Tag: 1984

Cruse – Cruse 2 – 1984

This was the second album after the Cruse Family renamed themselves “Cruse” to sound more hip and young. There really isn’t much info out there on the family and really the only member to go on to success was Cindy Cruse. The album is definitely Easy Listening synth driven music with the exception of “Roads” which has a good Rock sound. Unfortunately they didn’t let any of that sound sneak into any of the other tracks. The album is good in an Imperials kind of way but there is no way I would have owned it in the 80’s. I am kind of surprised that it didn’t have a single on the charts as it’s everything CCM magazine was looking for at the time.

Tracklist
1 – Angel Song – 3:14
2 – Sign Of The Times – 3:34
3 – Dancin’ In The Light – 3:35
4 – Unfailing Love – 3:51
5 – Love Of The Lord – 3:02
6 – Rise And Fly – 3:59
7 – Roads – 4:09
8 – Under Wings Of Love – 4:18
9 – Magnify The Lord – 4:03

Credits
Karen Cruse Adams – Vocals
Dennis Belfield – Bass
Claire Cloninger – Songwriter
Robert Cotton – Engineer, Mixed
Becky Cruse – Songwriter
Joe Cruse III – Vocals
Paulinho da Costa – Percussion
Wally Grant – Engineer, Mixed
Ed Greene – Drums
Steve Hall – Mastered
David Huff – Songwriter
Abraham Laboriel – Bass
Rhett Lawrence – Synthesizer Programmer
Larry Mohoberac – Arrangements, Keyboards
Smitty Mohoberac – Arrangements
Smitty Price – Keyboards
Cindy Cruse Ratcliff – Songwriter
Don Rogers – Songwriter
John Rosasco – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Keyboards
Mike Ross – Assistant Engineer
Janice Cruse Stone – Vocals
Carlos Vega – Drums
Marty Walsh – Guitar

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Nissi Records
Copyright (c) – Nissi Records
Distributed By – Sparrow Distribution

Ground Crew – New Old World – 1984

Here is yet another oddball release on Morada Records. You’ll find some rather odd combinations of styles on this album. All on one album you can hear synth, prog rock, Fusion rock, Funk, and maybe a bit of jazz. Kind of a pity this was their only album as I think a second one with a better producer this band might have really gone some where. All that said this one is definitely one you should take the time to listen to and you might join the cult following this band has.

Tracklist
1 – Creepin’ In – 2:44
2 – Lookin’ Out – 3:01
3 – Who Are We Looking To? – 3:29
4 – When He Comes – 2:55
5 – You Got A Hold On Me – 5:48
6 – New Old World – 3:26
7 – Latter Rain – 4:39
8 – By My Spirit – 2:48
9 – Before The Throne – 5:42

Credits
Ken Burger – Songwriter, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Mark Copenhaver – Producer, Engineer
Ground Crew – Producer
Mark Huhnke – Songwriter, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals
R. Jones – Songwriter
D. Koss – Songwriter
Eric Lucas – Songwriter, Guitar, Sax, Bass, Vocals
Tom Winters – Drums

Billy Sprague – What A Way To Go – 1984

Billy Sprague got his start in the Christian music scene by being a member of Amy Grant’s band in the early 80’s. This work included a duet with Amy, “Singing A Love Song,” off Amy’s In Concert album. This relationship developed into his own record deal in 1984 with Reunion Records. Reunion brought in Michael W. Smith in to produce the album and the result of that is this album. It was a very successful release garnering 3 singles on the CCM charts. “Heavenly Father” climbed to #8, “What A Way To Go” to #22, and “Jude Doxology” to #30. I’m kind of surprised they released Jude Doxology as a single as personally I think it’s the weakest track on the album, but I never really got along with the CCM charts anyway. Obviously the album was very successful and I’m sure Reunion Records couldn’t get a second album out fast enough though it would have to wait until he was done his tour.

