This is a Mylon album from a time of his troubles in the early 70’s. Mylon knew he wanted to do gospel music but Rock & Roll being what it is Mylon was having addiction issues. In fact some have argued that we shouldn’t be posting album from this part of Mylon’s career but I believe Mylon was doing some great work even in this troubled time. It was all part of Mylons trip to being the spectacular testament he was. This album has some great covers including “Mama, You Been On My Mind” by Dylan, “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins, “My Lady” by Mountain, and “He’s Not Just a Soldier” by Little Richard. We have 2 traditional gospel songs and an assortment of his own writings. In my opinion the best track on the album is “Working On A Building”. This album has a spot in Christian music history and we’re proud to present it.
Tracklist 1 – Mama, You Been On My Mind – 2:54 2 – Blue Suede Shoes – 2:55 3 – Down By The Riverside – 1:00 4 – My Lady – 4:37 5 – Kickin’ – 1:51 6 – Working On A Building – 4:54 7 – I Am What I Am – 2:55 8 – I’ll Fly Away – 2:17 9 – I’m Flying #1 (For Fee) – 3:09 10 – He’s Not Just A Soldier – 3:08 11 – For The Record – 3:20 12 – Waymaker – 4:11
Credits Backing Band – Holy Smoke Backing Vocals – Holy Smoke Singers Bass – Tom Robb Drums, Backing Vocals – Marty Simon Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro, Sitar – Auburn Burrell Electric Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar – J.P. Lauzon Electric Guitar – Barry Bailey Harmony Vocals, Backing Vocals – Pat Cummings, Renay Garvin, Steve Sanders, Tina Blount Keyboards – Lester Langdale Keyboards – Alan Toussaint Piano – Dr. John Producer – Alan Toussaint Slide Guitar – Leslie West Vocals – Mylon LeFevre
I figured I would introduce this album by quoting Mylons statement about the album. “FROM 1980 TO 1990 “BROKEN HEART” AND I RELEASED 10 ALBUMS, SOLD A MILLION RECORDS, AND TRAVELLED A MILLION MILES WORLDWIDE LEADING OVER 180.000 IN DECISIONS FOR CHRIST. BUT IN 1991. THE ORIGINAL MINISTRY VISION THAT GOD GAVE US HAD BEEN COMPLETED. AT THAT POINT OUR LIVES HAD BECOME OUT OF BALANCE BECAUSE WE WERE SPENDING MORE TIME MAKING HIM KNOWN THAN KNOWING HIM. SO WE TOOK A YEAR TO SEEK GOD AND COMMIT TO KNOWING HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. I NEEDED TO HEAR HIS VOICE CLEARLY AND NEEDED TO RECEIVE MY INSTRUCTIONS. I NEEDED A FRESH VISION AND DIRECTION FROM THE LORD, AND AS I GOT QUIET, GOD MET WITH ME IN AN INCREDIBLE NEW WAY. THE RESULTS OF THAT SABBATICAL ARE THESE 11 SONGS WE CALL FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. THIS ALBUM IS THE REFLECTION OF THE CHANGES GOD MADE IN ME, MY FAMILY, AND MY BAND BY THE PROMISES AND PROVISIONS IN HIS WORD. THESE SONGS SIMPLY TESTIFY TO GOD’S POWER, LOVE, AND FAITHFULNESS TO US. PRAISE GOD FOR THE VICTORY WE HAVE IN CHRIST JESUS. HE IS LORD! I FEEL LIKE A NEW MAN AND I THANK GOD FOR THIS NEW DIRECTION, NEW FRIENDS. NEW MUSIC, AND HIS FRESH NEW ANOINTING. IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR. LOVE, MYLON”
Well there it is, now we know why this album exists. First lets talk about the positives of this album. It had 4 singles on the CCM charts, “Invincible Love” went to #1, “Closer Than A Friend” also made it to #1, “Give Thanks” made it to #6, and “Faithful” made it to #29. That’s actually pretty good. Any album with 2 #1 singles is a huge success. Now the downside. If you look at the album cover that indicates where were headed with this album. It is certainly not the Mylon that we were more accustomed to but instead a pretty AOR oriented album. Strangely it was also the end of his albums until 2003. Mylon however stayed very active. To quote Wikipedia “LeFevre increasingly turned to preaching and teaching as his vocation. He and his wife Christi minister in about 75 churches a year. He has also spoken at motorcycle rallies, NASCAR owner/driver chapel services, NFL and NBA chapel services, and in Russia, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico.” Bottom line this is a pretty mellow album for Mylon but if you want to hear a little of the Mylon we all loved check out “Callin’ Down Fire” which is easily the best track on the album.
Tracklist 1 – Invincible Love – 5:05 2 – The Name Of The Lord – 4:12 3 – Holy Is The Lord – 3:37 4 – The Power Of Love – 3:40 5 – Don’t Say It’s Over – 4:10 6 – Give Thanks – 3:58 7 – Closer Than A Friend – 4:59 8 – Humble Yourself – 3:55 9 – Masterpeace – 4:47 10 – Callin’ Down Fire – 4:08 11 – Faithful – 4:59
Credits Bass – Anthony Sallee, Joe Hardy Bass, Vocals – Paul Chapman Creative Director – Toni Thigpen Design, Layout – Jackson Design Drums – Ben Hewitt, Liberty DeVitto Drums, Vocals – Tony Miller Edited By [Digital], Mixed By [Mixing Coordination] – Leland Bennett Engineer – Dave Wagner, Scott Allen Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Sal Oliveri, Skip Benicky Executive-Producer – Jeff Moseley, Stan Moser Guitar – Joe Hardy, Steven Curtis Chapman Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle – Ricky Skaggs Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen, Skip Benicky Keyboards, Vocals – Sal Oliveri Liner Notes – Mylon LeFevre Mastered By – Doug Sax Mixed By – Win Kutz Percussion – Carlos Jorge Photography By [Photo Of Mylon LeFevre] – Russ Harrington Producer – Mylon LeFevre, Scott Allen Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Ben Hewitt, Cheryl Rogers, Joe Hardy, Joey Holder, Larry Rust, Rick Crow, Sal Oliveri, Scott Allen Saxophone – Todd Nystrom Vocals – 4Him, Carman, Dez Dickerson, Kenneth Bentley, Larry Rust, Michael English, Michael Gleason, Michael W. Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman
This was without a doubt one of Mylon LeFevre’s most successful albums. It had 4 CCM singles. Again And Again made it to #1, Mercy Seat to #3, Modern Man to #37, and Lamb Of God to #26. It also won the 1989 Dove Award for Recorded Song of the Year, Rock for “Won by One”. That’s a pretty darn successful album. It is also probably his best produced album with his usual producer Joe Hardy hitting it out of the park on this one. This was his first album with Star Song records after being done with Myrrh. It was nice to see he could bring his producer over with him as sometimes after a label change inside politics gets involved and complicates staffing matters but obviously not here. Really I can’t add much more than that. This is a must listen to album for anyone that listened to CCM music in the 80’s.
Tracklist 1 – Won By One – 4:21 2 – Sixteen – 3:54 3 – Talk To Me – 2:35 4 – Modern Man – 3:43 5 – Mercy Seat – 3:35 6 – Again And Again – 4:46 7 – Change – 3:01 8 – Rock Of Safety – 3:27 9 – Lamb Of God – 4:08
Credits Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers, Toni Thigpen Bass, Vocals – Kenneth Bentley Electronic Drums [Digital Drums], Vocals – Ben Hewitt Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen, Trent Argante Illustration – Randy Rogers Keyboards, Vocals – Paul Joseph Photography By – Jim Collins Producer, Engineer, Mixed By, Programmed By [Fairlight Programming] – Joe Hardy Vocals, Guitar, Producer – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records Copyright (c) – Star Song Records Published By – Angel Band Music Made By – Discovery Systems Recorded At – Ardent Studios Recorded At – Doppler Studios Recorded At – Twelve Oaks Studio Mastered At – Masterdisk Published By – Jerome Olds Music
Kerry Livgren made the big announcement in 1980 that he had become a born-again Christian. That caused a bit of friction with some of his bandmates in Kansas, although they continued making albums together after that. The album cover features a baby in the womb of a diamond. Kansas albums were always big on imagery, and I think this could be discussed at length (by someone), but the baby seems to be a pretty clear reference to being born again. Notably though, Kerry did the majority of his Christian themed writing for his solo projects and with his new band, A. D. This record includes vocals from Christian rock artist Mylon Lefevre on a few tracks, as well as lead vocals by famed metal guitarist Ronnie James Dio on “Mask Of The Great Deceiver” and “To Live For The King.” This is a 7 song affair, with some marathon song lengths reaching over 8 minutes long. There is only 1 song under 5 minutes on the album. The musical offering here continues on from a consistent arc where Kerry left off with Kansas at the time. It’s a record that would not isolate any fans, and the high level of talent he had to make this album certainly shows. It’s a great transition album for him, aptly named “Seeds of Change.”
Tracklist 1 – Just One Way – 5:46 2 – Mask Of The Great Deceiver – 7:36 3 – How Can You Live – 4:13 4 – Whiskey Seed – 5:33 5 – To Live For The King – 4:55 6 – Down To The Core – 5:18 7 – Ground Zero – 8:36
Credits Kerry Livgren – Producer, Songwriter, Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion, Vocals Brad Aaron – Producer, Background Vocals Barriemore Barlow – Drums Bobby Campo – Trumpet Ronnie James Dio – Vocals Phil Ehart – Drums John Fristoe – Background Vocals Gary Gilbert – Bass Paul Goddard – Bass Joey Jelf – Background Vocals Darryl Kutz – Harmonica Mylon LeFevre – Vocals Victoria Livgren – Background Vocals Davey Moire – Vocals David Pack – Vocals Jeff Pollard – Vocals Robby Steinhardt – Violin John Thompson – Drums Steve Venezia – Background Vocals Steve Walsh – Vocals Donna Williams – Background Vocals
Companies, etc. Distributed By – CBS Records Manufactured By – CBS Records Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc. Copyright (c) – Corn & Blood, Inc. Recorded At – Axis Sound Studio Mastered At – Sterling Sound Published By – Don Kirshner Music Published By – Blackwood Music Publishing
It was 1989 and time for another Mylon LeFevre album. In the late 80’s Mylon was consistently putting an album out every year. His offering for 1989 was another successful album. It actually received a Grammy nomination for “Best Gospel Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group, Choir Or Chorus” but lost out to Daniel Winans. Having listened to both albums I believe Mylon’s was better but I wasn’t an academy voting member. The album spawned 3 singles with “Jesus, It’s You” making it to #1, “Movin’ On” to #12, and “Love Comes Down” to #22. While touring with Whiteheart in support of this album Mylon suffered a heart attack. Ironically the tour was called the Heart Attack tour, you can’t make up irony like that. It should be noted that he continued touring in the Philippines in 1990 against his doctor’s advice. Doctors stated that Mylon’s previous involvement with alcohol and drugs had a large role in his heart attack. As for the album I think it was toned down a bit from his previous release but still has some good Rock tracks on it.
Tracklist 1 – Big World – 5:11 2 – Love Comes Down – 3:12 3 – Falling In Love – 3:36 4 – Face To Face – 4:21 5 – Jesus, It’s You – 4:26 6 – Turn The Tables On Me – 4:02 7 – Remember The Future – 3:57 8 – Let Love Conquer – 4:15 9 – The Distance – 3:09 10 – Movin’ On – 4:21
Credits Art Direction – Mike McCarty, Toni Thigpen Bass, Vocals – Kenneth Bentley Coordinator [Ministry Coordinator & Booking] – Greg Menza Design, Illustration – Mike McCarty Electronic Drums [Digital Drums], Vocals – Ben Hewitt Engineer – Greg Archilla, Joe Hardy, Ricky Keller Engineer [Stage Sound Engineer] – Dave Wagner Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen, Trent Argante Keyboards, Vocals – Paul Joseph Lighting [Technician] – Darin Pope Lighting Director [And Lighting Designer] – Michael Murden Management [Road Manager], Engineer [House Sound Engineer] – Clay Spivey Mixed By – Joe Hardy Photography By – Jimmy Collins Producer – Joe Hardy, Mylon LeFevre Programmed By [Fairlight Programming] – Joe Hardy Stage Manager [And Rigging And Pyrotechnics] – “Punky” Higginbotham* Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Copyright (c) – Star Song Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution Published By – Angel Band Music Published By – Jerome Olds Music Recorded At – Ardent Studios Recorded At – Southern Tracks Recorded At – Southern Living Studios Mastered At – Masterdisk Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
While Mylon grew up playing Gospel music in his family band he decided to go the secular music route. He had some success in the 70’s and became well known in the industry. With that success came a somewhat rougher lifestyle than Mylon was familiar with. In 1980 Mylon came back into the fold after attending a Second Chapter of Acts concert. He actually became a janitor at his church in Atlanta, Mt. Paran Church of God. Nothing like a bit of humbling to move you to a stronger relationship with God. Mylon contacted Degarmo & Key as he wanted to enter the CCM industry and subsequently did some writing and sang backup on their “This Ain’t Hollywood” album. In turn Degarmo & Key stepped up to help Mylon with this album. Interestingly the band was assembled from his bible study group at his church and in 1982 this album appeared on the market. Now I do have to make bit of a disclaimer. If you are familiar with MYlon’s work later in the 80’s this album is going to be a little different. While it is well written and played it leans far more Easy Listening than his later work. So if you don’t care about that sit down and give the album a listen and hear where it all started over for Mylon.
