I’m pretty sure we will agree that this was Phil’s most successful album. The album got a Grammy nomination for Best Male Gospel Performance and also received the 1984 GMA Dove Award for Instrumentalist of the Year. It was also nominated for the GMA Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year. That’s pretty impressive. Now one of the stranger things about this album is that Phil went back into the studio are rerecorded the entire album so he could release it on his own label. He also added a track. I can’t say for sure but I’m pretty sure this was a big screw you to Sparrow records. Anyway if you only have time to listen to one track make it his version of “Amazing Grace”. It’s actually my favorite version of this classic hymn, Phil’s voice just makes it sound so great.
Tracklist 1 – I Exalt Thee – 7:23 2 – Wings As Eagles – 5:30 3 – Let The Whole World Know – 4:05 4 – Our God Reigns – 4:36 5 – Amazing Grace – 4:10 6 – Hosanna – 4:33 7 – El Shaddai – 3:55 8 – Everlasting Life – 4:18 9 – The Lord’s Prayer – 4:49
Credits Backing Vocals – Beverly Baxter, Donna McElroy, Lari Goss, Melodie Tunney*, Roni Goss, Sharon Scott (3), Terry Blackwood Bass – Ricky Keller Congas, Timbales, Percussion – Alex Acuña, Laran Philpott Drums – Buster Phillips, Jim Keltner Guitar – Dann Huff, Mike Deasy Keyboards – Jerry Cleveland, Lari Goss Producer – Lari Goss, Phil Driscoll
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records
Many readers may be more familiar with Paul Field as a member of Nutshell for four albums, with two different incarnations. A very popular British folk trio, Nutshell was referred to by some as the British Second Chapter of Acts. But Field is quite the prolific songwriter, including writing a number one CCM single for pop group Avalon called “Testify to Love.” Winona Judd would actually cover song as it was used on the popular “Touched By An Angel” television series and made it a Top Ten Billboard Hit! But here we are discussing his first solo album, and the one that most may be familiar. He would later record a few other solo projects and spend much of his time writing musicals. Field is a prolific songwriter and has produced scores of albums though many reached widespread distribution in the US. Immediately “Restless Heart” sounds like it could just have easily been released by Cliff Richard. It also reminds me of the “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” album by Richard, and not only because Richard would cover a song from this album (“Has to Be You, Has to Be Me”). Like the previously discussed Mark Williamson composition, Richard’s version is a bit more upbeat. The album kicks of with what would be the one single KYMS in Southern California really jumped on. “Rock with the Best of Them” is a fun song to start the album with a great horn section a la Chicago. If the world of CCM radio at the time had any justice, this would have been a monster hit! “Radio” follows with a much more mid-tempo feel very reminiscent of the sound for that day. Darker, more somber, I always saw the metaphor of the radio as being related to the Holy Spirit. The song always reminds me more of what the late 70’s Steve Winwood music was like. The album’s 12 songs (quite a few for the day) bounces back and forth between uptempo pop/rock and ballads. One stand out in the Loggins & Messina vein is “The Storm Is Over.” Something that perhaps Scott Wesley Brown would have done at the same time, it may be the most obviously evangelical song on the album. At the same time, it should have been a hit. The whole album is filled with great songs, but the last song I would like to highlight is the most upbeat song on the album, “Fair Fight.” This could just as easily fit on an album from Mark Williamson/Lyrix or even Morgan Cryar or David Edwards, both musically and lyrically. Never released on CD that I know of (at least in the US) and missing from virtually every streaming service (like much of early 80’s Myrrh releases), the album is worth tracking down. I have seen it for a reasonable price on Amazon and Ebay.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Rock With The Best Of Them – 3:23 2 – Radio – 3:56 3 – Has To Be You, Has To Be Me – 4:42 4 – Solo – 3:48 5 – Positive – 2:57 6 – The Storm Is Over – 3:51 7 – Fairfight – 2:46 8 – Stranger In Your Eyes – 3:45 9 – Just Around The Corner – 3:04 10 – You’re The One – 5:12 11 – Nearly Midnight – 3:48 12 – Restless Heart – 3:46
Credits Paul Field – Vocals, Guitar and Piano Graham Jarvis – Drums Mark Griffiths – Bass Martin Jenner – Guitar Dave Cooke – Piano, Keyboards, Guitar and Backing vocals Luís Jardim – Bass Linda Jardim – Backing vocals Marilyn David – Backing vocals Tom Blades – Guitar Colin Larne – Drums Bill Thorpe – Violin Martin David – Percussion Barry de Souza – Drums Ray Russell – Guitar Henry Lowther – Horn Nick Pentelow – Saxophone Nick Firkle – Trumpet Steve Jones – Violin Penny Thompson – Viola Jan Sharpe – Cello
Jerusalem’s 4th album “Can’t Stop Us Now” was a departure from their previous style. Up until this album they had been a 70’s style rock band. Surviving in the 80’s required an updated sound and they easily achieved it. The new pop rock sound was poorly received by their regular listeners but gained new users like myself. The album sold much better than their previous offerings proving their direction change to be a good idea. The album was released in both Swedish and English with the Swedish version retaining 3 English tracks. There does appear to be some minor mix changes between the two versions but for the main part it sounds like they used the same instrument tracks. The English version was reissued in 2018 with 2 bonus tracks. A new song “Time” which is more their traditional style and a remix of “Heartbeat”. We have included those tracks in oar playlist.
