Michigan’s Mercy Rule started out as “AZ-IZ” but changed their name sometime in the mid 80’s. They had a track on the 1988 Underground Metal sampler which probably led top a record deal with R.E.X. Music. Strangely they also had a track appear on the 1990 Word UK sampler Metal Mission which was not their record company. Not unheard of but strange. This album was self produced by the band and unfortunately it shows. They have a very commercial metal sound and I can’t help but to think if a top rated producer had stepped in this would have been a much more popular album. I also believe there would have been more from the band but unfortunately this is the only offering from them. The guitar work really shines on this album and there is lots of great vocal harmonies. All in all a pretty darn good album and if you’re a metal head be sure to give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – You Lied To Me – 3:00 2 – Cecilia – 3:40 3 – Real Love – 3:30 4 – Lonely Heart – 3:40 5 – Don’t Cha Know – 4:10 6 – Black And White – 4:45 7 – Prodigal – 3:25 8 – If You Only Knew – 6:35 9 – There’s A Love – 3:20 10 – Stand Up On The Rock – 3:00
Credits Artwork [Cover] – Jeff Spencer/Sudden Images Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Bruce Tordrup Drums, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Rich Favazza Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – George Favazza Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Aaron Byrnes Photography By – Frank Leet Producer, Arranged By – Mercy Rule Producer, Engineer – Rick Young
Edin-Ådahl finished out the 80’s with what might be their best album. Now to be clear I know it did not sell well but this is often blamed on distribution problems and not on the quality of the album. Unfortunately right around the time this album was released there were problems over at Refuge records. This album is a superb pop album that was the exact right sound for the time period. The lead tracks sets the feel for an album that is a solid pop effort. I will admit that I missed this one in the 80’s but I’m sure glad I got to hear it now. It feels as fresh and fun today as it did back then.
Tracklist 1 – Going Back – 3:50 2 – Missin’ You – 6:05 3 – Wider Than The Ocean – 4:04 4 – Man Of The Street – 3:56 5 – Big Talk – 3:50 6 – Mystical Moments – 5:25 7 – Write It On The Wall 3:25 8 – Utopia – 3:27 9 – Lonely Without You – 4:37
Credits Frank Adahl – Songwriter, Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals Simon Ådahl – Songwriter, Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Vocals Bertil Edin – Songwriter, Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Vocals Lasse Edin – Keyboards, Vocals
This was the first studio album from Philadelphia thrash metal band Sacrament. Their demo came out earlier in the year so I am guessing that after hearing the demo R.E.X. Music couldn’t sign them fast enough. Sacrament was one of the earlier Christian thrash bands and developed a large following. Apparently the lyrics are very good but personally I can’t understand them so I don’t know. The album has been reissued several times over the years by Retroactive Records which must be a testament to it’s lasting popularity.
Tracklist 1 – Testimony Of Apocalypse – 4:06 2 – Slave To Sin – 3:32 3 – Hellfire Denied – 3:04 4 – Repentance – 3:10 5 – Valley Of Dry Bones – 3:12 6 – Mortal Agony – 3:12 7 – Conquer Death – 3:10 8 – Absence Of Fear – 4:01 9 – The Risen – 3:58 10 – Blood Bath – 4:07
Credits Bass – Erik Ney Drums – Paul Graham Engineer – Paul Krueger Guitar – Brian Toy, Mike Didonato Mixed By – Doug Mann, Paul Krueger Producer – Doug Mann Producer [Assistant Pre-producer] – Joe Daub, Kurt Bachman Vocals – Mike Torone Written-By – Brian Toy, Erik Ney, Mike Didonato, Mike Torone, Paul Graham
This is the third album from Canadian artist Arlen Salte. Again it appears that it was only released in Canada which absolutely astonishes me as it should have had a worldwide release it’s that good. This is another great Rock Pop album with tons of good catch lines and riffs. I have to admit that I just don’t understand how Arlen wasn’t widely known for his work. I hear music here that could have easily charted in secular radio if secular radio wasn’t terrified of Christian music in the day. Unfortunately I am unable to find a credits list for this album other than it was produced by Roy Salmond who produced so many great Canadian acts. Arlen’s credits are usually a who’s who of Canadian Christian artists and I’m sure it was the same for this album.
