I’ll be honest I have never even heard of Commissioned before but again I believe I grew up in a Funk free zone. That said I found this album to be more easy listening than funk but it is classified as a funk album. This was the second album from Commissioned and I think they turned down the funk a little bit for this one. This album peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Top Gospel albums chart which is pretty good for a second album but it is indicative of the quality of this album. There are 7 more albums by these guys so expect to hear more of them.
Tracklist 1 – Victory – 4:59 2 – Love Isn’t Love – 5:13 3 – Go Tell Somebody – 4:43 4 – Cry On – 5:09 5 – Who Do Men Say I Am – 4:32 6 – Hide The Word – 4:51 7 – Learn To Pray – 4:01 8 – Running Back To You – 4:45
Credits Fred Hammond – Vocals, Bass Guitar, Synclavier, Synthesizer Keith Staten – Vocals Mitchell Jones – Vocals Karl Reid – Vocals Michael Brooks – Keyboards, Piano, Horn Arrangements, Synthesizer, Synclavier, Roland Synthesizer, WX7 Wind Controller, Percussion Michael Williams – Drums, Latin Percussion, Percussion Eric Brice – Electric Guitar Earl J. Wright – Keyboards, DX7, Moog Synthesizer, Synthesizer Michael Wright – Electric Guitar Michael J. Powell – Classical Guitar
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
I must admit that back in the 80’s I had no idea there was Funk oriented CCM music. Now admittedly I grew up in a funk free zone but I still would have thought I would have heard of some of these artists. But for some reason it simply was not promoted in Canada. Anyway here we have one of the premiere funk artists of the 80’s and 90’s. While I don’t normally listen to this style of music I can recognize when it is good and this album is good. The single and title track did well on the charts but I was actually unable to find out how well it did. Strangely this track is 7 minutes long on the album but a radio version was released on 45 coming in at a more radio friendly 4:45. We actually get requests for more Christian funk music so were happy to provide it when we find it.
Tracklist 1 – Holding On – 4:56 2 – Any Day Now – 6:32 3 – Giving My All To You – 4:57 4 – Watching You – 4:24 5 – Hold Me Holy Spirit – 6:21 6 – You’re My Everything – 4:55 7 – Witness – 7:00 8 – We’ll Be Together – 4:59
Credits Backing Vocals – Kenny Smith, Loida Garcia, Narda Smith Bass – Charles (Hitman) Jefferson Design [Album Cover] – Susan Randle Drum Programming – Kenny Smith Drums – George Bell Engineer – Carl Lange, Cecil Q. Duke Executive-Producer – Joyce Dozier McNichols, Marlin McNichols Guitar – Walter Kevin Foley Horns – Arthur Manley, Tim Anderson Keyboards – Bradley Alexander, Darron Johnson, Kenny Smith Percussion – Gerald (Billy) Hill Photography By – David Randle Producer – Kenny Smith Written-By, Arranged By – Kenny Smith
Companies, etc. Published By – Heavenly Wisdom Music Published By – Kenas Music Produced For – Kenas Productions Manufactured By – McNichols Communications Distributed By – McNichols Communications
As regular readers of this and the previous blog can attest, Adult Contemporary and Inspirational titles do not find themselves here very often. The album itself has to be more than just a collection of praise and worship, hymns and traditional gospel favorites. Something has to set the album apart more than just possibly the greatest voice on the planet. Sandi definitely has the latter. But fortunately, the album also has some great songs that make it stand out against most of the other albums in the genre. The opening track sound like it could have easily fit on a