Tag: 1984

Steve Green – Steve Green – 1984

This is Steve Green’s introductory album and this album was an example of everything that was wrong with Christian music at this time. Steve did not write a single song on this album though he was given cowriting credits for one track. The songs were written by great writers employed by Sparrow Records. In fact “Wounded Soldier” was also released on Debby Boone’s album the previous year. What? You couldn’t find another song Sparrow? So it leaves me to wonder, why Steve Green? Sure he’s a good singer but there were 100’s probably 1000’s of singers as good as him. He didn’t even play an instrument on his own album. Sure he had been a minor member of Truth but what was it that had Sparrow say “This is our guy”. Now Steve did go on to be a great success though he never really did much writing. Sparrow knew what they were doing when they picked artists like this. As for the album it’s good. Steve’s a good singer and the tracks were written by the cream of the crop over at Sparrow. I just sometimes wonder how these albums came to exist.

Tracklist
1 – Lift Up A Song
2 – Looking For The City
3 – Bring Back The Glory
4 – Proclaim The Glory Of The Lord
5 – Wounded Soldier
6 – Lamb Of Glory
7 – Other Side Of The Grave
8 – Broken And Spilled Out
9 – You Can Be (As Full As You Want To Be)
10 – People Need The Lord

Credits
Engineer [Additional Engineer] – Bill Deaton, Billy Sherill, James Baird
Engineer [Chief Engineer], Mixed By [Remixed By] – Bob Clark
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mastered By [With] – Ken Pennell
Orchestrated By – David T. Clydesdale
Producer [Produced By] – Greg Nelson
Strings [Strings By] – Nashville String Machine
Vocals [Choral Group] – Beverly Darnall, Dave Duram, Gary Music, Jon Mohr, Karla Worley, Kevin Hoffer, Kristi Cleary, Larry Brooks, Luanne Mohr, Melody Tunney*, Rick Gibson, Scott Douglas, Steve Green

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Hearn Records Fund II, Ltd.
Recorded At – Great Circle Sound
Recorded At – Center Stage Studio
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – Sound Emporium
Remixed At – Great Circle Sound
Mastered At – Future Disc

John Michael Talbot – The God Of Life – 1984

I find it increasingly difficult to review John Talbot’s albums. The albums are quite good but they just aren’t my style and they are very repetitive. That said this album did differ a bit in style with a little less guitar and a little more symphonic sound. There’s even a celtic track which was a nice change from him. The album actually several instrumental tracks which I didn’t appreciate as much. So while I complain that John’s stuff all sounds the same to me I guess I’m kind of proven wrong with this album.

Tracklist
1 – Glory To Thee O God Of Life – 3:04
2 – God – 1:53
3 – In The Name Of God – 6:43
4 – Peace – 4:47
5 – Betwixt Me – 4:50
6 – Belfast – 1:58
7 – The Eyes Of The Great God – 2:57
8 – Holy God Of Truth – 2:45
9 – Healer Of My Soul – 3:35
10 – The Meadow – 1:46
11 – Thanks To Thee – 4:43
12 – Father Make Me Holy – 2:36

Credits
Art Direction [Cover Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley
Backing Vocals – Terry Talbot, Wendy Hofheimer
Bagpipes [Highland Bagpipes, Uilleann Pipes], Hurdy Gurdy – Michael Hubbert
Cello – Alan Dalziel
Concertmaster – Sidney Sax
Conductor – John Leonard
Cover [Cover Design], Design [Lyric Sheet Design] – Marlene Bergman
Design [Lyric Sheet Design] – John Taylor
Dulcimer [Hammered Dulcimer] – Carole Koenig
Engineer – Darrell Powell, Peter Hayden, Ron Capone
Engineer, Mixed By – Mike Ross-Trevor
English Horn – Malcolm Messiter
Flute – Edward Becket
Harp [Celtic Harp, Troubadour Harp] – Gayle Levant
Illustration [Front Cover Illustration] – Christine Soldenski
Orchestra – National Philharmonic Orchestra Of London
Producer – John Michael Talbot
Producer, Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – Phil Perkins
Tin Whistle – Michael Harriton
Vocals [Solo Voice], Guitar, Banjo, Backing Vocals – John Michael Talbot

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Hearn Records Fund II, Ltd.
Copyright © – Hearn Records Fund II, Ltd.
Recorded At – The Barn
Recorded At – Westwind Studio
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Recorded At – CBS Studios, London
Mixed At – CBS Studios, London
Lacquer Cut at – Future Disc

Various – Sparrow Spotlight Volume 2 – 1984

This was one of the more boring Sparrow samplers. But in all honesty I was not the target market for this one. It was obviously more pointed at the worship crowd. Below I’ve listed the tracks and the album they came from;

