Russ Taff – Medals – 1985

This is Russ Taff’s second solo album and many consider it to be one of the best Christian albums of the mid 80’s. It received the Dove award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year in 1986 and rose to #2 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. This album was recorded with some of the top Studio musicians of the time including, Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Nathan East, Robbie Buchanan, Tommy Funderburk, and Bill Champlin. One of the top cuts, “I’m Not Alone” was written by Paul Janz of Deliverance fame. All in all a good pop sound album that deserves at least one listen even if the Russ Taff name spooks you.

Tracklist
1 – Vision – 4:09
2 – I’m Not Alone – 4:19
3 – Medals – 4:43
4 – Not Gonna Bow – 4:11
5 – Here I Am – 4:11
6 – I’ve Come This Far – 5:28
7 – Silent Love – 4:45
8 – How Much It Hurts – 4:05
9 – Rock Solid – 4:08
10 – God Only Knows – 4:34

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bill Champlin (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, B2, B3), Carmen Twitty (tracks: A3, B1, B4, B5), Harry Browning (tracks: A3), Lynn Nichols (tracks: A3), Russ Taff (tracks: A1 to A4, B4), Tamara Champlin (tracks: A1, A2, A4), Tata Vega (tracks: A3, B1, B4. B5), Tommy Funderburk
Bass – Nathan East (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B4, B5), Neil Stubenhaus (tracks: A2, A4, A5 B2, B3)
Drums – Paul Leim
Electric Guitar – Dann Huff, Michael Landau (tracks: A2 to B5), Paul Jackson, Jr. (tracks: A1, B1)
Keyboards – Robbie Buchanan (tracks: A2, A4, B1, B2, B5)
Percussion – Lenny Castro (tracks: A2 to B5)
Saxophone – Larry Williams (tracks: A2, A4, B5)
Scat – Tata Vega (tracks: B1, B4)
Synthesizer – James Newton Howard (tracks: A1, A2, A4), Rhett Lawrence (tracks: B4), Robbie Buchanan

Debby Boone – Choose Life – 1985

This was the 8th album from Debbie Boone. For this album she turned to Michael and Stormie Omartian for most of the songs. Michael also produced and performed on the album. The album has a significant Pop sound that we weren’t used to from Debby. There are still several good worship oriented songs however if that’s what you are looking for. This album reached #7 in the Contemporary Christian music charts helped I’m sure by the Pop feel of the album.

Tracklist
1 – The Time Is Now – 4:22
2 – Pressure Points – 4:18
3 – Teach Me How To Love – 4:13
4 – When I Accepted You – 4:00
5 – Delight In Him – 3:53
6 – Choose Life – 4:17
7 – The Heart Of The Matter – 5:50
8 – Right For You – 4:19
9 – Song Of Deliverance – 3:54
10 – The Lord Is So Good – 3:14

Credits
Backing Vocals – Dara Bernard, Khaliq Glover, Terry Williams
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (tracks: A5), Joe Chemay, Nathan East
Concertmaster – Assa Drori
Design – Stan Evenson Design Inc.
Drums – Paul Liem
Engineer [Second Engineer] – Larry Fergusson
Engineer, Mixed By – John Guess
Guitar – Michael Landau
Photography By – Sue Choi
Piano – Marty Goetz (tracks: B5)
Producer, Arranged By, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Michael Omartian
Production Manager [Production Coordinator] – Ronnie Puccinelli
Programmed By [Yamaha Dx-7 Programs] – Erik Persing
Soloist [Sax Solos] – Gary Herbig
Vocals [Duet] – Michael Omartian (tracks: B3)

Benny Hester – Benny From Here – 1985

This was perhaps Benny’s best album ever. It spawned the single “When God Ran” which is the longest running number one song in Contemporary Christian Music history lasting 13 weeks. I personally loved this album with my favourite track being “Susie Said, Yeah!”. Benny transitioned from the 70’s to the 80’s with great ease. A lot of seventy Jesus music artists struggled with the transition to 80’s Rock or Pop but Benny made it look easy.

Tracklist
1 – Secret Thoughts – 4:40
2 – Streets Of Las Vegas – 3:54
3 – When God Ran – 4:57
4 – Susie Said, Yeah! – 3:15
5 – To Fill Our Empty Hearts – 4:22
6 – Back To Basics – 4:23
7 – Can I Get To You From Here – 3:44
8 – Whoever Touches You – 3:36
9 – Marching On – 3:20
10 – Hold Me – 4:47

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Roland Young
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Creative Director – Tom Willett
Drums, Percussion – John Robinson
Executive-Producer, Management – Brad Burkhart
Guitar – Dann Huff
Keyboards – Alan Pasqua, Charlie Olins
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – Dennis Mackay
Percussion – Keith Edwards
Photography By – Mark Hanauer
Producer – Dan Posthuma
Recorded By – Daniel Garcia, David Schober, John “Beverly” Jones
Recorded By, Producer [Associate Producer] – Jeremy Smith

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios
Recorded At – Music Grinder Studios
Recorded At – Redwing Studios
Recorded At – Mad Hatter Studios
Recorded At – Suma Recording Studio
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – Δ26991
Published By – Word Music
Published By – Suburban Madness Music
Published By – Meadowgreen Music Company

Leviticus – I Shall Conquer – 1985


This was the first album from Swedish Metal band Leviticus. It was originally released in Sweden in Swedish in 1983. The band redid the album in English for a European and North American Release. Leviticus played the Greenbelt festival in England in 1984, and 1985 in support of this album. This album has a bit of a symphonic feel that disappeared in the bands later releases. The engineering on this album was not the best in my opinion as it appeared the producer/engineer were going for the “wall of sound” feel which never works well on a Metal album again in my opinion. The album was re-released in 2000 on CD with bonus material.

Tracklist
1 – I Shall Conquer
2 – Let Me Fight
3 – He’s My Life
4 – Doubt
5 – Action More Than Words
6 – All Is Calm
7 – Day By Day
8 – Strive Forwards
9 – Psalm 23

Credits
Bass – Håkan Andersson
Drums – Kjell Andersson
Guitar – Björn Stigsson
Lead Vocals – Håkan Andersson
Percussion – Kjell Andersson
Vocals – Björn Stigsson

Servant – Swimming In A Human Ocean – 1984

Servant went through a series of musical changes between their 1979 debut and this 1985 release. They were searching for the new wave sound and look, finding it in what looks like borrowed clothes on the album cover, complete with beret, sweaters, skinny tie and big hair.

The musical sound is the 1985 radio-friendly stuff of Starship and softer Tears for Fears sounds.

This doesn’t take anything away from them lyrically or musically but it is a noticeable change from the simple rock reachings of Fly Away and Suburban Josephine.

Tracklist
1 – Power – 4:48
2 – The Dance – 3:53
3 – Timeless Love – 3:44
4 – Look Through His Eyes – 4:05
5 – Human Heart – 3:57
6 – I Will – 3:27
7 – Harder To Finish – 3:40
8 – Million – 4:04
9 – Love Never Fails – 3:44

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Grand Slam Studios
Recorded At – Quad Recording Studios
Mixed At – Quad Recording Studios

Credits
Art Direction – Joan Tankersley
Bass – Rob Martens (2)
Design – Joan Tankersley
Drums – David Holmes (18)
Engineer – David Schober
Engineer [Assistant] – Jay Healey, John Jenkinson
Executive-Producer – Lynn Nichols
Graphics – Lori Cooper
Guitar – Dave Perkins
Keyboards – Matt Spransy
Lead Guitar – Bruce Wright
Lighting Director – Lori Martens
Photography By – Chris Callis
Producer – Dave Perkins
Rhythm Guitar – Owen Brock
Vocals – Sandie Brock
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Eric Odell

Fast Forword – Message for America – 1985

This is the only album from Fast Forword. The band was from Alta Loma, California and according to Bass player Mike Wood half the songs were recorded in San Francisco at Tecate Studio and the other half in a garage recording studio in Ontario, California. This explains the varying quality of the production. Mike also says they were influenced by Stryper, Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin, etc. The band graduated college and moved on with their respective careers.

Track Listing:
1 – Reach For Heaven
2 – Child Of Society
3 – Trouble In The City
4 – Take Me Away
5 – Message For America
6 – He’ll Never Leave You
7 – Answer The Call
8 – I’ll See You Once Again

Credits:
Thomas Dodd – Guitar
Scott Johnson – Drums
Steve Krepps – Lead Vocals
Michael S. Wood – Bass

Altar Boys – When You’re A Rebel – 1985

When You’re A Rebel was the second album from the Altar Boys. The first album had sold well considering the style of the music, and the second sold better establishing the Altar Boys as a mainstream Christian band regardless of the punk flavourings of their music. The album was also released in Germany but unfortunately I was unable to find any sales numbers. I’d be interested to know how well it did there.

Track Listing:
1 – Difference In Me – 4:06
2 – More Of You – 2:58
3 – Calling Out To Believers! – 3:23
4 – When I’m With God – 2:33
5 – I’m Into God (Reprise) – 1:44
6 – When You’re A Rebel – 3:58
7 – Jesus Is Number One – 2:46
8 – If You Let Him In – 2:25
9 – When I See You – 3:08
10 – He Knows You Better – 2:58
11 – Does God’s Heart Cry? – 4:35

Credits:
Bass, Piano, Backing Vocals – Rick Alba
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Jeff Crandall
Engineer – Derald Daugherty
Guitar [Additional] – Steve Pannier
Guitar, Vocals – Mike Stand
Mixed By – Leroy Cahuenga
Producer – B.B. Stone

Youth Choir – Voices In Shadows – 1985

This is the introductory album from Youth Choir, later known as Choir.