Tracklist 1 – Love Won’t Walk Away – 4:07 2 – Make No Mistake – 3:45 3 – Here I Stand – 2:50 4 – Strength To Be Weak – 4:00 5 – Heaven Is My Home – 4:33 6 – God Loves – 3:49 7 – Someone’s Waiting – 3:46 8 – Doctor Of My Soul – 3:42 9 – I Know – 4:49 10 – Two Thousand Years – 6:21 11 – Touch Our Hearts – 4:09
Though this was Steve’s first solo album he wasn’t new to the music scene. He had been in the band Butler in the 70’s who had one album. They were the go to opening act for bands touring through New Zealand in the early 70’s. Steve played gospel music through the earl 80’s and went full time in 1987. In 1989 he released this album. It was not released outside of New Zealand which I’m not surprised at as I really don’t think it’s that good. That said his second album is fantastic and we’ll be uploading it soon. Anyway this album has a bit of a blues style that Steve would perfect on his next album. I don’t want to be too negative about this album however as it is relatively good and it’s great to hear something from a music market I didn’t even know existed.
Tracklist 1 – Something Beautiful – 4:38 2 – The Ant Song – 5:50 3 – Cross Over – 3:56 4 – Of All The Wonders – 1:09 5 – Living Sacrifice – 4:40 6 – Cast Your Cares – 7:14 7 – Ruth’s Song – 3:02 8 – David’s Theme – 3:22 9 – Psalm 61 – 6:08
Credits Backing Vocals – Donna Tairakena, Graham Flaws, Jacobien Birch, Jenny Newbery, Kit Grenon Bass – Graham Flaws Drums – Wally Tairakena Flute – Donna Tairakena Guitar – Kit Grenon Keyboards – Donna Tairakena, Stephen Bell-Booth Lead Vocals – Ainsley Apirana Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar – Steve Apirana Saxophone – Graham Wilkinson
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Tandem Studios Mastered At – Marmalade Studios Distributed By – Someone Up There Records
DeGarmo & Key are back with one of their most successful albums. When I say successful I am referring to radio play and sales numbers. Personally it’s not one of my favorites but I’m from the early 80’s crowd so of course I prefer their work from that era. That said I admit this is a pretty good album. D & K had album making down to a fine science at this point. In a 1989 interview with John Styll, Eddie DeGarmo said they “planned to place more emphasis (than before) in their ministry towards motivating young Christians and those in church to witness to people and win them to Christ, as well as motivating them to take a stand in situations that affect the public” and I think that’s where this album really shined. I have seen “Pledge” patches everywhere over the years and there are still places you can get one. As for the charts this album had 4 charting singles. “If God Is For Us” did the best at #3, “Hand In Hand” made it to a respectable #7, “I’m Accepted” to #15, and “Who Will” made it to #24. All in all a pretty successful album.
Tracklist 1 – Boycott Hell – 3:21 2 – Aliens And Strangers – 3:04 3 – I’m Accepted – 3:55 4 – Hand In Hand – 4:37 5 – The Pledge – 5:15 6 – Life In The New Age – 2:32 7 – Let’s Get Upset – 4:31 8 – Who Will – 3:20 9 – Right On Track – 4:30 10 – If God Is For Us (Who Can Be Against Us) – 3:30
Credits Art Direction, Design – Jackson Design Backing Vocals – Eddie DeGarmo, Steve Taylor, Tommy Cathey Bass – Tommy Cathey Choir – Christ Church, Nashville TN Drums – Chuck Reynolds Engineer, Mixed By – Billy Whittington Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock Guitar – Dana Key, Steve Taylor Keyboards – Carl Marsh, Eddie DeGarmo Lead Vocals – Dana Key Management – Brock And Associates Mastered By – Hank Williams Percussion – Carl Marsh Photography By – Dave Hawkins Producer, Engineer – Ron W. Griffin
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc. Copyright (c) – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc. Copyright (c) – DKB Music Distributed By – Benson Music Group Made By – Discovery Systems – 56D0600A Recorded At – Ardent Studios Recorded At – OmniSound Studios Mixed At – The Castle Recording Studios Mixed At – Masterfonics Mixed At – Kiva Recording Studio Mastered At – Mastermix
Dallas Holm, Tim Sheppard, and Phil Johnson first came together in 1981 and put out a self titled album. At the time they were all under contract to Greentree Records so there was no contractual issues to work out. They had to wait until 1989 to put out a second album as along the way they were under contract to different record companies and this can cause unsurmountable legal issues. In 1989 none of them were under a contract so they were able to record a follow up album. This is that album. I actually consider them to be a supergroup as they were 3 very top ranked vocalists. Now you normally wouldn’t apply the term supergroup when it comes to the worship genre but I think they deserve it. The album was fairly successful on the CCM charts with “Feel Every Heartbeat” making it to #3 and “Soldiers Again” just poking on to the charts at #40. If you’re a fan of worship oriented music don’t miss out on listening to this one, I’m guessing you’ll love it.