Tracklist 1 – Stranger To Danger – 4:46 2 – Child Of The Father – 3:33 3 – You Comfort Me – 2:47 4 – Waitin’ On Heaven – 3:25 5 – Broken Heart – 4:30 6 – The Light – 3:58 7 – Our Desire – 3:35 8 – To Be Real – 3:03 9 – Inner Mission/A Brand New Start – 5:03
Credits Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jack Holder Backing Vocals – Debbie Cathey, Jimi Jamison Drums – John Hampton Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion – Joe Hardy Engineer – Joe Hardy Guitar – Mike Adams Lead Guitar, Classical Guitar, Resonator Guitar [Dobro], Congas – Dean Harrington Mastered By – Larry Nix Organ, Synthesizer – Ed DeGarmo Piano, Keyboards [Rhodes], Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Stan Coates Producer – Dean Harrington, Joe Hardy, Mylon LeFevre Saxophone – Andrew Love Trombone – Ben Cauley Trumpet – Jack Hale Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Phil Driscoll (tracks: B2) Vocals – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Ardent Studios Recorded At – Axis Sound Studio Recorded At – Mastersound Studios, Atlanta Mastered At – Ardent Mastering
In 1986 Mylon & Broken Heart released a “crossover” album using the Moniker Look Up on Columbia Records. Personally this is my favourite album from them. While the album isn’t overtly Christian it does contain a remixed version “Peace Begins Within” from the We Believe album and a cover of DeGarmo and Key’s “Love is All You Need”. The cover version by the way is just excellent. I’m a little confused as to why this was done as by 86 we already knew this crossover stuff didn’t really work. Now even more confusing is the list of guests on this album. Dana Key, Dave Perkins, Ed DeGarmo, Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Kerry Livgren, and Philip Bailey. That’s quite the lineup of Christian artists for a secular album. The last strange thing is that the album was produced by Dana Key, Ed DeGarmo, and Joe Hardy. But hey it worked, great album.
Tracklist
1 – It’s Alright With Me – 3:52
2 – Love Is All You Need – 3:15
3 – Peace Begins Within – 4:01
4 – San Francisco – 4:08
5 – I Wish I Hadn’t – 2:31
6 – The Gunfighter – 3:37
7 – Heart Of Iron – 4:19
8 – Saturday Night – 3:51
9 – Got To Get Used To It – 3:05
Credits
Band [Look Up Is], Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Band [Look Up Is], Drums [Digital Drums], Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Band [Look Up Is], Guitar [Guitars], Vocals – Michael Tyrell, Scott Allen
Band [Look Up Is], Synthesizer [Synthesizers], Vocals – Paul Joseph
Band [Look Up Is], Vocals, Guitar [Guitars] – Mylon LeFevre
Engineer [Engineered By] – Joe Hardy
Guest [Special Guests] – The Bar-Kays, Dana Key, Dave Perkins, Ed DeGarmo, Jimi Jamison, Kerry Livgren, Philip Bailey
Legal [Legal Representation] – Joel A. Katz
Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Photography By – Jimmy Collins
Producer [Produced By] – Dana Key (tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B4), Ed DeGarmo* (tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B4), Joe Hardy (tracks: All), Mylon LeFevre (tracks: All)
Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Ardent Studios
Manufactured By – CBS Records
Manufactured By – CBS Inc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Carrollton, GA
Distributed By – CBS Records
Distributed By – CBS Inc.
Copyright (c) – CBS Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc.
This live album was recorded in Mylon’s hometown of Atlanta, and it was a rock’n’roll homecoming. The crowd sounds great, and the band is working them. This is a great example of a live record. Interesting inclusion is the second track “It’s Alright” which appeared on Matthew Ward’s landmark album “Toward Eternity.” Mylon’s version is a different take and it works well for him.