Tracklist
1 – What A Way To Go – 4:07
2 – Don’t Give Up – 3:55
3 – Heavenly Father – 3:31
4 – Never Be The Same – 4:59
5 – I Believe – 4:42
6 – Secret Heart – 4:29
7 – How Could You Say No – 3:28
8 – Take My Heart – 4:54
9 – Jude Doxology – 2:03

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter
Bass – Mike Brignardello
Drums – Mark Hammond
Engineer – Jeff Balding
Engineer [Additional] – Jim “J.B.” Baird
Engineer [Assistant] – Allen Henry, Chris Hammond, Sam Baily
Engineer, Mixed By – Brent King
Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton
Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jon Goin
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Mixed By [Assistant] – Phil Dihel
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer, Keyboards – Michael W. Smith

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records
Copyright (c) – Reunion Records
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word Records Limited
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Designed At – Thomas Ryan Design
Recorded At – Goldmine Studio, Brentwood, TN
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – Center Stage Studio
Mixed At – Mastermix
Mastered At – Mastermix
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.

Weber and the Buzztones – Weber and the Buzztones – 1984

This little gem would have ranked significantly higher if there were more than 4 songs. As a result this album (EP) is the shortest on the list. But one little unique oddity of the album is that the vinyl has all four songs on each side. The group started out as the Larry Weber Millennium and they released a 45 single under that moniker with Lamb Chops (also here) and the song “God Blessed America” that I have never heard and may be unfortunately lost to obscurity. Lamb Chops is straight up techno, keyboard pop with just a dash of Devo and talking Heads in the quirky vocal styling. A whole lot of keyboards and with touches of The Cars and Gary Numan, especially on Lamb Chops. But the second cut, “OK,” is not far removed from what Vector did on their “Please Stand By” album. This cut has a much more Missing Person’s vice and would have fit quite nicely on modern radio (KROQ) at the time. The guitar parts shine on this tune and sets it apart from the rest of the EP. I would venture to say that fans of Quickflight would also find quite a bit to like here. The final two cuts, “Run Away” and “Walk Away,” both fit into the overall pop, keyboard new wave, with the latter just being a little slower…which I guess makes sense. Where the former appears to be about running away from God, the latter encourages the listener to turn away from sin. I did get to see them once at the Anaheim Convention Center as part of a Calvary Chapel evangelistic event. Several different members flowed in and out of the band and I admit to having very limited knowledge about them outside of seeing them one other time with Steve Taylor. Like early Steve Taylor the music is quirky, fun and the lyrics dry and funny at times. I had always wished for more, but it was apparently never to be. In the previous blog several of the band members left comments. I hope they return here and that Larry will also be heard from.

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

Tracklist
1 – Lamb Chops – 2:50
2 – Ok – 3:50
3 – Runaway – 4:30
4 – Walk Away – 4:24

Credits
Cover – Paul Carstensen
Design – Paul Carstensen
Drum Programming [Linndrum] – Pat Craig
Drum Programming [Simmons] – Mike Tuuri
Engineer – David Denny, Jammie Bridges
Executive Producer – Brian Martin
Guitar – Larry Weber
Mastered By – George Horn
Percussion – Mike Tuuri
Producer – Larry Weber
Synthesizer – Glen Repoza, Larry Weber, Nelson DiMarco, Tim Watt
Vocals – Larry Weber
Written-By – Larry Weber

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Starlight Sound
Mastered At – Fantasy Studios

Kenny Marks – Right Where You Are – 1984

In the world of Christian pop music more than a handful of artists bounded on the scene without the songwriting credentials, artistic acumen and lyrical insight…and they sold a ton of records. Other like Kenny Marks made a name for themselves and sold a decent amount, but never attained the popularity their quality work deserved. Often favorably compared to Bryan Adam and Richard Marx, Kenny Marks was a singer-songwriter that plied his trade in the CCM world and should have done much better. His songs combined the popular and common themes of mainstream CCM with a twist or difference that set him apart. he would also deal with subjects either taboo or poorly communicated in other settings. He may be most noted for his trilogy of songs that surrounded the relationship between a Johnny and a Jeannie. Two High School sweethearts that date, marry, have a child and divorce. Though a later album would bring Johnny back as a character, it is the three songs on three records in a row that are of most note. That trilogy started here with “Growing Up Too Fast.” The albums biggest hit was the title track, a stirring ballad about God’s undying love and forgiveness. “One Small Voice” reminds the listener of God’s attempt to speak to us in the small things in a busy and loud world. “Single-Minded Love” addresses the loneliness and difficulty of being a single adult within the walls of the Church. Marks had a decent little career, but it should have been stronger and lasted longer. There were three of four fantastic albums released throughout the mid-80’s that still deserve repeated listening.