They were one of the many great bands that came out of Calvary Chapel in Orange County, California in the 80’s. The band featured Derald Daugherty of Lost Dogs fame along with Steve Hindalong, and Mike Sauerbrey.

This album has a pure new wave sound with hints of U2. The single “Someone’s Calling” was well received and received regular airplay in Christian radio.

Point of trivia is that Steve Hindalong was credited with playing drums but the drums on the album are completely electronic.

Track Listing:
1 – Someone’s Calling – 4:27
2 – Wounds Of A Young Heart – 2:38
3 – Dreams – 3:48
4 – Another Heart – 3:32
5 – Why Are All The Children Crying – 4:31
6 – Another World – 3:54
7 – Here In The Night – 4:17
8 – Alright Tonight – 2:54
9 – Anyone But You – 3:34
10 – A Million Years – 3:41

Credits:
Bass [Uncredited] – Mike Sauerbrey
Design [Sleeve] – Ed McTaggart
Design, Layout, Artwork By [Photo Illustration] – Kevin Short
Other [Crewed By] – Bob Salcedo, Tim Curiel
Other [Live Sound] – Dave Hackbarth
Percussion [Uncredited] – Steve Hindalong
Photography – Scott Lockwood
Photography [Back Cover] – Linda Baley
Producer, Engineer – Thom Roy
Vocals [Uncredited], Guitar [Uncredited] – Derald Daugherty
Written-By, Performer – Youth Choir

Twenty Twenty – (self titled) – 1985

This was the first album from Twenty Twenty before they changed their name to 20 Twenty.

Not much is written about Twenty Twenty so I know nothing about their background. The album is a well produced 80’s sound with good synth and guitar riffs. It’s a pleasant listen that will get some Classic Christian radio play.

Track Listing:
1 – You Are So True
2 – Security Code
3 – War Games
4 – His Fame
5 – Second Mile
6 – Love To Go
7 – He’s Still There
8 – Danger Zone
9 – You Can Know Them All
10 – World Premiere

Credits:
Backing Vocals – Marty McCall
Design, Art Direction – Paul Proctor
Drum Programming [Linn Drum Programming] – Gary Lunn
Drums – Greg Herrington
Drums [Simmons Drums] – Dennis Holt
Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Allen Brown
Executive-Producer – Mary Lynn Robbins
Guitar – Roscoe Meek
Guitar [Additional] – Greg Jennings (tracks: A5, B3, B4)
Keyboards – Earnie Chaney
Keyboards [Additional] – Billy Smiley (tracks: B1, B3)
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Photography By – Dean D. Dixon
Producer, Backing Vocals, Mixed By – Billy Smiley
Programmed By [Synclavier Programming] – Richard Head
Recorded By, Mixed By – Brent King
Soloist [2nd Keyboard Solo] – Mark Gersmehl (tracks: A1)
Synthesizer [Additional] – John Slick (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B2), Mark Gersmehl (tracks: B3, B4)
Synthesizer [Synthesizer Bass] – Billy Smiley (tracks: B1)
Synthesizer [Synthesizer Tracs], Programmed By [Programming] – Shane Keister (tracks: A3, A5)
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Ron Collins (6)
Vocoder – Shane Keister (tracks: A3, A2, B3)

Avalanche – Pray For The Sinner – 1985

This was the one and only album from Christian Heavy Metal band Avalanche.

Like many bands named after natural disasters their career was short lived. The album really isn’t that bad and is your typical 8 track session rock album. Nothing really stands out but then again, nothing sounds horrible either.

If you’re a metal head this is an album for you. The European release of this album had When The Thunder Roars as the 9th track instead of Battle Axe. Both songs are included.

Track Listing:
1 – They Won’t Take Me – 3:44
2 – We Will Fight – 3:59
3 – Tortured Defender – 4:41
4 – This Love I Feel – 3:26
5 – Sorceror – 4:32
6 – Pray For The Sinner – 4:03
7 – Child Of Damnation – 3:09
8 – Devils Door – 5:07
9 – Battle Axe – 3:52
9 – (alternate track) When The Thunder Roars – 4:33
10 – Rock Hard And Heavy – 4:13

Credits:
Arranged By – Nikki Van Welden
Bass, Vocals – Nikki Van Welden
Drums – Barry Nicholson
Executive-Producer – Eric ”Griffy” Greif*
Guitar – Michael Cloe
Management – Titan Productions
Mastered By – Eddie Schreyer*
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Mike Frazier
Written-By – Michael Cloe (tracks: A4), Nikki Van Welden (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B1 to B5)