass – Tim Smith Drums, Backing Vocals – Joe English Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Paul Brannon Executive Producer – Ray Nenow Guitar, Slide Guitar – George Cocchini Horns – Harvey Thompson, Jay Coble, Mike Haynes, Ronnie Eades Keyboards – John Lawry Percussion – Mike Feller Producer – Joe English, Ray Nenow Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth
Actually recorded by “Anthem the ROCK Band,” but most commonly referred to as simply Anthem, “Cuttin’ Thru” was quite a groundbreaking release for its time, as many of the Tunesmith releases were. A female led rock band at a time when only Servant and Resurrection Band (partially) were female led bands. For the history behind the band, please check out the interview with guitarist Michael Manthei on the Legacy podcast. The album breaks ground immediately by kicking the album off with an instrumental rock track, “Spiritual Warfare.” This was actually a bit controversial for the time given that most albums in Christian bookstores were purchased by parents and were “previewed” at listening centers. At a time when rock music was still taboo in many circles and the popularity of anti-rock critics and “backwards masking” investigators, leading off with screaming guitars and no “Jesus message” was virtually unheard of, especially for a debut project. But the song does kick off the album quite nicely. But when the title track kicks we get to hear the powerful and soulful voice of female lead vocalist, Mary Pinkley. Big, strong and aggressive, Pinkley’s voice reminds me of a edgier Pauline Wilson (Seawind) more than a Janice Joplin or Grace Slick. It doesn’t have the growl of the aforementioned, but rather rests on the power it possesses. The vocal description fits best in the following track, “Word.” More soulful and bluesly, this song easily would fit on an early Petra album or Servant’s “Shallow Water.” Here the guitar takes center stage with a great blues riff throughout. “Cheap Thrill” shifts to a more Southern Rock flair with a warning message regarding playing with sin. It may be the one song on the album that Pinkley shows a more raspy, gutsy vocal style. Possibly “Doctor” would fall into this descriptor, with a more bluesy direction. One of the things that really separates this album from many of its contemporaries is that it doesn’t bounce between rockers and ballads and give some sort of 50/50 representation. The first 9 songs are straight ahead rockers, with even the slower songs being full throated blues rockers. The only ballad is the worshipful closer, “Morning Star.” Original vinyl copies can be difficult top find as the label was beginning its financial struggles and would close up shop before this band could release a sophomore album. Production ended up being relatively limited, so it is seen as somewhat of a rarity.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Spiritual Warfare – 3:19 2 – Cuttin’ Thru – 2:09 3 – Word – 3:13 4 – Cheap Thrill – 2:32 5 – Free You – 3:47 6 – Winners – 3:51 7 – On Your Knees – 3:19 8 – Doctor – 3:11 9 – Don’t Be Deceived – 4:01 10 – Morning Star – 2:56
Credits Drum – Gene M. Grammatico Electric Bass – Kent Vander Weide Engineer – Alan Schuman, Tom Russell Guitar – Doug Cordell, Michael Manthei Lead Vocals – Mary Pinkley Producer – Eddie Everitt
I guess it’s rather silly to point out that this is a live album from Don Francisco but I have to open the paragraph some way. It was recorded at the Huffman Assembly of God in Birmingham, AL on September 20, 1982 and released later that year. At this point in his career Don was established as THE folk artist of CCM music. At the time this album came out I was not a big fan of folk music but I liked this album. Let that be a testament to how good it is. In fact I would say it is probably one of the best live albums of the 80’s regardless of style. I can honestly say that I would have loved to have seen him live as it sounds like it was a really good show. Years later I have listened to most of his albums now and most of the versions he did live are the best versions of these songs.
Tracklist 1 – Since I Met Him I Can See – 3:24 2 – Got To Tell Somebody – 5:11 3 – Jesus Is The Lord Of The Way I Feel – 2:34 4 – Steeple Song – 3:01 5 – I’ll Never Let Go Of Your Hand – 3:28 6 – Adam – 4:30 7 – I Don’t Care Where You’ve Been Sleeping – 3:12 8 – Give Your Heart A Home – 3:52 9 – Too Small A Price – 5:52 10 – Christmas Song – 2:44 11 – Come And Follow Me – 4:10 12 – I Could Never Promise You – 3:03 13 – Love Is Not A Feeling – 1:57 14 – Beautiful To Me – 4:22 15 – The Package – 3:08 16 – Jehoshaphat – 3:01 17 – Closer To Jesus – 3:22 18 – He’s Alive – 4:50
Credits Art Direction, Design – Bill Barnes, Randy Martin Backing Vocals – Duann Hall, Gary Dunham Bass, Acoustic Guitar – Louie Hall Engineer – Noah White Executive-Producer – Michael B. Suttle Keyboards – Gary Dunham Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Don Francisco Mastered By – Ken Perry Mixed By [Remixed By] – Louie Hall Photography By – Dean Dixon Producer – Don Francisco, Louie Hall
Companies, etc. Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Mixed At – Spectrum Recording Studios, Birmingham, AL Mastered At – Masterfonics
This album was our introduction to The Call. Well in my case it honestly it was their second album, I missed this one almost entirely. Actually I think a lot of people missed this first album which is a pity because it’s actually very good. There isn’t much information on the formative years of The Call but we do know they formed in 1980 in Santa Cruz, California. The original lineup was Michael Been (lead vocals, guitar), Scott Musick (drums), Tom Ferrier (guitar), and Greg Freeman (bass). Steve Huddleston (keyboards) joined 1981. This album would set the sound we would come to love but this album only did moderately well and didn’t rank in the U.S. top 100 album chart. It just didn’t have a breakout single, that would wait for their second album. The chosen single was “There’s A Heart Here” but really I think “Bandits” would have been a much better choice but who am I to question the record company gurus. Anyway if you joined The Call on their second album be sure to take the time to listen to this one and hear where it all started.
