The Archers – The Archers – 1973

This is the inaugural album from The Archers. At this point they were just brothers Steve and Tim along with Nancy Short. It was originally self release in 1972 but this is the commercial release a year later on Impact/Heart Warming Records. The brothers started out singing in their Fathers church in the mid 60’s. but by the early 70’s they were touring and even played EXPLO ’72 in Dallas, Texas to a crowd of 250 thousand. Most of the tracks on the album were written by Billy Masters who also played guitar on the album. “God’s Love” and “Jesus Is The Answer” both reached #1 on the CCM charts which is pretty good for your first album. As for my view on he album I actually think it’s pretty good. Normally I’m not a big fan of The Archers as they are a little too easy listening for me but quite frankly given the time period this is a really good album and strangely I think this will go down as my favourite from them.

Tracklist
1 – God’s Love – 4:12
2 – I’ve A Friend – 3:19
3 – Put On Jesus – 2:27
4 – Life In Jesus – 3:05
5 – It Won’t Be Long – 3:47
6 – As Long As I Know – 4:01
7 – Basically Roamin’ – 3:55
8 – Jesus Is The Answer – 3:24
9 – God’s Throne – 2:12
10 – For Me, For You – 5:00

Credits
Arranged By – Clark Gassman
Art Direction – Bob McConnell
Bass – Tim Jaquette
Drums – Tim Short
Engineer – Ami Hadami
Guitar [Uncredited] – Billy Masters
Keyboards – Tim Johnson
Photography By – Bill Grine
Producer – Gary Archer
Vocals – Nancy Short, Steve Archer, Tim Archer

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Impact Records

The Archers – Keep Singin That Love Song – 1974

This is the first album that The Archers recorded with Impact Records. They did re-release their first album with Impact but Impact were not involved with that album other than that. Impact had Bob MacKenzie step in and do the production for the album. They all obviously meshed together well as the album had 2 number one hits, “Little Flowers” and “Jesus, He Is The Son Of God”. This is the album that really introduced The Archers to the world but strangely they couldn’t follow it up with Impact as they switched over to Light Records after this album. Anyway if your an Archers fan this is the one that actually started it all even though it wasn’t their first album.

Tracklist
1 – Keep Singin’ That Love Song – 2:50
2 – Truth, Peace And Joy – 3:21
3 – He Washed My Sins Away – 2:34
4 – Children – 3:11
5 – Jesus (He Is The Son Of God) – 3:00
6 – Thank You, Lord Jesus – 3:51
7 – Little Flowers – 4:16
8 – Soul Down – 3:00
9 – He Loves You – 2:42
10 – There Is A Light – 3:38

Credits
Don Aldridge – Songwriter
Steve Archer – Vocals
Tim Archer – Vocals
The Archers – Vocal Arrangements
Andrae Crouch – Songwriter
Stu Evans – Engineer
Jon Ferrin – Songwriter
Toby Foster – Remix Engineer, Mastered
Lee Hazen – Remix Engineer
Phil Johnson – Songwriter
Danny Lee – Songwriter
Bob MacKenzie – Producer
Billy Masters – Songwriter, Vocals
Nancye Short – Songwriter, Vocals
Bob Sisco – Vocal and Instrumental Arrangements

Archers – Colors Of Your Love – 1991

This is the album that wrapped it all up for The Archers after a twenty year run. It was also a return after a five year hiatus during which most of the band were working on solo projects. This albums appears to be a one album deal with Reunion Records and a part of me thinks there is a story behind this rather weird timeline. Furthermore the album only has 1 song written by Steve and Tim with the rest being penned by other songwriters. All in all this album has a rather odd story but I searched to find the story as it’s not out there so I’ll just be happy with the album, which brings me to the album. Most of the songs are standard Archers ware but there a couple good pop songs on the album if you prefer your music a little more upbeat. The album spawned 3 radio singles. “Be Our Guest” made it to #6, “I Love You Lord” made it to #10 as did “Run To You.”

Tracklist
1 – All Things – 3:34
2 – I Love You Lord – 4:32
3 – All Because You Love Me – 4:52
4 – The Colors Of Your Love – 4:37
5 – Run To You – 4:04
6 – Music (All Around The World) – 4:53
7 – Back On Track – 4:49
8 – Be Our Guest – 4:34
9 – Beneath Your Blood – 4:09
10 – We Need Each Other – 4:58

Credits
Arranged By – Smitty Price
Arranged By [Vocals] – Jonathan David Brown, The Archers
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson, D. Rhodes
Bass – Gary Lunn, John Patitucci, Spencer Campbell
Design – Sam Knight
Drums – Keith Edwards, Mark Hammond
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton, Richard Headen, Terry Hemmings
Guitar – Marty Walsh
Guitar [Additional] – Jerry McPherson
Keyboards – Smitty Price
Keyboards [Additional] – Carl Marsh, Phil Kristianson
Mastered By – Ken Love
Percussion – Eric Darden, Johnny dB
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
Saxophone – Mark Douthit

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Reunion Records, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – 41B Studios
Overdubbed At – Eagle Mountain Studios
Overdubbed At – Digital Recorders
Mixed At – Johnny dB’s Basement
Mastered At – Mastermix
Designed At – Jackson Design

The Archers – Things We Deeply Feel – 1975

This is the fourth album from the Archer brothers and their first on Light Records. Things We Deeply Feel is the last album to feature female vocalist Nancye Short who sings lead on “It Wouldn’t Be Enough”. This song put The Archers on the map as it became a #1 on the Adult contemporary charts. The album also spawned a few other singles but “It Wouldn’t Be Enough” was the money track. Light records spent a lot of money on the studio band and also an embossed album cover that must have cost a fortune at the time. The album also contains the most countrified song they ever did, “You Are My Inspiration”. While this was a very successful album and Nancye was an excellent vocalist I prefer their albums once sister Janice joined the band.

Tracklist
1 – Music (He Brings A New Song) – 3:35
2 – Giver Of Life – 3:27
3 – Sit Yourself Down – 2:54
4 – Lord, You’ve Been Good To Me – 2:47
5 – It Wouldn’t Be Enough – 3:59
6 – I’m With Jesus – 3:15
7 – Brand New Day – 3:31
8 – You Are My Inspiration – 2:58
9 – If You Can’t Believe In Love (You Don’t Believe In Anything At All) – 3:17
10 – It’s Love To Me – 3:01
11 – Praise Him – 2:52

Credits
Arranged By [Rhythm Charts] – Bobby Sisco
Arranged By [Strings/Brass] – Clark Gassman
Bass – Leland Sklar
Drums – Ed Green, Hal Blaine
Engineer – Jerry Barnes
Fiddle [Electric] – Harold Hensley
Guitar – Ben Benay, Dan Ferguson, Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour
Keyboards – David Paich
Liner Notes – Ralph Carmichael
Percussion – Allan Estes
Performer [Uncredited] – Billy Masters
Producer – Bill Cole
Steel Guitar – Red Rhodes
Synthesizer [Moog] – Clark Gassman
Vocals [Uncredited] – Nancye Short, Steve Archer, Tim Archer

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Western Recorders

The Archers – Fresh Surrender – 1977

This really was the album that put The Archers on the map. Billy Masters and Nancy Short were out and Janice was finally officially in though she had been with the band on tour for quite awhile at this point. The album took a far more upbeat style that was very well received as was Janice. I’m pretty sure that hair sold a few albums in the male listener market. (Hand Up) The studio was filled with A list musicians and the the quality reflects that. The album had an astounding seven charting singles and was nominated for A Dove award but lost out to Dallas Holm and Praise. Really? OH those were some pretty terrifying times for the Gospel Music Association. Anyway give it a listen, if you’re a Jesus Music fan you’ll like it.

Tracklist
1 – I Need You – 3:33
2 – Fresh Surrender – 3:55
3 – With Every Breath I Take – 4:28
4 – Water Into Wine – 3:16
5 – Give Him Praise – 4:48
6 – I’m Gonna Rise – 3:12
7 – Change – 3:31
8 – Sanctified Life – 3:33
9 – Make Me An Instrument – 4:41
10 – You Know The Future – 4:23

Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental] – Larry Muhoberac, The Archers
Arranged By [Vocals] – The Archers
Bass – David Hungate, Reinie Press, Wilton Felder
Concertmaster – James Getzoff
Drums – Dennis Holt, Jim Keltner, Mike Baird, Paul Leim
Engineer – Billy Taylor, Dennis Drake, John Guess, Larry Emerine, Steve Maslow, Wally Duguid
Guitar – Ben Benay, Dean Parks, Fred Tackett, Lee Ritenour, Tony Sena
Keyboards – Larry Muhoberac, Phil Kristianson
Lead Vocals – Janice Archer, Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Orchestrated By – Larry Muhoberac
Strings – James Getzoff

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Benson Pub. Co.
Published By – Libris Music
Recorded At – Western Recorders
Recorded At – Studio 55, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Hollywood Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Devonshire Studios
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – Capitol Mastering

The Archers – Celebrate Live – 1980

It was 1980 at the Melodyland Theatre in Anaheim CA when The Archers recorded this live album. The title track was a new song from them and was very well received. Often a easy listening band will turn it up a notch for their concerts but I have to honestly say that The Archers you hear on their studio albums was The Archers you heard at this concert. Humorously they introduce “I’m Gonna Rise” by saying “How many of you like Rock & Roll? Does anybody like Rock & Roll?” and then proceed to do something I sure wouldn’t classify as Rock & Roll even for 1980. A guitar solo does not make a song Rock & Roll guys. That said the horns did a great job on that track. Point of trivia is that the band was introduced by John Styll who was the man that started CCM magazine.

Credits
Arranged By – Bobby Cicso, Clark Gassman, Dan Cutrona, Phil Kristianson, The Archers (3)
Backing Vocals – Stephanie Reach
Bass Guitar – Tim Jaquette
Design, Illustration – Kernie Erickson
Drums – Michael Fickling
Electric Guitar – Tony Sena
Engineer – Biff Dawes
Engineer [Second] – Billy Youdelman
Mixed By – Jack Joseph Puig
Organ [Hammond B-3], Clavinet, Keyboards [Fender Rhodes, Arp], Synthesizer – Phil Kristianson
Other [Concert Introduction] – John Styll
Percussion – Phil Bahn, Steve Archer
Photography By – Gary Null
Piano, Synthesizer, Vibraphone, Marimba – Dan Cutrona
Producer – Bill Cole (2), Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Recorded By – Filmways/Heider Recording
Saxophone, Flute – Gary Herbig
Trombone, Euphonium – Bill Reichenbach (2)
Trumpet – Charles Davis, Larry Hall
Vocals – Janice Archer Cruse, Steve Archer, Tim Archer

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Mastered At – Capitol Mastering
Recorded At – Melodyland Theatre, Anaheim

The Archers – All Systems Are Go – 1984

The Archers took a break from making albums 81 – 84 reportedly because Steve was off doing the solo thing. Strangely in the middle of his solo career he returned to the family to do this album. The Archers “80’d” it up for this album with an album cover that best displayed my personal clothing choices of that year. Yea looking back not so stylish. Janice turned up the 80’s hair and was probably entirely responsible for me listening to this album in 1984. Anyway they turned up John Andrew Schreiner’s keyboards to 11 in an effort so seem a little more with the times. But in the end they were the same Archers the world had come to love and as such the album sold very well. As far as the charts “Heaven In Your Eyes” charted at #2 and “All Systems Are Go” made it to #33. Very respectable numbers but don’t be fooled by the 80’s look, the album is still The Archers that you love or hate.

Tracklist
1 – All Systems Are Go – 4:09
2 – What’s It Gonna Take? – 4:24
3 – Heaven In Your Eyes – 4:00
4 – Get Ready, Get Right – 4:10
5 – My Hope – 4:22
6 – Walk Like He Walks – 3:42
7 – Winnin’ Again – 4:26
8 – Don’t Let It – 3:22
9 – Every Good And Perfect Gift – 6:28

Credits
Arranged By, Keyboards – Herb Jamerson
Art Direction – Kernie Erickson
Bass – James Jamison
Cover – Bob Payne (2)
Drums – Lee Kicks
Executive-Producer, Management – Tim Archer
Guitar – Bob Somma
Keyboards – John Andrew Schreiner
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Percussion – Joe Lala
Photography By – Craig Incardone
Producer – Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Producer, Engineer – Skip Konte
Saxophone – Albert Wing

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Straight Ahead Productions (2)
Recorded At – Front Page Studios

The Archers – Stand Up! – 1979

Stand Up! was The Archers fifth studio album and the first that Janice Archer would take on lead vocals responsibility. The album had lots of well known guest appearances as well as a whos who of studio musicians. I think this was one of their more uptempo albums they put out and this album actually had a bit of a commercial radio sound. “Pickin’ Up The Pieces” peaked at #11 and “Stand Up!” peaked at #9 on the CCM charts. All in all a pretty good album that I actually enjoyed.

