Tag: 1984

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.

Steve Camp – It’s A Dying World – 1984

This was Steve’s final album with Myrrh records. Strangely Myrrh chose to release it after he had already released a new album with his new label. There has to be a story there somewhere. Also strangely the track “Light Your Candle” is both on this album and the “Fire and Ice” album. The versions are slightly different but this is the first version he recorded. Also very strange about this album is that it did not have a single on the CCM charts. I really feel that behind the scenes there’s a real story behind this album. The album actually has a bit of a dark feeling to me. Several of the songs have a negative feel about Steve’s opinion of the world at this time of his life. Now that said this album is also said to have some of his best songwriting which I guess makes sense as he was actually writing about serious issues. Norman Barratt supplied lead guitar work on the album and his work stands out as usual. All in all a pretty good album from Steve but not one of my personal favourites.

Tracklist
1 – Holding On To You – 3:43
2 – Don’t Wanna Be Friends – 3:18
3 – It’s A Dying World – 3:49
4 – You Comfort Me – 3:20
5 – You Know What’s Right – 3:19
6 – Light Your Candle – 3:19
7 – I Don’t Live By Chance – 3:25
8 – Tongue Is A Fire – 5:04
9 – Can You Sleep Tonight – 3:53
10 – Man Does Not Live – 3:27

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Steve Camp
Arranged By – Barratt Band, Steve Camp
Art Direction [Production] – Dlorah L. Abdi
Artwork [Special Airbrush Effects] – Roy Harwood
Backing Vocals – Diane Thiel, Joan Anderson, Steve Camp
Bass – Larry Tomaso
Design, Design Concept [Cover And Sleeve Design And Concept] – Camille Brown
Drums – Russell Caldwell
Electric Guitar – Norman Barratt
Executive-Producer – Steven C. Wyer
Keyboards, Piano – Dave Morris
Mixed By – Hank Neuberger, Steve Camp
Mixed By [Mix-down Engineer] – Hank Neuberger
Photography By [Cover Background And Sleeve Photos] – Steve G.S. Morgan
Photography By [Cover People Photos] – Phillip Radcliffe
Producer – Steve Camp

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Recorded At – Chapel Lane Studios
Mixed At – Chicago Recording Company

Tim Miner – Tim Miner – 1984

Tim Miner grew up in a music family touring with his Mom and Sisters across the U.S. Unfortunately his father passed away when Tim was only 2 years old. At 16 years old Tim signed a deal two album deal with Sparrow records. This is the first of those two albums. It should be noted that Tim actually has two self titled albums. Apparently he hit the reset button in 1992 when he signed and recorded an album for Motown records. When I picked up this album from a kind lender I have to admit I wasn’t too optimistic. The cover screamed easy listening to me. But I was pleasantly surprised that this was more of an upbeat pop album. It’s not Rock & Roll by any stretch of the imagination but it is a good pop album. Tim was rewarded for his good work by getting a #5 single “Always” on the CCM charts. By the way that’s probably the most boring track on the album but hey what can I say, I never did understand the process of picking a single. The bright spot of the track is that it is a duet with Cindy Crus and it’s actually a good song but just not even vaguely my style of music. Most of the tracks on the album were written by Don Rogers but Tim retained co-writing credits on all but 2 tracks.

Tracklist
1 – Love All The Hurt Away – 3:53
2 – Young One – 3:24
3 – Always – 4:22
4 – 21st Century – 4:49
5 – Don’t Try To Give Me That – 2:09
6 – Fight On – 4:28
7 – How Long Lord – 3:47
8 – Now I’m Alive – 3:41
9 – Endangered Species – 4:49
10 – Lone Survivor – 4:35

Credits
Arranged By [Track Arrangements] – John Rosasco, Smitty Price
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – John Rosasco
Backing Vocals – Tom Kelly, Tommy Funderburk
Bass – Hadley Hockensmith, Leon Gaer
Drum Programming [Simmons Programming] – Art Woods
Drums – John Ferraro
Electronic Drums [Lynn Drums] – Jack Kelly
Engineer – Robert Cotton, Michael Ross, Peter Haden, Wally Grant
Engineer [Assistant] – Michael Ross, Tim Robertstad
Executive-Producer – Robert Cotton
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Marty Walsh
Keyboards – John Rosasco, Smitty Price
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – Robert Cotton
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Producer, Arranged By – John Rosasco
Saxophone – Brandon Fields
Synthesizer [Programming] – Rhett Lawrence

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Nissi Records
Copyright (c) – Nissi Records
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Recorded At – Paramount Recording Studios
Mixed At – Weddington Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc

Mad Max – Rollin’ Thunder – 1984

Mad Max was a great Metal band from Germany and this was their first album on a label. They did have an off label release in 1982 that did have some limited distribution with Roof Music in Germany. The lineup here was different than the demo and most reviewers consider this the best makeup of the band. The album had a much more U.S. commercial metal sound than their previous effort. The band has continued putting out albums up until 2018. The lineup has changed fairly steadily but you have to respect the effort to stay rockin.