Twila Paris from the same timeframe, with “Let There Be Praise” sounding more like a pop worship/hymn than Patti’s more traditional big songs. “Hosanna” follows suit with the same sort of sound. Like most of the album, there is limited, over-dramatic anthems, but rather more pop infused inspirational music. This song also benefits from a guest appearance from Matthew Ward (who may be able to sing higher). “Love in Any Language” may be Patti’s finest song. Though not as big and dramatic as “Via Dolorosa” and “We Shall Behold Him,” this song of unity has more of a “We Are the World” feel throughout. “King of Glory” sounds more like Farrell and Farrell while “Face to Faith” starts off sounding like Amy Grant’s “Fat Baby,” but ends up sounding more like something from First Call. “Morning Like This” serves to be the most contemporary pop album, which makes it the obvious choice for inclusion on this list.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Let There Be Praise – 3:03 2 – Hosanna – 3:37 3 – Unshakeable Kingdom – 5:48 4 – Shepherd Of My Heart – 4:01 5 – Love In Any Language – 4:51 6 – King Of Glory – 2:35 7 – Face To Faith – 4:21 8 – Was It A Morning Like This – 3:22 9 – In The Name Of The Lord – 5:00 10 – There Is A Savior – 4:42
Credits Arranged By [Strings], Conductor – Alan Moore Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – David T. Clydesdale Bass – Craig Nelson (tracks: A3, B4, B5), Mike Brignardello Brass – Barbara Hutchins (tracks: A3, B4), Eberhard Ramm, Michael Buckwalter, Richard Ricker, Robert Heuer, Tom McAnich Drums – Mark Hammond, Paul Leim Executive Producer – John Helvering Guitar – John Darnall, Jon Goin Keyboards – Phil Naish, Shane Keister Leader, Strings – Carl Gorodetzky Percussion – Farrel Morris Piano – David Huntsinger Producer – Greg Nelson, Sandi Patti Helvering Strings – Carol Walker, Cathy Umstead, Charles Everett, Chris Teal, Connie Heard, Craig Nelson, David Boyle, David Vanderkooi, Dennis Molchan, Edgar Meyer, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Grace Bahng, Inez Boyle, Jack Jezioro, Janet Hazen, Joann Cruthirds, John Borg, Katherine Plummer, Lee Larrison, Linda Alosco, Mark Tanner, Mary Katherine Parker, Nathan Kahn, Pam Sixfin, Pauli Ewing, Phyllis Mazza, Rosemary Harris, Roy Christensen, Sara Fogel, Stephanie Woolf, Teresa Fream, Nashville String Machine, Virginia Christensen Vocals – Beverly Darnall, Bonnie Keen, Craig Patty, David Maddux, Jane Sherberg, Jon Mohr, Jon Sherberg, Leah Taylo, Lynn Hodges, Marty McCall, Melodie Tunney, Mike Patty, Rick Gibson, Sandi Patti Helverin, Steve Taylor, Tammy Boyer, Tammy Taylor, Keith Moore
Bride were originally known as Matrix and actually recorded 4 demos using that name. They got their break when they were booked to open for Daniel Band in Pottstown, PA. Apparently there were executives from Refuge records at the show and they subsequently signed the band to their new metal sub label, Pure Metal records. The band went into the studio with a budget of $2500 and it shows. The album has a very thin production but fans if Bride cite this as one of the reasons they love this album. I’m actually a little surprised that Refuge didn’t throw some money at them and give them a producer. While I love Refuge they made some very questionable business decisions during their existence. The album is a little darker than their subsequent work that they were better known for. The real star of the album is Dale Thompson’s guitar work which is some of the best in the industry and we also got a little introduction to Dale’s excellent vocal abilities coming on subsequent albums.
Tracklist 1 – Evil That Men Do – 3:38 2 – Now He Is Gone – 3:50 3 – Fly Away – 4:12 4 – Forever In Darkness – 3:44 5 – Follow Your Heart – 4:29 6 – Show No Mercy – 3:37 7 – I Will Be With You – 4:29 8 – Thunder In The City – 5:53 9 – No Matter The Price – 4:19 10 – The First Will Be Last – 4:07
Credits Bride – Producer, Arranger Gary Barnes – Background Vocals Howell Gano – Background Vocals Scott Hall – Songwriter, Bass Steve Osborne – Lead Guitar David Pitt – Background Vocals Stephan Rolland – Drums Billy Sutherland – Guitar Special Effects, Voice Box Dale Thompson – Vocals Michelle Thompson – Background Vocals Sharon Thompson – Background Vocals Troy Thompson – Songwriter, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Piano, Violin Eric Tripton – Lead Guitar
Larry was a member of Grinderswitch through the 70’s and early 80s. They were a southern rock band and toured with all the big names of the style and time. Larry left the band in the mid 80’s and started his solo career. This is his first solo album. Larry brought a sound to CCM music that was needed in the period. Yes their were some blues bands but not of this caliber. Quite frankly this album is as good as anything in the secular market at the time. Playing harmonica on the album is Buddy Greene who is probably second only to Darrell Mansfield as a harmonica player. The rest of the band is a who’s who of some of the best studio musicians in the CCM genre of the time. I am really surprised at how good they were at the blues as none of them had actually recorded in that style that I can find any way. This album does a rather odd track though. The intro end exit track “Sanctified Blues” is exactly the same song but with the stereo tracks reversed. Have to admit that’s a first.
Tracklist 1 – Sanctified Blues – 1:30 2 – Lost Ship – 3:21 3 – Love Ain’t What You Say – 2:56 4 – Cool Rain – 3:34 5 – I Gave Jesus My Blues – 4:20 6 – Shuffle On Home – 2:49 7 – One Night – 3:31 8 – Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven – 3:38 9 – Friend In Jesus – 4:34 10 – Sanctified Blues – 1:30
Credits Art Direction – Michael Pierce Artwork [Handwriting] – Michael Pierce Backing Vocals – Ava Aldridge, D. Bergen White, Cindy Richardson, Dorothy Moore, Lisa Silver, Wendy Suits Bass – David Hood, Ed Cain, Michael Joyce, Michael Rhodes Design Concept [Album Cover Concept] – Gary F. Montgomery, Michael Pierce Drums – Eddie Bayers, James Stroud, Roger Hawkins, Willie Smith Engineer – Pat McMakin, Paul Hornsby, Steve Melton Executive-Producer – Gary F. Montgomery Guitar – Larry Byrom, Steve Gibson Harmonica – Buddy Greene Horns – Charles Rose, Don Sheffield, Harvey Thompson, Jim Horn Keyboards – Kenny Smith, Mitch Humphries, Randy McCormick Lead Guitar – Jimmy Nalls, Larry Byrom, Larry Howard Lead Vocals – Larry Howard Piano – Randy McCormick Producer – Bucky Jones, Gary F. Montgomery, Larry Howard, Pat McMakin Rhythm Guitar – Jimmy Nalls, Larry Byrom, Larry Howard Saxophone – Elbert Durham, Jim Horn, Ronnie Eades Slide Guitar – Jimmy Nalls Synthesizer – Randy McCormick Vocals – Bob Bailey, John Whittaker, Larry Howard, Robin Johnson
This is the final album from Scott in the 80’s and it was also his most successful. The track “Brother to Brother”, a duet with Michael Card, made it to #22 and while there wasn’t a second single there were several tracks that could have in my opinion. The album was produced by David Eastman and British recording star Melanie sang several background vocals. Undoubtedly the album was popular due to appearances from Michael Card but it is a great stand alone album and Scott should be proud of this one.
Tracklist 1 – Brother to Brother – 3:45 2 – Things We Leave Behind – 3:27 3 – Jesus – 3:45 4 – Road To Heaven – 3:41 5 – Isolation – 4:14 6 – How Could I Answer You – 4:44 7 – Perfect Prayer – 3:20 8 – Suffer The Children – 3:00 9 – Eye To Eye – 3:56 10 – Melody Of Praise – 3:48
The first of the “asterisk” artists to make the countdown, Cactus World News may also prove to be the least well known. Despite being the first Mother Records, and getting U2’s seal of approval, the band’s success never really came. But it should have! The most obscure of the asterisk artist, CWN released a stellar debut project that yielded a moderate hit with “The Bridge” and a sound that was right in the wheelhouse of what was happening in music at the time. Influences that included The Clash, Ramones, U2 the band also had an energy that equaled The Alarm, Echo and the Bunnymen and Big Country. Christian music listeners might want to use Undercover, 441 and early 77’s as a musical comparison, though their sound was completely their own. The first single and biggest hit, The Bridge, was produced by Bono and helped spur enough interest to be placed on a tour with the Cult. Band members, especially band leader and guitarist, Frank Kearns, shared a longtime friendship with U2 and would often serve as road and equipment support for the then fledgling band. Though immediately likeable and a long time favorite, my favorite cut wasn’t the hit single, but rather the opening track, Worlds Apart. The high energy and passion of the song reveals a heart wrenching longing for acceptance and closeness. Another stand out follows with “In a Whirlpool.” Again, the high energy delivers and impassioned plea for belonging. “The Promise” contains the most direct allusions to a biblical understanding and remains another personal favorite from the album. More questioning than evangelical the band longs for answers as they examine the world around them and discover that they are no less guilty than anyone else. This song is most “U2ish” on the album. Despite the theme of loneliness that weaves itself throughout the project, the album does not feel depressing or dark. For those desiring or demanding a more obvious or clearly evangelical message this album should be avoided. For those who embraced bands like The Waterboys, U2, The Alarm and The Call, this should prove a very satisfying, albeit very obscure, experience.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Worlds Apart – 3:36 2 – In A Whirlpool – 3:36 3 – The Promise – 5:03 4 – The Bridge – 4:15 5 – State Of Emergency – 7:10 6 – Years Later – 4:10 7 – Church Of The Cold – 3:49 8 – Pilots Of Beka – 6:04 9 – Jigsaw Street – 3:19 10 – Maybe This Time – 7:00
Credits Artwork By – Creative Department Ltd, The, Dublin, Ireland. Artwork By [Sleeve Design] – Steve Averill Bass – Fergal MacAindris Drums, Percussion – Wayne Sheehy Electric Guitar, Guitar [Spanish] – Frank Kearns Engineer [Assistant, Dublin] – Mary Kettle Engineer [Dublin] – Mark Freegard Engineer [Holland] – Thomas Stiehler Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Eoin McEvoy Photography [Black And White Interiors] – Conor Horgan Photography [Exterior] – Brian Griffin Producer – Chris Kimsey Written-By, Performer – Cactus World News
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – MCA Records, Inc. Manufactured By – MCA Records, Inc. Distributed By – MCA Records, Inc.
The second album from Saint is often considered their best by their hardcore fans. They definitely turned up the Metal for this album. The only lineup change was the drummer with Brian Willis replacing Mike Lowery. Strangely the band went through a drummer every album for their first six albums. While I personally loved their first album, and consider it my favourite, most never even heard of it. Instead this was their first exposure to Saint. The album cover was a little controversial with it’s depiction of beasts but I believe they were trying to represent “Time’s End” visually with a depiction of the Antichrist, at least that’s my theory. The cover was well received by Christian Metal heads partly because it resembled a secular cover which is also just my theory. Anyway this was one of the original CCM metal albums and deserves a place in infamy because of that. The album was reissued several times over the years. The 2002 version contains Live Cornerstone tracks as a bonus and is apparently very well remixed.
Tracklist 1 – In The Night – 3:25 2 – Island Prisoner – 4:18 3 – Through You – 4:13 4 – Space Cruiser – 5:15 5 – Times End – 4:42 6 – Primed And Ready – 3:47 7 – Destroyers – 3:17 8 – Phantom Of The Galaxy – 2:34 9 – Steel Killer – 3:43
Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Richard Lynch
Cover – Jeff Spencer
Drums – Brian Willis
Engineer – Dave “R” Lore
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Mahan
Lead Vocals – Josh Kramer
Producer – John Mahan, Richard Lynch
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Nimbus, Virginia Distributed By – Refuge Music Group Recorded At – Falcon Studios Published By – Snellsong
T-Bone changes it up a bit for this album. It’s essentially an acoustic guitar country album. That said T-Bone is one of those artists that it is difficult to squeeze into a particular style category. I categorize all music flowing through the studio here but in the end I have given up on categorizing T-Bone. Instead I have just categorized all his work as T-Bone. I had to do a similar thing with Larry Norman. So far that’s the only 2 artists I have done this with. The album has a bit of an odd label lineage. It was first rereleased on Dot Records which is a pretty oddball label but just the nest year it ended up on MCA Records. Finally it showed up on Universal which is just odd. Anyway if You’re a T-Bone fan you will like this one but if this is the first T-Bone album you have listened to I suspect you won’t enjoy it much and quite frankly it’s not really representative of his work so give a different album a listen before deciding if you like him or not.
Tracklist 1 – River Of Love – 3:30 2 – Poison Love – 2:33 3 – Shake Yourself Loose – 3:00 4 – No Love At All – 2:54 5 – Annabelle Lee – 5:01 6 – I Remember (Instrumental) – 2:21 7 – I Remember – 3:39 8 – Little Daughter – 3:29 9 – Oh No Darling – 3:49 10 – Time – 4:59 11 – Little Daughter (Instrumental) – 3:23 12 – Song To A Dead Man – 3:34 13 – Bird That I Held In My Hand – 3:04
Credits Dobro, Lap Steel Guitar – Jerry Douglas Double Bass [String Bass] – Jerry Scheff Fiddle – Byron Berline Guitar, Accordion, Vocals – David Hidalgo Producer – David Miner Recorded By – Rik Pekkonen Snare – Steve Duncan Vocals – Billy Swan
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – MCA Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – MCA Records, Inc. Manufactured By – MCA Records Canada Distributed By – MCA Records Canada
Though this album wasn’t released until 1993 it was recorded in 1986 shortly after the release of their album “Shelter”. I’m a little mystified as to why it took so long to release but perhaps it was just originally for airing on radio. But really that’s just a guess as I don’t know the history of these BBC radio concerts. I also found it odd the release was in 93 after the band had already slipped from the public eye. That said they had dedicated fans who must have been thrilled to see this album released. The album has live versions of 5 tracks from their first album, 2 tracks from Shelter, and most excitingly 4 previously unreleased tracks. Lone Justice were an excellent live band and I’m sure most of their dedicated fans hold this album as one of their favorites.
Tracklist 1 – Wait – 4:37 2 – Sweet, Sweet Baby – 5:24 3 – I Ain’t Got No Home In This World – 2:32 4 – The Gift – 4:19 5 – Wheels – 6:28 6 – Shelter – 5:07 7 – Belfry – 6:04 8 – I Found Love – 4:19 9 – Heaven – 6:28 10 – Inspiration – 3:52 11 – Sweet Jane – 9:03
Credits Bass, Vocals – Gregg Sutton Compiled By, Coordinator – Jo Bourhill Drums – Rudy Richman Guitar – Shane Fontaine Keyboards – Bruce Brody Liner Notes – Alan Gardiner Producer – Pete Dauncey Sleeve – Coles McConnell Design Vocals, Guitar – Maria McKee
Companies, etc. Record Company – BBC Enterprises Ltd. Phonographic Copyright (p) – BBC Copyright (c) – Windsong International Published By – Warner/Chappell Published By – MCA Published By – BMG Published By – Tro Essex Music Ltd. Published By – Copyright Control Published By – Screen Gems-EMI Recorded At – The Town And Country Club, London Glass Mastered At – Mayking Records