Tracklist 1 – Can’t Stop Us Now 4:02 2 – Loves You More 3:58 3 – The Wind Is Blowing 4:24 4 – Tomorrow’s World 5:34 5 – The Waiting – 4:33 6 – Let’s Go (Dancing) – 3:41 7 – Mourner’s Parade – 4:35 8 – Read Between The Lines – 4:08 9 – The Missing Piece – 3:43 10 – Heartbeat – 3:15 Bonus Tracks 11 – Time – 5:50 12 – Heartbeat (Light Remix) – 3:15
Credits Bass – Peter Carlsohn Drums – Mikael Ulvsgärd Keyboards – Dan Tibell Vocals, Guitar – Ulf Christiansson Composed By – Ulf Christiansson Layout, Design – Scott Waters Producer [Produced By] – Andy Kidd Remastered By – Rob Colwell
This is the Swedish version of Jerusalem’s 4th album “Can’t Stop Us Now” instead titled “Vi Kan Inte Stoppas”. It was a departure from their previous style as up until this album they had been a 70’s style rock band. Surviving in the 80’s required an updated sound and they easily achieved it. The new pop rock sound was poorly received by their regular listeners but gained new users like myself. The album sold much better than their previous offerings proving their direction change to be a good idea. The album was released in both Swedish and English with the Swedish version retaining 3 English tracks. There does appear to be some minor mix changes between the two versions but for the main part it sounds like they used the same instrument tracks.
Tracklist 1 – Vi Kan Inte Stoppas – 3:58 2 – Loves You More – 3:58 3 – Vinden Blåser… – 4:27 4 – I Skuggan Av Det Förflutna – 5:37 5 – Kärlekseld – 4:35 6 – Let’s Go (Dancin’) – 3:42 7 – Sorgsnas Parad – 4:37 8 – Regn – 4:09 9 – Pusselbiten – 3:36 10 – Heartbeat – 3:15
Credits Bass – Peter Carlsohn Drums – Mikael Ulvsgärd Keyboards – Dan Tibell Vocals, Guitar – Ulf Christiansson Composed By – Ulf Christiansson Layout, Design – Scott Waters Producer [Produced By] – Andy Kidd Remastered By – Rob Colwell
This is where it all started for Bride. If you don’t know Bride were originally called Matrix and this is their first Demo. There are several versions of this demo and some apparently have different tracks so don’t hold us to this particular lineup. Apparently this demo was cut fairly early in the bands development which is rather amazing if you listen to it. Apparently none of these tracks ever made it onto an album which is a real pity as there are some really really good songs here. To be honest I’m quite surprised how good this demo really is. These guys had it together and they had it together quick. Some of the tracks lean a little more Rock & Roll than the work they would be best known for and I sure would have liked to hear more from them in this style. To me the standout track is “Spell House” which has a bit of a Rush feeling to it. Maybe not the best track on the Demo but it’s the one that stood out to me. Best track? For me it is probably “What’s The Point?”.
Tracklist 1 – We Got The Rhythm – 3:19 2 – Who Killed The Rock Hero – 3:24 3 – Get Away – 3:10 4 – What’s The Point – 4:36 5 – Good Rock ‘N’ Roll – 3:19 6 – Stand Up And Shout – 3:01 7 – West Of The Moon – 2:13 8 – Spell House – 3:13 9 – To Make You Think It’s Real – 3:00 10 – Missing Children – 4:35
Credits Drums – Steve Childers Guitar, Bass – Troy Thompson Vocals, Bass – Dale Thompson Photography By – Scott Hall Songwriter [All Songs Written By] – Dale Thompson, Troy Thompson
This was Tom’s first album. Myrrh / Word Records took a real chance on Tom as he was actually Catholic and not evangelical. I’m actually quite surprised they took this chance but it was a good idea as he was quite well received. He had been working in secular music with no success and his faith called him to do Christian music. This album is a little heavy on the worship tracks and strangely none of them singled. Several were certainly good enough for the CCM charts but I suspect there was some hesitance due to his denomination. There are a few good pop tracks and I really like “I Know What Love’s About”. CCM needed more songs like this. HIs next album is better and much better known so if you liked his second album, Shadowboxing, you should give this one a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Walk That Talk 2 – The Call 3 – Messiah 4 – (You’re Only As) Sick As Your Secrets 5 – Piece Of The Mountaintop 6 – HGT (Heavy Guilt Trip) 7 – Thank You For Loving Me 8 – I Know What Love’s About 9 – Live On In My Love 10 – Just Passing Through
Leon recorded this album in 82 or 83 while on tour to support his “I’ll Never Stop Lovin’ You” release. It includes most of his big hits up to this point along with renditions of Amazing Grace and This Is The Day. Strangely Leon played the entire concert by himself using backing tracks of Bass and Drums recorded by himself earlier. I found this rather odd and was wondering if it was a tad egotistical but I decided in the end that it was simply a money decision. Normally of course you’d have to pay a support band for the tour as well as their expenses. Doing every thing yourself avoids this splitting and additional costs. Pretty smart financial move but I would think it would have hurt the live experience. If it did you can not tell from the recording. The fans are quite into the concert and it does sound like it was a great show.
Tracklist 1 – Born Again – 5:04 2 – Flesh Of My Flesh – 3:02 3 – Dance Children Dance – 6:46 4 – Amazing Grace – 1:55 5 – Don’t Give In – 4:36 6 – Star Of The Morning – 4:02 7 – Cornerstone – 4:05 8 – Visions (Talk) – 8:00 9 – We Must Believe – 6:17 10 – This Is The Day – 4:46 11 – Go – 5:15
Credits Design, Layout – Dennis Hill Engineer – Skip Konte Engineer [Assistant] – Biff Vincent Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Photography By – Roger Hanlon Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Bass, Drums – Leon Patillo Producer – Leon Patillo, Skip Konte Programmed By [Horns, Strings, Percussion] – Leon Patillo Vocals – Leon Patillo
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Mixed At – Front Page Studio, Costa Mesa, CA Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △26047
This was Teri’s 4th album but her first in the CCM genre. She had a very successful run in Secular music before having a disagreement with her record company and switching to Word/Dayspring records. As a point of trivia her separation from secular Casablanca records left an album on the shelf that has never been released. Another weird piece of trivia is That she put out a secular album in the same year as this one but it was only released in Japan. Anyway onto this album, it was produced by her hubby, Bill Purse. He didn’t have much of a production history but did a great job on this album. The album had 2 singles with “Battleline” making it to #8 and “I Dedicate All My Love To You” to #10. Pretty successful album but given her secular success this isn’t surprising. Actually I’m a little surprised they didn’t pull a 3 and 4th single off the album. The album is a Easy Listening affair but has a couple pretty good upbeat tracks. “Dig A Little Deeper” is the track that most resemble her secular work and has a nice pop dance feel to it.
Tracklist 1 – Thank You – 3:30 2 – Battleline – 3:40 3 – I Dedicate All My Love To You – 4:57 4 – Dig A Little Deeper – 4:00 5 – Clouds Without Water – 5:30 6 – All I Need – 4:30 7 – Jesus, Call Your Lambs – 4:10 8 – I’ll Carry On – 4:54 9 – A Call To Us All – 7:25
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin – John Chiodini Art Direction, Design – Paul Gross Backing Vocals – Bill Purse, David Roitstein, Kelly Koehr, Kim Fox, Nicole Ann Kujala, Rosalina R. Sackstein, Stephen R. Kujala, Teri DeSario Purse Berimbau, Kalimba, Caxixi – Michael Fisher Concertmaster – Doug Cameron Design [Inner Sleeve] – Steve Elowe Drums – Carlos Vega, Tony Lewis Engineer [Assistant] – Steve Ford Flute – Rosalina R. Sackstein French Horn – William Alsup Guitar – Kevin Clark Harp – Amy Shulman Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Photography By – Harry Langdon Producer, Arranged By, Piano, Synthesizer – Bill Purse Recorded By, Mixed By – Kevin Clark Saxophone – Dave Boruff Sitar – Dan Ratkovich Tabla, Percussion – Ron Wagner
Companies, etc. Mastered At – A&M Studios Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
This was Russ’s first album after leaving the Imperials and I’m pretty sure it’s success confirmed to him that he had made the right decision by going solo. The lead single “We Will Stand” sat at #1 on the CCM charts for 15 weeks. That’s a pretty respectable first album single. He also won the 1983 Grammy award for Best Male Gospel Performance. As for the album I’m pretty sure Myrrh records pulled out all the stops as the production quality and over all quality of the album is very high. If your a fan of Russ’s albums after this one you might be surprised a bit at how mellow this one is. It is definitely a transition of styles from the Imperials to his more rock style on subsequent albums. We did get a hint of what was to come with “Inside Look” which is actually a pretty darn good Rock track. While this album doesn’t make many “Best of the 80’s” lists I think it probably deserves a spot.
Tracklist 1 – Tell Them – 4:23 2 – Walls Of Glass – 3:57 3 – I Want To Change – 5:05 4 – Pure In Heart – 3:59 5 – We Will Stand – 4:37 6 – Jeremiah – 4:02 7 – Inside Look – 4:01 8 – Just Believe – 4:26 9 – Kathryn’s Song – 4:24 10 – Unto The Lamb – 2:42
Credits Mike Baird – Drums Laury Boone Browning – Choir, Background Vocals Bonnie Bramlett – Background Vocals Raymond Brown – Songwriter Harry Browning – Choir Robbie Buchanan – Songwriter, Synthesizer Bass, Rhodes, Synthesizer Don Cason – Choir Lenny Castro – Percussion Bill Champlin – Background Vocals Tamara Champlin – Background Vocals Cynthia Clawson – Choir Ragan Courtney – Choir Charlotte Crossley – Background Vocals Nathan East – Bass Daniel Garcia – Assistant Engineer Bill George – Songwriter, Rhodes Gary Grant – Horns John Hammond – Drums Joann Harris – Background Vocals Susan Pyron Heard – Choir Jerry Hey – Horn Arrangements, Horns James Hollihan – Songwriter, Guitar Richard Hopkins – Bass Abraham Laboriel – Bass Michael Landau – Guitar David Lasley – Background Vocals, Choir Charlie Loper – Horns Arnold McCuller – Choir, Background Vocals Dony McGuire – Background Vocals Bobby Messano – Choir James Newton Howard – Songwriter, Piano, Synthesizer Michael Omartian – Songwriter, Piano, Rhodes, Synthesizer Stormie Omartian – Songwriter Jeff Porcaro – Drums Frank Previte – Choir, Background Vocals Jack Joseph Puig – Vocal Production, Engineer Reba Rambo – Background Vocals Patti Roberts – Songwriter Doug Sax – Mastered Bill Schnee – Producer, Engineer David Schober – Assistant Engineer Russ Taff – Songwriter, Vocals Tori Taff – Songwriter, Choir Keith Thomas – Songwriter Carmen Twillie – Background Vocals Marty Walsh – Guitar Ernie Watts – Horns, Sax Solo Gary Whitlock – Choir
Companies, etc. Record Company – Word, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △26106
This was Michele’s second solo album and I noticed something rather odd about her album covers while researching this album. She had 3 albums with Sparrow Records and for some reason Sparrow chose to use a portrait picture of her for all 3 albums. I am assuming this was a strategy for the worship album sector as quite frankly it’s a little weird to me. Often an artists first or second album will have a good picture of the artist which helps people “identify” with the artist but to do it on 3 straight releases is just weird. Anyway on to the album itself. It was quite successful with the title track making it to # 9 and the follow up single “He Rolled Away The Stone” making it to #4. At the same time she had a #4 duet single with Steve Camp, “Love’s Not A Feeling” off of his 1984 album, Fire And Ice. As for the album itself it is your usual female vocalist worship album. I’m not trying to downplay the album but really there were so many of these cookie cutter albums at the time it is very difficult to get excited about them.
Tracklist 1 – Shout It From The Rooftop – 3:41 2 – He Rolled Away The Stone – 4:32 3 – Reign On Me – 3:21 4 – Look Up – 3:04 5 – There He Was – 5:00 6 – My Heart Is A Stone – 4:19 7 – Don’t Wait Too Late – 3:39 8 – When Love Draws Near – 4:04 9 – One Move Of Your Spirit – 4:12 10 – Song Of Praise – 2:43
Credits Arranged By [Strings] – J.L. Wallace Art Direction – Stan Evenson Backing Vocals – Cindy Richardson, Gary Baker, J.L. Wallace, Lenny LeBlanc, Mac McAnally, Michele Pillar Bass – Butch Ledford Concertmaster – Earl Spielman Cover [Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley Design [Lyric Sheet] – Marlene Bergman Drums – Owen Hale Engineer – Jerry Masters, Steve Moore Engineer [Additional] – Dan Garcia Engineer, Remix – Ron Capone Executive-Producer – Billy Ray Hearn Guitar – Will McFarlane Mastered By – Steve Hall Percussion – Alex Acuña Photography – Mark Hanauer Piano, Keyboards – Larry Muhoberac, Steve Nathan Piano, Keyboards, Guitar – J.L. Wallace Producer – J.L. Wallace Producer [Additional], Remix, Mastered By – Ken Pennell Saxophone – Ronnie Eades Vocals – Michele Pillar
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Sparrow Records Recorded At – Muscle Shoals Sound Studios Remixed At – Westwind Studio Mastered At – Future Disc