1 – Steve Green – Lift Up A Song – Steve Green
2 – Debby Boone – Can You Reach My Friend – Surrender
3 – Wendell Burton – Spreading All Over The World – Closer
4 – Sheila Walsh – Surrendering – Triumph In The Air
5 – Terry Talbot – I Am He – Terry Talbot Sings Stories Of Jesus
6 – Phil Driscoll – I Exalt Thee – I Exalt Thee
7 – John Michael Talbot – Glory To Thee (O God Of Life) – The God Of Life
8 – Michele Pillar – Reign On Me – Reign On Me
9 – Dennis Agajanian – If You Say – Where Are The Heroes
10 – Steve Camp – Living In Laodicea – Fire And Ice

Tracklist
1 – Steve Green – Lift Up A Song – 2:29
2 – Debby Boone – Can You Reach My Friend – 4:07
3 – Wendell Burton – Spreading All Over The World – 3:06
4 – Sheila Walsh – Surrendering – 4:30
5 – Terry Talbot – I Am He – 5:01
6 – Phil Driscoll – I Exalt Thee – 4:05
7 – John Michael Talbot – Glory To Thee (O God Of Life) – 7:23
8 – Michele Pillar – Reign On Me – 3:05
9 – Dennis Agajanian – If You Say – 3:18
10 – Steve Camp – Living In Laodicea – 2:38

Michael Card – Known By The Scars – 1984

This is the 3rd album from Michael and this album pretty well cemented his worship style music. As I have said before Michael was very faithful about getting an album out every year. I think if most artists tried to put out an album every year the quality would tire after awhile but I have to admit that I don’t think that is the case with Michael. The quality of every album is high and while this is not my style of music it is good. In fact as far as worship style music goes I find Michael to be a top 10 artist.

Tracklist
1 – He Was Heard – 3:52
2 – Ride On To Die – 4:16
3 – Come To The Table – 3:46
4 – In The Garden – 3:54
5 – Traitor’s Look – 3:30
6 – Why – 2:55
7 – Cross Of Glory – 3:48
8 – Crown Him – 3:58
9 – Known By The Scars – 3:52
10 – Crown Him (Reprise) – 1:18

Credits
Stan Armor – Choir Member
Jackie Binkley – Choir Member
Andy Blake – Choir Member
Niles Borop – Songwriter
Michael Card – Vocals, Classical Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer, Percussion, Songwriter, Quartet Arrangement
Susan Card – Choir Member
Caroline Card-Howell – Choir Member
John Catchings – Cello, Choir Member
Sue Catchings – Choir Member
Jane Cates – Choir Member
Ron Coker – Choir Member
Martyn Ford – Conductor
Pat Fuller – Choir Member
Jon Goin – Electric and Classical Guitars
Lynn Hodges – Choir Director
Jim Horn – Recorders, Flute
Shane Keister – Synthesizer, Piano
Larry London – Drums
Glenn Meadows – Mastered
Alan Moore – String and Woodwind Arrangement
Farrell Morris – Percussion, Vibes
Chris Nelson – Acoustic Bass
Nancy Nelson – Choir Member
Norbert Putnam – Producer, Mastered, Fender Bass, String and Woodwind Arrangement
Cindy Reynolds – Harp
Michele Roberts – Choir Member
Scott Roley – Choir Member
Bill Schnee – Mixed
Randy Scruggs – Rhythm Guitar
Gene Sisk – Synthesizer, Piano
Andy Widders-Ellis – Stick
Bob Wray – Bass, Fender Bass
Betsy Yarborough – Choir Member
John Yarborough – Choir Member
Wes Yoder – Executive Producer

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Michael J. Card
Published By – Whole Armor Publishing Co.
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Abbey Road Studios
Published By – Full Armor Publishing Co
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Pressed By – KM Records Inc.

Cliff Richard – Walking In The Light – 1984

In over 3 years we failed to upload a single Cliff Richard album so we decided to start out with a compilation album. This album features tracks from 1976 to 1984 from 6 different albums. Strangly the US version of this release only had 10 tracks but everywhere else it had 12 tracks with the addition of “Under The Influence” amd Cliff’s excellent cover of Larry’s “Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music”. Of interest on the album is that there are 3 B Sides from various singles. If you hadn’t been buying 45’s you wouldn’t have had these 3 tracks which would have made this album a must own for Cliff Richard fans. Here is the list of what songs came off what albums;