Tracklist 1 – War Weary World – 4:18 2 – There’s A Heart Here – 2:56 3 – Doubt – 4:19 4 – This Is Life – 3:06 5 – Fulham Blues – 3:13 6 – Who’s That Man – 3:05 7 – Upperbirth – 3:38 8 – Bandits – 3:28 9 – Flesh And Steel – 4:54 10 – Unbearable – 2:37 11 – Waiting For The End – 5:15
Credits Bass, Vocals – Greg Freeman Drums, Vocals – Scott Musick Engineer – Hugh Padgham Engineer [Assistant] – Andy Lyden, Howard Grey, Steve Prestage Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards – Michael Been Producer – Hugh Padgham Synthesizer, Piano, Saxophone – Garth Hudson Written-By – Michael Been
Ten years removed from Love Song and ten light years removed musically, Bow and Arrow was an original artistic revelation in 1982. I had just begun working for a small buy relatively aggressive Christian Bookstore in orange, CA called The Pink Lady. The store with odd name was kind of a crazy combination of ice cream shop, Bible bookstore, Hallmark store and music store. Half of the music department was dedicated choral and instrumental music with instruments, cantatas and several rooms for private instrument instruction. Yet, at the same time, the music department carried Bruce Cockburn, U2 and Bill Mason band along with Amy, Michael and Larnelle. One of my first days working there the owners daughter was training me and had put a brand new album from Maranatha Music on the in store turntable. After several songs I mentioned that I thought this was, by far, the best Phil Keaggy album I had ever heard! The album was “Bow and Arrow” by former Love Song drummer John Mehler and I bought the album that night. The album was produced by Mehler with help from Bill Batstone who also played bass on the album. The musical direction will always find comparison to Phil Keaggy because of Mehler’s voice having such an uncanny resemblance to the guitar virtuoso. Keaggy’s providing some of his best recorded guitar work helped to add luster to the comparison. But there are to be found touched of early 80’s new wave and a dash of the Police. And within the framework of the 9 songs one will find nine brilliantly written, produced and performed songs. As pioneering Love Song was for the early Jesus Music days, Mehler’s Bow and Arrow was just as captivating, original and significant. The album received very limited promotional and radio support as it was at this time that Maranatha Music decided to no longer do artist oriented releases and focus exclusively on worship and children’s albums. This is one of the great travesties in the history of the industry that the album was never picked up by another label and was left to disappear into many a cut out bin. That same album now fetches a pretty penny on the open market as audiophiles and fans recognize what a great album it was. In fact, a recent HM Magazine countdown of the Top 100 Rock albums in CCM history listed Bow and Arrow amongst many of the great releases. It should be noted here that this is sonically one of the best albums of its day. The production quality is tremendous and is easily one of those albums that deserves a CD release. I really wish I owned it on CD. The sound is worthy and the album is more than worthy! Mehler would go on to record another project five years later and a live album. In between there would also be two great instrumental jazz albums (I can’t recommend “Light the Night” enough), countless studio sessions, ministry opportunities, concerts, teaching, etc. But for one all too brief moment in CCM history, one of the truly great albums found a home on my turntable and remains “one of the greatest Phil Keaggy albums ever!”
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Trust In The Lord – 3:57 2 – Just Like You – 2:55 3 – His Love For You – 5:19 4 – Bow And Arrow – 3:39 5 – Be Strong In The Lord – 5:55 6 – Alright – 4:08 7 – Little Drummer Boy – 4:00 8 – The Seventh Seal – 2:32 9 – My Strength – 4:10
Credits Bill Batstone – Songwriter, Arrangements, Bass Wayne Brasel – Guitar Bill Cobb – Engineer Katherine Davis – Songwriter Steve Hall – Mastered Phil Keaggy – Guitars Jim Lacefield – Bass John Mehler – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Drums, Percussion, Vocals Lynda Mehler – Songwriter Randy Mitchell – Guitar Henry Onorati – Songwriter Harry Simeone – Songwriter Chuck Smith – Executive Producer John Vestman – Co-Producer, Engineer, Mixed, Percusion, Violin, Guitar, Background Vocals Rob Watson – Keyboards Dan Willard – Mastered
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music Engineered At – Trianon Studios Mastered At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios Mixed At – Trianon Studios Published By – Maranatha! Music