Tracklist 1 – Feel Every Heartbeat – 4:25 2 – Give Me This Water – 4:31 3 – Fighter – 3:13 4 – Standin’ There – 4:00 5 – Child In His Arms – 4:02 6 – Run For The Finish Line – 3:36 7 – City – 4:16 8 – Wisdom – 4:57 9 – I Can See Your House – 3:06 10 – Soldiers Again – 4:17
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Mark Baldwin Arranged By – Smitty Price Art Direction – Amy Linde, Terri Short Bass – Gary Lunn Cello – John Catchings Design – Ken Spradley Drums, Percussion – Dennis Holt Electric Guitar – Jerry McPhearson, Mark Baldwin Engineer [Additional] – JB, Smitty Price Engineer [Assistant] – John Harley, John Kunz, Michael Vasquez Keyboards – Reed Arvin, Smitty Price Mastered By – Hank Williams Photography By – Neill Whitlock Producer – Neal Joseph Recorded By [Vocals] – Paul Mills Recorded By, Mixed By – JB Saxophone – Mark Douthit
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Dallas Sound Lab Recorded At – Digital Recorders Recorded At – BDR Sound Mixed At – Dallas Sound Lab Mastered At – Mastermix
After a wonderful debut and solid sophomore effort something happened to Margaret Becker that would change the direction of her musical progression for the better and help her create one of the truly great female rock albums in CCM history. Someone introduced her to Charlie Peacock. With Peacock’s help Becker created “Immigrant’s Daughter,” a thoughtful, and rock filled pop album with alternative underpinnings. Sounding now a little more like Annie Lennox than Ann Wilson, Becker’s vocal chops expanded and sounded more current and original. Subdued when needed and blowing up when necessary, her vocals here would not be matched until much later on some independent releases. Also with Peacock’s oversight, the songwriting became more introspective and universal. Christian themes combined with real human experiences to create a more passionate and authentic record. The personal expression is found immediately with the title track and continues throughout the project. The album also sounded more “current” and pulled Becker out of the “Chick Rocker” track and allowed to expand and grow as an artist and songwriter. Wonderful rockers and paired with ballads and “modern” musical expressions that also found radio to be quite responsive. Not every ballad has to be “These dreams” or “Alone” as sometimes the softer side provides a more memorable and authentic experience. There are so many strong songs here but a few worth receiving special notation include: Solomon’s Shoes, This Is My Passion, Stay Close to Me and the title track. The cover of “People Get Ready” is also a nice touch to close the album.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Immigrant’s Daughter – 4:25 2 – This Is My Passion – 4:03 3 – Stay Close To Me – 3:08 4 – The Hunger Stays – 4:06 5 – Just Come In – 4:25 6 – I Commit – 4:22 7 – Honesty – 3:44 8 – Solomon’s Shoes – 3:13 9 – Laugh A Little – 3:42 10 – People Get Ready – 3:39
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Jimmy Abegg, Margaret Becker Art Direction – Barbara Hearn, Larry Vigon Backing Vocals – Annie Stocking, Brent Bourgeois, Charlie Peacock, Jeanie Tracy, Margaret Becker, Vince Ebo Bass – Larry Tagg Design – Larry Vigon Studio Drums – Mike Urbano Electric Guitar – Jimmy Abegg Engineer [Additional] – Bill Deaton, David Houston Executive-Producer – Peter York Liner Notes – Margaret Becker Mastered By – Doug Sax Mixed By – Jeff Balding Mixed By [Assistant] – Derek Marcil, Jared Held Organ [Hammond B-3] – Roger Smith Photography By – Mark Tucker Piano, Keyboards – Charlie Peacock Producer, Arranged By – Charlie Peacock Recorded By – Rick Sanchez Recorded By [Assistant] – Jim “Watts” Vereecke Written-By – Charlie Peacock (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9), Curtis Mayfield (tracks: 10), Leonard Ahlstrom (tracks: 6), Margaret Becker (tracks: 1 to 9), Mike Demus (tracks: 6)