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

Tracklist
1 – Right Where You Are – 4:11
2 – One Small Voice – 3:17
3 – Prisoner – 4:57
4 – It’s Incredible – 3:21
5 – Gift From God – 4:10
6 – Growing Up Too Fast – 4:00
7 – Single-Minded Love – 3:45
8 – Still Be Believing – 3:20
9 – You’re The Best – 3:40
10 – Sing For Joy – 3:11

Credits
Art Direction – Bill Brunt
Backing Vocals – Denny Henson, Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks, Patti Leatherwood, Randy Guidry
Bass – Mike Brignardello
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Kyle Lehning
Engineer [Assistant] – Doug Sarrett
Engineer, Mixed By – Jeff Balding
Executive-Producer – Neal Joseph
Guitar – Jon Goin
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Percussion – Terry McMillan
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Keyboards [Mini Moog Bass], Backing Vocals – Keith Thomas
Saxophone – Mark Douthit

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio
Mastered At – Mastermix
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.

Lewis McVay – Coming Attraction – 1984

Nearly a decade after releasing one of the most classic, definitive Jesus Music albums, Sail on Sailor, with his band Mustard Seed Faith and some six year since releasing his first solo album “Spirit of St. Lewis” Lewis McVay released an amazing record that was only hampered by being part of a label that was about to fold. From the creative cover to the phenomenal musicianship on the album, every song works and works well. Combining many different genres all within the framework of pop/rock with touches of new wave and soulful jazz, there is also a hint of the sounds also explored by labelmates Prodigal. Christian radio was very responsive to the mid-tempo ballad “Someday” which sounds nothing like the rest of the album and is uncanny how much it sounds like a David and the Giants ballad. It is also the only over the top syrupy CCM song on the entire album and seems like it was written just for the radio. That is really the ONLY song not up to par with the rest of the album. The rest of the album is really that good. There is not a weak song to be found anywhere. Highlights include the title track, Moon Eyes and You Can’t Fool Me. This is a serious AYSO and one can only hope to find one to own. You don’t want to know what I paid for mine 20 years later!

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

Tracklist
1 – Moon Eyes – 4:03
2 – Coming Attraction – 2:25
3 – Can’t Fool Me – 3:43
4 – It’s Real – 3:52
5 – Someday – 3:39
6 – I Need You – 3:34
7 – Running – 3:00
8 – Is Everything Possible? – 3:46
9 – Can’t Live Without Your Love – 3:56
10 – Working Man – 3:06

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bill Batstone, Darrell Cook, Jon Phelps, Kay Roebuck, Keith Edwards, Lewis McVay, Ronda Taff, Ted French
Bass – Darrell Cook, Greg McNelly
Co-producer – Lewis McVay
Drums – Keith Edwards, Larrie Londin
Electric Guitar – Bill Batstone, Jon Goin
Engineer – Greg McNeily, Jonathan David Brown
Engineer, Mixed By – Gary Platt
Keyboards – Jeff Lamms, John Shriner
Lead Guitar – James Cloke, Jon Goin, Wayne Braust
Lead Vocals, Guitar – Lewis McVay
Mastered By – Mike Fuller
Mixed By – Greg McNeily
Photography – Dianne McVay
Producer – Jon Phelps, Ted French (tracks: B4)
Saxophone – Ronnie Eades
Synthesizer – Loyd Boldman, Rob Watson, Shane Keister

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – McVay Publishing
Copyright (c) – Between The Lines Music

Messiah – Final Warning – 1984

This 1984 album is another example of early Christian metal. At the time the genre was still being downplayed by record companies and distributors. Because of this the vinyl version of this album is highly sought after due to it’s very short run. It is rumoured that the vinyl run was limited to 1000 copies so they can command up to $1000 now. Luckily Retroactive Records re-released the album on CD in 2010 so you can get a copy more easily. This was Messiah’s first official studio release though there had been demo’s. This is a true metal album and in my opinion was ahead of its time. While not my style this is a great band that knew what they were doing. The production on the album was a little weak but in a way that makes it sound even better.

Tracklist
1 – Who’s To Blame – 3:02
2 – Outta Control – 4:25
3 – Where Are You – 4:03
4 – The Choice – 3:37
5 – Heavenly Metal – 5:42
6 – Mistaken Identity – 4:50
7 – Keep Searching – 4:17
8 – Lucifer – 6:04
9 – Final Warning – 5:46

Credits
Bass – Pete Smoltz
Cover, Artwork, Layout, Illustration – Mike Demske
Engineer – George Hellow
Engineer [Assistant] – Chuck Reynolds
Keyboards – Dan Knowles
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Scott Wood
Lead Vocals – Chuck Gugel
Management – Nutcracker Productions Co. Inc.
Percussion – Keith Behnke
Producer – Chuck Gugel, Scott Wood
Written-By – Chuck Gugel, Mike Lopez (tracks: B3, B4), Pete Smoltz (tracks: A2, A5), Scott Wood (tracks: A1 to B2)

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Viniculum Music Publishing Inc.
Copyright (c) – Viniculum Music Publishing Inc.
Distributed By – Nutcracker Productions Co. Inc.
Produced For – IHM Records
Recorded At – Polaris Recording Studios

Tony Pilcher – Livin’ For The Light – 1984

This was the only album we got from Tony. He was with DeGarmo & Key for the No Turning Back tour and album as well as the Mission of Mercy album. DeGarmo and Key actually appear on the album on Track 3 “Lift It Up”. This album was released on Voice Box records which was a very small label far better known for their very Easy Listening albums than this Pop album. Tony also had some song writing credits including a song for Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart off their 1986 album Sheep in Wolves Clothing. Other than that I can’t find much information on him. This is AOR Pop oriented album which was really quite good and I’m a but surprised how little known it is. Some may know I have a real penchant for the Rockabilly/Fifties sound and Tony closed out the album with a great song of this genre, “Roll Away The Rock.”

Tracklist
1 – Livin’ For The Light – 4:14
2 – The Long Way – 3:21
3 – Lift It Up – 2:29
4 – Lord, I Want To Shine – 3:24
5 – Rejoice The Day Will Come – 3:17
6 – Crucible Of Love – 3:36
7 – Higher Power – 3:38
8 – Roll Away The Rock – 3:03

Credits
Vocal Duet – Tanya Goodman
Electric Guitars – Tony Pilcher, Greg Reding, B. James Lowery
Acoustic Guitar – B. James Lowery
Drums – Chad Cromwell, Greg Morrow
Bass : Mike Brignardello, Dave Smith
Acoustic Piano : Carl Marsh
Hammond B3 Organ, Synthesizer – Lester Snell
Background Vocals – David Mayo, Jimi Jamison, Debbie Cathey, Tony Pilcher, Dana Key, Tommy Cathey, Dana Key, The Christ Missionary Baptist Singers
Rhodes & Synthesizer – Ed DeGarmo
Saxophone – Andrew Love

Twila Paris – The Warrior Is A Child – 1984

It is not very often that an artist has the privilege of writing and recording a song that would one day be considered a classic. Even less often does that same artist write and record two or three such songs. Almost never do those three songs all appear on one album. After a sweet but neglected debut release, Knowing You’re Around, Twila released the popular Keepin’ My Eyes On You in 1982. That album showed the promise that would be realized on The Warrior is a Child. The album would contain several Top 10 singles and a few Number One singles. The most notable is the title track which went on to win several awards, own the radio charts and be the definitive song for an artist that has recorded over 20 albums and charted over 30 number one singles! Many songs have been added to recent editions of Church Hymnals while others have become modern worship classic. “Do I Trust You,” written after the death of Keith Green remained a radio favorite for years and one of the top selling accompany tapes ever sold. The beautiful and memorable melody has been added to hymnals and worship playlists. The song of God’s sovereignty has hit home with millions as a reminder of God’s role in our lives, even and especially during the difficult times. “We Bow Down” has also found it’s way into many modern hymnals and remains one of the most popular praise and worship songs of all time. It’s important to note that she was writing “pop” music for the masses that became worship classics well before the modern worship phenomenon. Very few MOR/Inspo albums have made there way on to this list, but one must recognize that when someone excels even in an area or style that is not a personal favorite, there is deserved recognition. Such is the case here as The Warrior is a Child remains a classic for the genre and genuinely great album with lasting impact and implications.

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

Tracklist
1 – The Warrior Is A Child – 4:05
2 – Forever Eyes – 3:32
3 – Clearer Vision – 4:13
4 – Do I Trust You – 4:11
5 – Covenant Keeper – 2:43
6 – The Battle Is The Lord’s – 2:55
7 – We Bow Down – 2:41
8 – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – 4:18
9 – To Do Your Will – 2:40
10 – Come On In – 3:58
11 – Praise Him – 3:36

Credits
Arranged By – Jonathan David Brown, George (Smitty) Price
Art Direction, Design – Joan Tankersley
Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Jamie Owens Collins, Jonathan David Brown, Kelly Willard, Starla Paris, Twila Paris
Bass Guitar – Jim Johnson, John Patitucci
Drums – Cactus Moser
Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Engineer – Jonathan David Brown
Engineer [Assisted By] – Steven Ford, Todd VanEtten
Executive-Producer – Phil Brower
Layout – Lori Cooper
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Percussion – Victor Feldman
Photography By – Craig Stewart
Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano [Rhodes] – George (Smitty) Price
Piano [Acoustic], Organ [B-3] – Harlan Rogers
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Synthesizer – John Schreiner
Written-By – Twila Paris (tracks: A1 to B2, B4 to B6)

Companies, etc.
Record Company – The Zondervan Corporation
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Singspiration
Copyright (c) – Singspiration
Published By – Singspiration Music
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – Future Disc
Designed At – The Cover Story

Oracle – Danger Zone – 1984

I bet that most of you are asking who was Oracle? For the main part I have the exact same question but I do know a little bit. First of all do not confuse this band with a Heavy Metal band of the same name. This is not them regardless of what you may read on line. This Oracle has more of a rock pop mix I’d say leaning slightly more to rock. I have no idea who the guys in the band were because they used nondescript nicknames on the album. This is something I’ve always disliked and this album is an example of why. They apparently were from Edmonton and this was all we have from them. The album came out on Tunesmith records who were well known for signing unknown bands with varying success. In this case I don’t think there was much success as I’m from Canada and I have never heard of these guys. The album cover is actually pretty cool for 1984 but really doesn’t suit the album. The quality of the music isn’t fantastic but this is in part because I don’t think the production is very good. The songs are simple but have some catchy riffs and choruses and with better production we might have heard more from these guys. Unfortunately this is a common story when it comes to Tunesmith artists.

Tracklist
1 – Stranger In Paradise – 3:46
2 – Songmaker – 5:04
3 – Joker – 3:20
4 – Final Show – 5:12
5 – Court Jester – 3:20
6 – Heroes – 4:29
7 – Love Song – 3:50
8 – Breakdown – 2:24
9 – Listen To The Voice – 4:03

Credits
Lead Vocals, Guitar – Rock
Bass – Gary Anthony
Keyboards, Vocals – J.J.
Drums – Klark
Executive Producer – The Wizard
Mastered By – Dave Ellsworth
Producer – Oracle

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Praise Industries Corp.