Better Than I Know Myself – Wired For Sound
Such Is The Mystery – I’m Nearly Famous
Every Face Tells A Story – Every Face Tells A Story
Love And A Helping Hand – B Side Little Town
You Got Me Wondering – Every Face Tells A Story
Walking In The Light – B Side Hot Shot
Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – Small Corners
Under The Influence – The Only Way Out
Lost In A Lonely World – Wired For Sound
You Me And Jesus – B Side Little Town
Summer Rain – Wired For Sound
Thief In The Night – Now You See Me… …Now You Don’t

Tracklist
1 – Better Than I Know Myself – 3:43
2 – Such Is The Mystery – 5:10
3 – Every Face Tells A Story – 3:20
4 – Love And A Helping Hand – 3:06
5 – You Got Me Wondering – 3:35
6 – Walking In The Light – 3:15
7 – Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – 4:35
8 – Under The Influence – 2:49
9 – Lost In A Lonely World – 4:03
10 – You Me And Jesus – 2:17
11 – Summer Rain – 4:18
12 – Thief In The Night – 3:56

David And The Giants – Inhabitants Of The Rock – 1984

David & The Giants returned with their 8th Christian album. This album wasn’t all that well received but they did achieve their first CCM chart single. “I Can Depend On You” made it to #30 which isn’t too bad I guess but it’s not really the best track on the album. Considering what David Huff is capable of the album is just a little boring. If I didn’t know Huff was on the album I probably would have liked it more as I wouldn’t have held it to as high a standard. I’ll go out on a limb and say that Huff was help back by the band. Considering what he achieved away from The Giants I just don’t think this was working. That said there are some solid Rock & Roll tunes here but most have a 70’s flavour and it was 1984. To be clear I don’t hate the album I just don’t love it. It’s well worth listening to and I’ll be honest, “I’ve Been Drinking” has made it into my regular rotation.

Tracklist
1 – Are You Ready? – 3:43
2 – Higher – 3:59
3 – I Can Depend On You – 3:16
4 – Moving On Up – 4:03
5 – To Know Him Is To Love Him – 4:29
6 – Fire – 4:10
7 – I Am Persuaded – 3:31
8 – Holy Rain – 4:23
9 – I’ve Been Drinking – 2:52
10 – You’re Gonna Be Somebody – 4:02

Credits
Arranged By [Horns] – Donnie Sanders, Wardell Quercerque
Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter
Backing Vocals – Cindy Richardson, Lenny LeBlanc, Mylon LeFevre, Susan Slade
Baritone Saxophone – Quitman Dennis
Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals, Engineer – Clayborn Huff
Drums, Congas, Percussion – Keith Thibodeaux
Engineer – Dennis Richey, Jerry Masters
Guitar, Clavinet, Backing Vocals, Engineer – David Huff
Mastered By – George Marino
Percussion – Kellye Huff, Lance Huff
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Oberheim, ARP Quadra, Synclavier, Mini Moog], Backing Vocals, Engineer – Rayborn Huff
Producer, Arranged By – David & The Giants
Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Paul Davis
Tenor Saxophone, Saxello, Soloist – Donnie “Sax” Sanders
Trombone – Wayne Butler
Trumpet, Arranged By [Horns] – Wayne Jackson

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Published By – Preference Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Huff Recording Studios
Recorded At – Monarch Studios, Alpharetta, GA
Recorded At – Sea-Saint Studio
Recorded At – Master’s Touch
Remixed At – Huff Recording Studios
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △26486

The Overflow Band – Hazardous Driving Ahead – 1984

I really don’t know anything about this band nor can I find any info on them. The album is on Morada Records who were pretty well known for signing some real oddball acts that no-one heard of before. This appears to be one of those cases. Side 1 of the album is a great Rock & Roll album with a great opening track. It has a bit of a 70’s Rock sound but is easily listenable in the 80’s. I did read that side 2 are demo tracks and this is believable as the production quality goes down as you listen through the album. Anyway here it is anyway, a pretty darn good Rock & Roll album and I would have loved to hear more.

Tracklist
1 – Ready For Action
2 – Right Road
3 – Walkin’ In Desolation
4 – Rock Bottom
5 – Hold On
6 – Makes No Sense To Me
7 – Jesus Is The Answer
8 – Angela
9 – Hey Why Don’t You Believe

Credits
Artwork – Rod Fick
Drums – Robbie Robinson
Guitar & Bass – Thai Page
Guitar & Bass, Songwriter – Mario Colagrossi
Lead Vocals – Chris Timburg
Production Director – Teresa Dodson-Baskin

Phillip Sandifer – On My Way – 1984

This is Phillip’s second album and it was on the same label as his first. At this point in history Phillip was the only person on Urgent Records with his two albums being the only 2 on the label. That said Urgent had a distribution deal with Sparrow and it must have been a good relationship because this album did very well. It had 2 charting singles with “On My Way” made it to #18 and “More Than A Moment” snuck onto the charts at #35. The standout track that didn’t single is “Listen To The Children” which features The Texas Boys Choir. While the track isn’t my cup of tea it is a very good song and deserved to be on the charts too. To sum up this is an easy listening album and is one that should be listened to if you’re looking for something new for Sunday worship tracks.