Tracklist
1 – Introduction Jesus Is A Waymaker – 3:29
2 – It’s Alright – 5:14
3 – Free Rap & Freedom – 6:31
4 – Relationships Rap & Child Of The Father – 4:44
5 – Workin’ On A Building / Jesus Is The Rock – 13:42
6 – Jesus Loves Me – 1:58
7 – The Invitation – 7:20
8 – Coming Back Again – 1:43
Credits
Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Design – Mike McCarty
Drums, Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Engineer [Live] – Joe Neil, Larry Goode
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Stan Coates
Lead Guitar, Vocals, Photography By [Inner Sleeve] – Dean Harrington
Mastered By – Larry Nix
Producer, Engineer [Live], Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Producer, Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Broken Heart Productions
Published By – Angel Band Music
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Latter Rain Music
Published By – Rainy Now Music
Published By – Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc.
Mastered At – Ardent Mastering
This was Mylon’s fourth album after his switch to Christian music. It was well received and paved the way for his best selling album to be released next (Crack The Sky). I feel the album was poorly engineered as the songs have a rock feel but not a sound to match. I am guessing that label (Myrrh) wanted it toned down but I have no proof of that. It’s just a suspicion given Myrrh’s track record on these matters. The mix was done by Joe Hardy who had worked with ZZ Top among other hard rock acts in the past so I doubt it was his doing . Anyway back to the album. I have actually read that some die hard fans consider this to be his best album and I agree that there are some great cuts that’s for sure but frankly the production was too poor for me to hold this album up as his best. My favourite track is “Gospel Ship” on which Mylon was allowed to rock. It has a bit of a traditional sound but it’s great. I have to mention the guest stars on this album. It really is an unbelievable list. Among the all stars contributing in some way are Rick Cua, Philip Bailey, Kerry Livgren, Leon Patillo, Greg X. Volz, Jerome Olds, Joe English, Larry Norman, and Russ Taff. That’s quite the group of guests.
Tracklist
1 – Crucible Of Love – 3:31
2 – He Is Strong – 3:52
3 – I Will Rejoice – 5:10
4 – Love Lasts Forever – 3:35
5 – Morning Star – 4:03
6 – Gospel Ship – 4:22
7 – So Help Me God – 3:58
8 – Trains Up In The Sky – 4:29
9 – The Warrior – 4:30
Credits
Bass – Allison Prestwood, Rick Cua
Bass, Guitar, Vocals – Joe Hardy
Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Congas, Vocals – Philip Bailey
Drums – John Hampton, Scott Meeder
Drums [Digital Drums], Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Guitar – B. James Lowery, Clark Nauert, Kerry Livgren, Tim Hightower
Guitar, Vocals – David Payton, Scott Allen
Keyboards – Gary Hughes, Tom Grosse
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Paul Joseph
Piano, Synthesizer – Stan Coates
Producer – Mylon LeFevre
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Saxophone – Andrew Love
Synthesizer – Jim Boling
Synthesizer, Organ – Leon Patillo
Vocals – Greg X. Volz, Jack Holder, Jerome Olds, Jimmy Jamison, Joe English, Larry Norman, Russ Taff, Gaither Vocal Band, Van Duren
Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – Δ26852
Published By – Angel Band Music
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Jerome Olds Music
Published By – Songs From The Box
Published By – Dunamis Music
The fifth album from Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart did not disappoint. They continued their trip through the 80’s with an album with a sound perfectly suited to 1987. The album had 3 CCM singles, Closer Than A Heartbeat, I Belong, and For My Growing. I swear if you want to know what tracks to skip on an album just look at the CCM charts. The rest of the album was excellent and played well on real Christian radio. The album also received a Dove Award for 1988 Rock Album.
Tracklist
1 – Crack The Sky – 4:00
2 – Love God, Hate Sin – 3:35
3 – Closer Than A Heartbeat – 3:41
4 – Give It Up – 3:01
5 – I Belong – 3:47
6 – Let Me Be The One – 3:45
7 – Reach For The Sky – 5:47
8 – Heart On Fire – 3:11
9 – For My Growing – 4:42
Credits
Bass, Vocals – Kenneth Bentley
Drums [Digital], Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen, Trent Argante, Michael Tyrrell
Producer – Joe Hardy, Mylon LeFevre
Synthesizer, Vocals – Paul Joseph
Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre
Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Recorded At – Ardent Studios