Tracklist
1 – Fly, Fly Away – 4:18
2 – Evil Message – 3:46
3 – Losing You – 4:08
4 – Stranger – 4:41
5 – Yours Sincerely – 2:22
6 – Shout And Cry – 5:12
7 – Rollin’ Thunder – 4:20
8 – Riding Through The Night – 4:13
9 – Thoughts Of A Dying Man – 6:07

Credits
Bass – Jürgen Sander
Drums – Uwe Starck
Engineer [Assisted] – Otto Rasche
Engineer, Mixed By – Karl Trapp
Guitar – Jürgen Breforth, Wilfried Schneider
Producer – Karl Trapp, Mad Max
Vocals, Guitar – Michael Voss

Companies, etc.
Published By – Roadster Music
Copyright (c) – Roadrunner Productions B.V.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Roadrunner Productions B.V.
Distributed By – CNR
Distributed By – Indisc
Distributed By – SPV GmbH
Distributed By – Disctrade
Distributed By – Madrigal
Distributed By – Music For Nations
Recorded At – Karo Musikstudio, Münster
Mixed At – Karo Musikstudio, Münster

First Strike – Rock of Offence – 1984

This is another album that leaves me stranded on the intersection confused whether to pick the Hard Rock road or the Metal road. To me it’s in the style of Def Leopard and other very commercial Heavy Metal. However you want to catalog it they did it well and this is an album that would easily be in my top 200. Rock Of Offense was the first and only full-length release from First Strike who were a band out of Sacramento, California and formed in 1979. I personally can’t stand the album cover and I’ve read that the band was of this opinion also. Point of trivia about this album is that it was produced by Michael Roe who is a member of the 77’s.

Track Listing:
1 – Out of Control – 3:03
2 – Hurt by Love – 3:00
3 – I Want You – 3:52
4 – Loneliness Kills – 3:41
5 – Hard Times – 3:21
6 – Slow Poison – 5:31
7 – Your Love – 4:06
8 – Dirty Loving – 3:25
9 – Prisoner – 3:24
10 – Money – 3:35

Credits:
Pat Boylan – Songwriter, Guitars, Background Vocals
Johnnie Delaney – Songwriter, Drums
John Golden – Mastered
Steve Griffith – Assistant Producer, Engineer, Background Vocals
Tony Gunn – Vocals
Tim Larkin – Songwriter, Guitars, Background Vocals
Mary Neely – Executive Producer
Michael Roe – Producer, Background Vocals
Chris Salmon – Songwriter, Bass
Eric Volz – Executive Coordinator, Background Vocals
Daryl Zachman – Engineer

4•4•1 – 4•4•1 – 1984

This was the first album from 4•4•1 though they did have a demo I haven’t found yet. They formed in 1983 in Arcadia, California and did their first demo in 1984. They sent it to Randy Ziegler from the now famous (in CCM circles) at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa among others. Randy liked what he heard and brought the band in to play warm up for Undercover and a others. This single “Break Out” reportedly debuted at #1 in California CCM radio station KYMS. I’m not real confident on this however as that is a pretty rare feat. Outside of California the album wasn’t initially well known but as news of it leaked across the country more copies had to be printed. Anyway what we have here is a great New Wave / Pop album. It should appeal to fans of either style.

Tracklist
1 – Judgement Game – 3:41
2 – Love’s Irony – 3:14
3 – Fish On The Car – 4:28
4 – Mom And Dad – 3:26
5 – Show Me – 5:47
6 – Break Out – 3:00
7 – In His Presence – 4:34
8 – Looking At You – 3:27

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bruce Swift, Kenny Samuels
Bass – Glenn Holland
Cymbal – Steve Giali
Drums – Steve Giali
Engineer – Doug Doyle
Guitar – John Giali, John McNamara
Guitar [Addtional] – Doug Doyle (tracks: B1)
Harmonica – Darrell Mansfield
Keyboards – Glenn Holland
Keyboards [Additional] – Rob Watson (tracks: B1)
Performer [4•4•1 Is] – Glenn Holland, John Giali, John McNamara, Steve Giali
Producer – Doug Doyle
Saxophone – Alan Palmer
Timbales – Terl Bryant
Vocals – John McNamara

Renaissance – Never Have To Run – 1984

When I was handed this album it came with a warning. So with great trepidation I started to listen to it. It has one of those annoying 30 second instrumental opening tracks (I’ve always hated that). First real track, ok, good keyboards, nice guitar riffs, decent vocals then there was the lyrics. Let’s just say this album is lyrically challenged. Now I want to be clear, the music is good, the vocals are good and the ideas for the songs are actually good. I think they just needed to have some help on the lyrics as they are a little simplistic. That said I really like some of the ideas they had with the songs and I’ll admit after listening to the album 3 or 4 times it actually grew on me. The production quality is actually pretty good for what appears to be a self produced album. The cover is a little confusing as it shows a cute girl but there is no girl in the band. Cute girl on the cover are you out there? The band themselves were from Ohio and I can’t find any info on them. So I suggest listening to the album but don’t expect anything spectacular. It’s just a simple fun album.

Tracklist
1 – Scenes – 0:42
2 – Preacher Man – 3:33
3 – Our Own Way – 4:10
4 – Life – 4:38
5 – Lonely People – 3:03
6 – Games – 2:54
7 – Just Passin’ Thru – 2:36
8 – Blues – 3:29
9 – Allright By Me – 4:18
10 – Live For Him – 5:37

Credits
Chris Liechty – Drums
Ken Richer – Lead & Backup Vocals, Keyboards
Gareth Miller – Guitar
Lane Roth – Bass, Backup Vocals
Walt Guy – Producer
Renaissance – Producer