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Studio D Recorded At – Moon Studios, Sacramento Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Recorded At – Studio 55, Los Angeles Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation Published By – His Eyes Music Published By – SBK Blackwood Music Inc. Published By – Andi Beat Goes On Music Published By – Paragon Music Corp. Published By – Sunday Shoes Music Published By – Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
This was the first studio album from Believer but they had released an impossible to find demo in 1987. In 1988 they had a track on the East Coast Metal sampler and though that sampler was released by Regency it was actually R.E.X. Music that stepped up to release this album. So here we have a rather good thrash album. The album utilizes sound sampling on several tracks which to the best of my knowledge was a first in Christian Metal. That said I’m not really an expert in the genre. I think I will actually have to make up a new classification for the album, Commercial Thrash. I think there might be some appeal here even if you don’t care for thrash. Personally I don’t care for thrash but there are a few tracks here that I found myself listening to. It didn’t leave me wanting to hear more thrash but it did leave me wanting to hear more from Believer.
Tracklist 1 – Unite – 6:42 2 – Vile Hypocrisy – 5:36 3 – D.O.S. (Desolation Of Sodom) – 4:22 4 – Tormented – 3:52 5 – Shadow Of Death – 4:21 6 – Blemished Sacrifices – 3:58 7 – Not Even One – 3:38 8 – Extraction From Mortality – 6:07 9 – Stress – 3:03
Credits Bass, Written-By – Howe Kraft Drums, Mixed By, Written-By – Joey Daub Engineer, Mixed By – Paul Krueger Guitar, Vocals, Mixed By, Written-By – Kurt Bachman Guitar, Written-By – Dave Baddorf Illustration, Layout, Design – Jeff Spencer Producer, Mixed By – Doug Mann Violin, Viola – Scott Laird
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Morningstar Studios Distributed By – Word (U.K.) Ltd Made By – Music Manufacturers
9th Street were a UK band that initially signed a record deal with German label Bellaphon. They then were able to secure deals in Canada, Italy, and strangely, South Africa. I can not find any info that this album was released in the United States but it was probably available as an import. Other than that I am unable to find out anything else about this band. Their sound is excellent. It’s a new wave pop sound that I think would have done well in the United States. I really enjoyed listening to this album and the cover of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” is probably one of the best I’ve heard. If you missed this one in the 80’s, and you probably did, it’s well worth a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Feel It – 3:17 2 – Some Time – 5:31 3 – The Feeling’s Gone – 4:46 4 – The Prayer – 4:32 5 – Tonight – 4:44 6 – Nobody Knows – 3:52 7 – Confusion – 6:00 8 – Ordinary Man – 4:36 9 – Sabotage And Secrets – 4:20 10 – I Heard It Through The Grapevine – 3:28
Credits Guitars – Keith Beauvais Keyboards – Kevin Mason Producer, Recorded By – Rod Gammons Saxophone – Chris Margary Vocals – Mark Applin
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Bellaphon Copyright (c) – C-Side Records Recorded At – Rod Gammons Soundstudio Recorded At – Berwick Street Studios Produced For – C-Side Records
