Tag: 1982

Denny Correll – Something I Believe In – 1982

This is Denny’s third solo album and his best so far. While it definitely leans easy listening there are a couple pretty good pop tunes also. The whole album has a bit of a funk feel which works very nicely with his vocals. Unfortunately the album didn’t do well on the CCM charts which is yet another mystery of the 80’s as there are at least 2 top 40 quality songs on this album. The album cover features him getting in a cab. Is it just me or were there a lot of albums in the 80’s with Taxi’s on the cover? Anyway this is a good album that deserves a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Wake Up Everybody – 3:58
2 – Too Many Lonely People – 4:05
3 – Keepin’ My Eyes On You – 3:33
4 – Eternally (The Wedding Song) – 3:36
5 – You Can Depend On Jesus – 3:41
6 – Your Love – 3:34
7 – The Promise – 3:26
8 – Jesus Is Everywhere – 4:57
9 – Goin’ Up – 3:32
10 – Changin’ My Heart – 4:48

Credits
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements] – Bruce Miller
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangements] – Hadley Hockensmith
Art Direction – Paul Gross
Backing Vocals – Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, Phyllis St. James
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drums – Bill Maxwell
Engineer – Willie Harlan
Engineer [Assistant] – Brook Johnson
Engineer [Horns] – Peter Haden
Guitar – David Williams, Dean Parks, Eric Turner, Hadley Hockensmith
Guitar [Solos] – Hadley Hockensmith
Layout [Sleeve] – Dennis Hill
Mastered By – Bruce Leek
Other [Taxi Driver] – Arnold Johnson
Percussion – Alex Acuña, Bill Maxwell, Daryl Burch
Photography By – Sam Emerson
Producer – Bill Maxwell
Synthesizer – Tom Keene
Trombone – Bob Payne
Trumpet – Chuck Findley, Gary Grant, Walt Johnson
Woodwind – John Mitchell, Justo Almario

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc. – 1982
Copyright © – Word, Inc. – 1982
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Recorded At – International Automated Media
Recorded At – Paramount Recording Studios
Mixed At – International Automated Media
Mastered At – International Automated Media

Phil Butin & Rich Webster – All In All – 1982

I really couldn’t find out anything about either of these guys. Phil Butin had an album with Ron Case but that’s it, that’s all I could find out. As for the album it has a distinctly 70’s sound but is mostly easy listening except for a couple rock tracks. The rock tracks are pretty good but I didn’t care for the easy listening tracks as much. The guitar work on the album is excellent and I would have liked to have heard more of it. As this was a self released project I’m not too sure how much exposure it got but it’s well worth a listen.

Tracklist
1 – I Am – 4:59
2 – I’m The One You Need – 3:40
3 – Come To Me And Rest – 3:08
4 – We’re Not Alone – 4:17
5 – Help Is On The Way – 5:12
6 – Ahead – 3:35
7 – The Way I Was Before – 4:40
8 – Take Me Far Away – Lately – 7:35
9 – Shine With Your Light – 3:30
10 – All In All – 3:18

Iva Twydell – Duel – 1982

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

The Predators – The Predators – 1982

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

Companies, etc.
Lacquer Cut at – Tape One

Third Day – Third Day – 1982

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

Kathy Troccoli – Stubborn Love – 1982

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

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Great Circle Sound
Recorded At – Pinebrook Recording Studio
Overdubbed At – House of David
Mastered At – Woodland Studios
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – 25656
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Published By – Jobete Music Co., Inc.
Published By – Meadowgreen Music, Inc.
Published By – Handrail Music
Published By – Lifesong Music Press
Published By – Paragon Music Corp.
Published By – Word Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Reunion Records
Copyright © – Reunion Records

Paradise – World’s Midnight – 1982

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

Jan Groth – Circle Of Love – 1982

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

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Pilgrim Records (2)
Copyright © – Jan Groth Music
Published By – Jan Groth Music
Recorded At – Master’s Touch

Anthem The Rock Band – Cuttin’ Thru’ – 1982

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

Don Francisco – The Live Concert – 1982

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