Tracklist
1 – More Than A Moment – 3:23
2 – Let Her Dance – 3:37
3 – Who Will Be There – 3:43
4 – Don’t Shoot The Wounded – 3:06
5 – Listen To The Children – 4:10
6 – On My Way – 2:55
7 – This Side Of Heaven – 2:46
8 – Should It Ever Rain Again – 2:52
9 – I Am Everyman – 2:54
10 – Brian – 3:32

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Mitch Watkins, Phillip Sandifer
Concertmaster – Edward Lawrence
Design [Cover] – Steve Freeman
Drums, Percussion – John Treanor
Electric Bass – Spencer Starnes
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Overdubs] – Brian Green
Engineer, Mixed By – Larry Seyer
Management – Ronald Lee Deutschendorf
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Photography By – Tomas Pantin
Piano, Synthesizer [Overdubs] – Bill Ginn
Producer, Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – Gary Powell
Written-By – P. Sandifer

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Urgent Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Urgent Records
Distributed By – Sparrow Distribution
Published By – Jesmax Music
Published By – Meadowgreen Music Co.
Published By – River Oaks Music Co.
Produced For – Powell Studio Productions, Austin Texas
Recorded At – Austin Recording Studio
Mixed At – Austin Recording Studio
Mastered At – Future Disc

Geoff Mann – I May Sing Grace – 1984

I only became aware of this artist after it was requested. After listening to the album and reading up on Geoff I am very surprised I haven’t heard of him. This is exactly the style of music I was listening to right when this album came out. As far as I can tell the album was only released in the UK so this might be why but I really think I would have found this one on the import shelf. Geoff was a member of Twelfth Night in the late 70’s and early 80’s and did several albums with them. This is Geoff’s first solo album and wow what an album it is. Strangely it was released on a secular label but is an obviously Christian album. This is not unheard of but was relatively rare at that time. Geoff’s previous work was not Christian so I don’t know when in his career he became a Christian. Of course there will be disagreement of what I mean by “Christian” as it does not appear that Geoff was an Evangelical Christian as he was ordained as a Priest in the Church of England in 1990. Anyway we have a great New Wave album here and when you see Howard Jones in the credits it’s not that Howard Jones but instead a different but equally talented one.

Tracklist
1 – Piccadilly Square – 4:51
2 – I Wouldn’t Lie (To You) – 4:46
3 – Kingdom Come – 3:48
4 – Afterwards – 5:35
5 – For God’s Sake – 4:33
6 – Green Paper Snow – 6:15
7 – For More Than A Day – 6:18
8 – My Soul – 5:47
9 – Slow One – 4:58

Credits
Bass – Keith Gould
Drums, Percussion – Howard Jones
Guitar – Dave Mortimer
Guitar, Mandolin, Keyboards – The Still Owl
Percussion – Andy Mason
Vocals, Guitar, Percussion – Geoff Mann

Keith Hutchinson – Alpha – Omega – 1984

Keith is an artist from South Africa and while this is his only solo album it dies not represent his contribution to the music industry. In 1993 he received a Grammy Nomination for the album “Heat, Dust and Dreams” while he was in the group Johnny Clegg and Savuka. He has also been responsible for a plethora of film scores throughout the 2000’s. As for this album it is a conceptual jazz album with only 4 tracks. I’m not really too sure this is a CCM album as it’s instrumental but it was released on Refuge records and that’s how I found it. The album isn’t my style but it is very well done and if you like Jazz fusion conceptual music this is the one for you.

Tracklist
1 – Alpha I – 3:32
2 – Alpha II – 7:42
3 – Alpha III – 12:06
4 – Omega – 18:48

Credits
Bass – Denny Lalouette
Drums – Kendall Kay
Guitar – Joe Willis
Percussion – Romeo Avelino
Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Oberheim Obxa], Flute, Composed By, Orchestrated By, Conductor, Producer – Keith Hutchinson
Soprano Saxophone – Chris Vernon
Strings [Lead] – Jurgen Schwietering
Trombone – John Davis, Mark Seldon, Pat Bertram, René Laanen, Steve Hurlin Trumpet – Billy Kerker, Hansel Von Brüggen, Robin Finley

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Universal Studios, Johannesburg