Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart

Mylon & Broken Heart – Crank It Up – 1990

Unfortunately this is the final album for Mylon & Broken Heart. Mylon did put out one more album in 1992 but this was really the last show for them. Mylon was still recovering from his heart attack in 1989 but the band did tour in support of this album so it doesn’t look like it was a messy breakup. Instead it looks like they went out as friends. The band didn’t do much after this though guitarist David Payton did release an album in 1991 which I just got my hands on but have not listened to yet. As for this album it’s yet another excellent Rock & Roll album that we came to expect of them. In fact I think this album may have some of their best Rock tunes. If you only have time for one track I truly recommend “World Changer” which is a kicker Rock & Roll track.

Tracklist
1 – Crank It Up – 3:44
2 – Denomination Demolition – 3:18
3 – New Attitude – 3:53
4 – Letter From The Front – 4:51
5 – Give It Away – 4:27
6 – Shower The People – 4:03
7 – Dancing In The Light – 3:05
8 – Heaven – 4:06
9 – World Changer – 3:39
10 – Going Home – 4:41

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Mike McCarty
Backing Vocals – Michael Gleason
Bass, Vocals – Kenneth Bentley
Drum Programming – Scott Meeder
Drums – Ben Hewitt
Engineer – Jeff Brugger, Joe Neal, Kurt Bush, Larry Rust, Ricky Keller, Russ Fowler, Tag George
Engineer, Guitar – Sonny Lallerstedt
Engineer, Mixed By, Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Joe Hardy
Guitar, Vocals – Scott Allen, Trent Argante
Keyboards – Oliver Wells
Keyboards, Programmed By – Cheryl Rogers
Keyboards, Vocals – Marshall Pratt
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Percussion – John Hampton
Photography By – Jimmy Collins
Producer – Joe Hardy, Scott Allen
Producer, Vocals – Mylon LeFevre
Vocals [Rock Vocal Ululation And Terpsichore] – The Techless Abandon Men’s Chorus

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song
Copyright © – Star Song
Published By – Angel Band Music
Published By – Country Road Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Ardent Studios
Recorded At – Twelve Oaks Studio
Recorded At – Southern Tracks
Recorded At – Doppler Studios
Recorded At – Southern Living At Its Finest
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Glass Mastered at – Nimbus, Virginia

Mylon & Broken Heart – Face The Music – 1988

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

Mylon & Broken Heart – Big World – 1989

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

Look Up – Look Up – 1986

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.

Mylon Lefevre – Live Forever – 1983

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

Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – Sheep in Wolves Clothing – 1985

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

Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – Crack The Sky – 1987

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

Various – The Rock of Gospel – 1987

This is a fascinating sampler album (CD). It came out on Arrival Records, which is a Sublabel of K-Tel International. I had no idea until I found this album that K-Tel had distributed Christian albums. Even more of a surprise for me is that there were several of these albums. The quality of the CD is horrible, but I’ve cleaned up the recordings as best I could. K-Tel’s vinyl releases were well known for their horrible quality which was a result of cheap vinyl and cheap pressing. This album was released on CD so there was no need for the poor quality. I’ve always suspected that the licensing agreements for these songs included a stipulation that the quality be horrible in hopes people would buy the original album.

Include below is the info on which album the songs were released on

Tracklist
1 – Michael W. Smith – You’re Alright – 4:39 – The Big Picture
2 – Petra – Back To The Street – 4:17 – Back To The Street
3 – Leslie Phillips – Love Is Not Lost – 4:03 – Black And White In A Grey World
4 – White Heart – The Beat Of A Different Drum – 4:17 – Don’t Wait For The Movie
5 – David Meece – All Is God’s Creation – 3:48 – Candle In The Rain
6 – Kim Boyce – Love Resurrection – 4:11 – Kim Boyce
7 – Randy Stonehill – Defender – 3:02 – The Wild Frontier
8 – Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – Crack The Sky – 3:59 – Crack The Sky
9 – Rick Cua – This Raging Fire – 3:53 – Wear Your Colors
10 – Steve Camp – Cheap Grace – 5:11 – One On One
11 – David & The Giants – Cold Lonely Nights – 3:37 – Magnificat
12 – Margaret Becker – Fight For God – 4:06 – Never For Nothing

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – K-Tel International (USA), Inc.
Distributed By – K-Tel International (USA), Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – K-Tel International (USA), Inc.

Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – More – 1983

This is an album I missed back in 1983 and I’m a little surprised at that considering the talent assembled. There are backing vocals from 2nd Chapter Of Acts, Annie Herring, Matthew Ward, and Sevenfold among others. Phil Keaggy is on guitar and Kerry Livgren on keyboards. This is pretty much a super group with all that talent. The album itself is mainly easy listening which is probably why I missed it. The production quality is excellent and the assembled band is tight.

Tracklist
1 – Givers And Takers – 4:18
2 – The Power – 3:19
3 – It’s Almost Over – 3:00
4 – Coming Back Again – 3:38
5 – Free Man – 3:16
6 – My Heart Belongs To Him – 3:58
7 – More (Of Jesus) – 3:52
8 – Children Of The King – 3:00
9 – Praise Hymn – 3:52
10 – The Gift – 2:16

Credits
Backing Vocals – 2nd Chapter Of Acts, Angela Street, Annie Herring, Carol Ford, Charlotte Reed, Eveleaner Smith, Jack Holder, Jaquelyn Street, Jimmy Jamieson, Matthew Ward, Nellie Greison, Sevenfold, Valarie Street, Vanessa Ford
Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Congas, Bongos – Ed Zimmerman
Design [Cover] – Mike McCarty
Drums, Percussion – Ben Hewitt, John Hampton
Engineer – Gary Ham, Joe Hardy, Wally Duguid, Will Eggleston
Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Joe Hardy
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Stan Coates
Lacquer Cut By – L Nix
Lead Guitar – Phil Keaggy
Lead Guitar, Synthesizer, Vocals – Dean Harrington
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Tim Huffman
Legal – Joel A. Katz
Management [Road], Engineer [Sound] – Greg Westman
Management [Road], Lighting – George Close
Mastered By – Larry Nix
Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Photography By – Greg Knobloch
Producer – Dean Harrington, Joe Hardy, Mylon LeFevre
Synthesizer [Emulator] – Kerry Livgren
Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre