The David Coate Group – Time Keeps On Running – 1981

David Coate became a Christian at the age of 17. He had actually put away his guitar after finding his faith until he saw a Phil Keaggy concert. He realized at that point that he could be a part of the growing CCM music movement. This is his first album after putting together The David Coate Group. The rest of the group was also new performers in the industry. I would classify the album as light rock with some definite rock moments. The album cover screams 80’s though the album itself is a mix of 70’s and 80’s. This was a nice precursor to his sec0ond album which I think is a little better but this one is definitely a great listen.

Tracklist
1 – Sing To The Lord (Psalm 33) – 5:15
2 – Follow Me – 4:34
3 – Time Keeps On Running – 4:20
4 – It’s The Way – 3:43
5 – Where Will You Be – 4:08
6 – Galatians 2:20 – 5:38
7 – Creation – 6:26
8 – What A Love – 4:59
9 – Abundantly – 3:46

Credits
Backing Vocals – Mary Ellen Hopperstad
Backing Vocals, Keyboards – Kevin Wells
Bass – Bob Tillman
Drums – Phil Bonomo
Producer, Lead Vocals, Guitar – David Coate
Saxophone – Larry James
Strings – Anne Herrmann

The David Coate Group – State Of The Heart – 1985

I’ve had this album sitting around for awhile (5 years) and not listened to it. For some reason I had visions of this being an easy listening album. Yes it does lean easy listening but there are some great tracks on this album. “Walking in the Light” is a great little rock & roll track that deserves a second listen. Also “Wait Just a Minute” is definitely a radio ready 80’s pop tune. This was the second self released album for David and now I’m looking forward to the first one. This album would be his last 80’s album but he went on to record 8 more albums over the years including as recently as 2023.

1 – Star of the East – 4:28
2 – The Battle – 4:20
3 – Standing Together – 3:24
4 – Don’t Lose Heart – 3:14
5 – Walking in the Light – 4:19
6 – Wait Just a Minute – 5:36
7 – I Believe – 2:54
8 – Wanderer – 4:43
9 – Breaking Away – 5:48