Tracklist
1 – Only His Love – 4:39
2 – We’re All Gonna Leave Here – 3:09
3 – Fool’s Paradise – 3:55
4 – Moments With You – 3:50
5 – Stand Up! – 4:45
6 – Blame It On The One I Love – 2:45
7 – More (So Much More) – 3:32
8 – Livin’ In Your Love – 4:13
9 – God Loves You – 2:51
10 – Pickin’ Up The Pieces – 5:11

Credits
Arranged By – Larry Muhoberac
Art Direction – Klingensmith Design Group, Inc.
Bass – David Hungate, Reinie Press
Co-producer – Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Concertmaster – James Getzoff
Drums – Mike Baird, Paul Leim
Executive-Producer – Bill Cole
Guitar – Greg Poree, Thom Rotella, Tim May, Tony Sena
Keyboards – Billy Preston, Larry Muhoberac, Phil Kristianson
Lead Vocals – Janice Archer, Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – John Guess
Percussion – King Errisson
Photography By – Alan Bergman
Producer – John Guess, Larry Muhoberac
Recorded By – John Guess
Strings – James Getzoff
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Ernie Watts
Trombone – Bill Watrous
Trumpet – Chuck Findlay, Jay DaVersa
Woodwind – Buddy Collette, Don Menza

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Word, Inc.
Published By – Libris Music
Published By – Maranatha! Music
Published By – Birdwing Music
Published By – Cherry Lane Music Co.
Published By – Irving Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Jennifudy Studios
Recorded At – Hollywood Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Devonshire Studios
Recorded At – Hollywood Central Studio
Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios

The Archers – Spreadin’ Like Wildfire – 1981

This album continued the transition of The Archers from the 70’s to the 80’s. They transitioned very easily and as CCM music grew in the 80’s so did the reach of The Archers. This album was released on MCA records and it was stacked with some very talented session musicians. The album did very very well and got a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary. The Archers also performed at The Grammy Awards that year performing George Ratzlaff’s “Everyday I’ve Got To Sing Some”. This was really the peak of their career. They continued on very strong but successfully releasing on a secular record label with a Grammy nomination was kind of hard to top.

Tracklist
1 – Spreadin’ Like Wildfire – 4:01
2 – I Never Knew Love – 4:02
3 – Sooner Or Later – 4:22
4 – Back In Your Arms – 4:45
5 – Everyday – 4:11
6 – Runnin’ Too Long – 4:13
7 – Care – 4:33
8 – Nothing Can Separate Us – 4:15
9 – Merry-Go-Round – 5:19
10 – Never Say Goodbye – 3:53

Credits
Arranged By [Strings And Horns] – Buddy Skipper
Art Direction – George Osaki
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Design – Randy Moses
Drums, Percussion – Alex Acuna, Larry London
Electric Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Engineer [Recording], Mixed By [Mixing Engineer] – George Michael Psanos, Warren Peterson
Horns – Buddy Skipper, Dennis Solee, George Tidwell, Roger Bissell
Keyboards – Dan Cutrona, Dony McGuire
Mandolin – Bill Kenner
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Photography By – Bob Duffy
Producer – Dony McGuire
Recorded By [Vocal Overdubs] – Willie Harlan
Saxophone [Solos] – Dennis Solee
Strings – Carl J. Gorodetzky, Conni L. Ellisor, Dennis W. Molchan, Gary Vanasdale, George Binkley, III, James R. Skipper, John David Boyle, Lenni Haight, Marvin D. Chantry, Roy Christiansen, Samuel Terranova, Sheldon Kurland, The Shelly Kurland Strings
Synthesizer – Dony McGuire, Shane Keister

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Sparrow Records
Pressed By – MCA Pressing Plant, Pinckneyville
Recorded At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Overdubbed At – International Automated Media
Remixed At – Sound Stage Studios
Mastered At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios