Day 456 - PFR - Missing Love

456. PFR - Missing Love
from the Album Great Lengths
(Vireo, 1994)

"Before Jars of Clay took the mantle at the kings of Christian pop/alternative there was PFR. Originally called Pray for Rain, the band was forced to change their name after a band with the same name sent one of those pesky  cease and desist' letters. The album in question is their third and best album, featuring two of the biggest hits the band ever had.

Musical styles were divers and every time I listen to the band, especially this album, I hear touches of Bourgeois Tagg, Phil Keaggy, Extreme and even Terry Scott Taylor. But here the band is making a transition from the poppier, feel good Beatlesque sound to a more 90′s rock and alternative feel. The album perfectly balances the new direction without leaving the past completely behind.

The ballad, The Love I Know was a monster hit. I mean MONSTER. You could not escape the song for about two years on the radio. But the perfectly orchestrated string mixed with the band's harmonies and Joel Hanson’s vocals stretched just enough to feel the emotion of the song.

The title track also owned Christian radio on the CHR and rock formats. The song is more reminiscent of the previous releases and has a distinctly 'Phil Keaggy and Sunday’s Child' sound. The lyrics try to make sense of man’s decisions to always please oneself rather than the Lord.

The band would later add a more aggressive rock feel to their repertoire in later releases, but the roots of that sound are found scattered throughout this great project. One other song of note is a great rock cover of Keith Green’s Trials to Turn to Gold.". (source: CCM's 500 Best Albums)

The songs mentioned in the above review are good, but I always thought this one was better. Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 455 - Petra - For Annie

455. Petra - For Annie
from the Album Never Say Die
(Star Song, 1981)

"On Never Say Die, Petra blends racy keyboards with fine guitar work into big sound rock'n'roll musically reminiscent of the secular flash-in-the-pan band Boston. Unlike Boston, however, Petra's lyrics have more substance than partying and falling in love. ...

Three cuts are most suitable for airplay on contemporary stations. They include Coloring Song, I Can Be Friends With You, and For Annie. The latter is a tragic ballad of the working family blues. It tells the tale of a lonely suicide and how Christians could and still can help.

Petra has been around a while and has produced a couple other good LPs, but Never Say Die is by far their finest to date. (source: Carolyn A. Burns, CCM Magazine, October, 1981 p. 36)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 454 - Dave Perkins - Revolution

454. Dave Perkins - Revolution
from the Album The Innocence
(What? Records, 1987)

"Dave Perkins first solo project was released on the single greatest four release label in history, What? Records. The label released only four albums and all four made [this] list! It could be [because] the label released impressively talented artists with thought provoking and challenging content, which has proven to be a death knell in the CCM industry. But fortunately for all this album was released.

Perkins made a name as a great musician and producer working with Mark Heard, Steve Taylor, Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Over the Rhine, Squeeze and many, many more. The sound is American rock with a wall of guitars. And when I mean wall, I mean like the Great Wall of China type wall. The sound is HUGE!

I have always loved Perkin’s scratchy and straining voice. It always seemed to be on edge and pushing the limits. In fact, every time I hear Stonehill’s Wild Frontier album that Perkins produced, it always sound like Stonehill is trying his best Perkins impression.

The sound on the album will draw positive comparisons to the famed Steve Taylor lead Chagall Guevara album. This makes sense given that Perkins played guitar, co-wrote many of the songs and sings on that albums closer. But there are also touches of The Alarm’s epic anthem rock.

One may also hear the pounding and thrashing of the short-lived band Passafist as well in a few songs. Again, no coincidence given that Perkins was also a driving force behind that band as well. One of the great joys of What? Records was in the freedom with which the artists on the label were allowed to produce their art. There was no 'go back and get us a single' mandate. This is clear as there are no ballads for CCM radio to be found. The closest thing to a potential single was a cover of Turn, Turn Turn. But even there the song arrangement was way too heavy for Christian radio at the time.

Here is another album worth trying to track down. The short-lived nature of the label did not allow for a lot of copies to be made available and they were quickly taken out of print as the label dissolved. Given that, it is still an Album-You-Should-Own. (source: CCM's 500 Bestg Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 453 - Charlie Peacock - Kiss Me Like a Woman

453. Charlie Peacock - Kiss Me Like a Woman
from the Album Love Life
(Sparrow Records, 1991)

"'We have decided to pull Charlie Peacock’s new album off the shelves. It’s filled with nothing but love songs and, as a Christian bookstore, we just can’t justify carrying a record that’s just about love.'

I had the above conversation with a bookstore owner in Northern California. I wasn’t even the rep for Peacock’s label and yet I stood up for the album and put my own reputation with the store on the line by arguing the album’s case to the owner. I walked her over to the “Christian Living” section of her own book department and pointed out several titles that were just about “sex” including the perennially popular “Intended for Pleasure.”

I guess reading about the “s” word wasn’t as bad as listening about it. The odd thing is only one song on the entire album deals with sex and the intimate relationship within marriage. At that point I figured it was no use taking her to the fiction section and pointing out the best-sellers that were “Christian Romance” novels.

What that bookstore owner, and countless others, missed out on, was one of the truly great artistic triumphs in Christian music. Love Life is filled with poignant, powerful and purposeful songs that are not only musically and lyrically brilliant, but brutally honest and necessary. Peacock’s second 'major label' release stands the test of time and sounds incredible 20 years later.

Peacock’s ten songs about love and life run the gamut from pleasant commercial pop, to romping Gospel, funky soul and progressive jazz. The tension created by comparing and contrasting the spiritual and sexual realities that are consistently intertwined in human relationships and how it compares to our relationship with God is wonderfully conceived and Biblically firm.
...

Peacock’s ode to foreplay for Christians is sensual, provocative and clearly and utterly Biblical. Kiss Me Like a Woman may not be 'safe for the whole family,' but in a music world filled at the time with the likes of George Michael, Peacocks Biblical approach to Biblical intimacy is shocking breath of fresh air.

The song itself is a funky, sexy, groove filled romp that is passionate, hip and completely riveting. In it Peacock use the Biblical images from Song of Songs and Proverbs to address the need and reality of intimacy with a Biblical framework. But this is not about having a Bible Study before going to bed; this is about the honesty, trust and sacred act of the sexual relations. It is, hands down, the very best song on the subject and Peacock should have been praised for this work and not ridiculed and blacklisted!

Peacock even addresses the need to explain to our children the beauty and purity of the sexual relationship within the covenental confines of marriage. Finally, Peacock also addresses the Biblical concept that the sexual experience is both promoted and created by God. He built pleasure into the act and is pleased when His faithful find pleasure in His creation. It is because of the fact that He created and affirmed the act, that when it is out place, it is a rebuke and transgression against Him.

After the powerful and passion of the previous song, Peacock closes the album with a “throw back” Church music influenced ballad called “When I Stand With You.” Starting the song with just piano and voice, produced to sound crackly, like an old phonograph playing an old 78, the song morphs into a modern ballad with backing vocals, strings and various instruments continually being added as the song progresses. Here Peacock expresses that every idea presented before is ultimately meaningless without God.

Love Life is a brilliant album from the musical inception to the lyrical acumen of an amazing artist that heavily populates this list." (Source: JesusFreakHideout.com

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 452 - Paper Tongues - Trinity

452. Paper Tongues - Trinity
from the Album Paper Tongues
(A&M/Octone Records, 2010)

"It is always a joy to come across an artist that offers a new musical perspective in a specific genre. It is even rarer to hear a band that successfully combines various genres to bring a sound that is completely unique. Although not strictly a Christian band, the seven-piece Paper Tongues brings a distinctive blend of rock, hip-hop, electronica, and funk, leading to a debut with a very memorable sound.

The self-titled album begins with a strong variety of opening tracks. The smooth, funk/pop sound of the opener,Trinity, presents the struggle surrounding holding on to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Paper Tongues really has created music with soul, with a mixture of sounds that perhaps comes from having seven members with varying musical backgrounds. Even if their songs cannot all be labeled as 'Christian music,' the themes of hope and encouragement will be apparent to both the Saved and the Unsaved, which certainly cannot be considered a bad thing." (Source: JesusFreakHideout.com)

Here is the original studio released video for the song:

Day 451 - One Bad Pig - Bowl of Wrath

451. One Bad Pig - Bowl of Wrath
from the Album Swine Flew
(Myrrh, 1990)

"One Bad Pig are a bubbling cauldron of fun. They were typically classified as a punk band, but really their music was a mish-mash of punk, funk, rock and thrash, all rolled into one Sunday School class for juvenile delinquents. No doubt the lyrical themes were all patently Christian, but these guys made learning your Sunday School lessons fun and entertaining. They could take serious topics like the wrath of God, and add some humor to it to bring home the message, without actually diluting the message. Bowl of Wrath, Breakfast on the crooked path! If you choose to laugh, you can have another 'Bowl of Wrath!' Gotta love it! At the same time, they could bring me to my knees in worship like no other band with songs like When Your Love Died and Red River, the later sounding more like a U2 song than anything by a punk band. There is even a thrashing version of Petra's Judas' Kiss featuring a guest performance by Petra guitarist Bob Hartman. One other note about this album is that it was one of the first 'heavy' bands to ever be released on Myrrh Records, a label more known for acts like Amy Grant. (Source: )
NoLifeTilMetal.com
Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 450 - Ocean - Put Your Hand in the Hand

450. Ocean - Put Your Hand in the Hand
from the Album Put Your Hand in the Hand
(Yorkville [Canada]/Kama Sutra [U.S.], 1970)

"Ocean was a gospel rock band formed in 1970 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are best known for their million-selling 1971 single Put Your Hand in the Hand, penned by Gene MacLellan. The record sold over one million copies and received a gold disc awarded by the Recording Industry Association of America. …

The album was recorded in Toronto in 1970 and originally released on the highly collectable Yorkville label in Canada. The album contained eight songs written by such notables as Robbie Robertson and Gene MacLellan. The album was picked up in the U.S. by the Kama Sutra label that also released the band's second album in both the U.S. and Canada. Ocean managed another hit in Canada with the song We've Got a Dream written by the British songwriting team of Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, but they failed to make any impact in the U.S. and disbanded in 1975 after only two albums." (Source: Wikipedia)

Put Your Hand in the Hand was originally recorded by Anne Murray. Over the years it has been covered by Elvis Presley, Frankie Lane, Lynn Anderson, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn and Randy Stonehill, among others. Ocean's version was by far the most popular and peaked at #2 in the U.S. and #10 in Canada. Here are the original album version of the song:

Day 449 - Britt Nicole - Walk on Water

449. Britt Nicole - Walk on Water
from the Album The Lost Get Found
(Sparrow, 2009)

"I'm partial to CCM /Christian Music for two reasons. One because I'm a Protestant in a predominantly Catholic country and about 70% of my 'religiousness' is centered around music and the ability to sing as worship - CCM has always been a part of my music library. The second reason is purely musical - the genre CONSISTENTLY produces some of the most beautifully heart-wrenching and moving songs I have ever heard.

That 's what this album is - beautiful in every sense of the word . Even if you' re not 'Christian' … you'll enjoy the album - the girl is talented and the songs are entertaining at the very least.

Walk On Water reminds me of her first album - the piano with the vocals and the melody all string together perfectly but once the bass line comes in and the guitar builds the song up , I realize that her first album is done and over with. She' s grown but not completely. The melody is beautiful, worthy of my swooning and the chorus gave me goosebumps. That's what songs should do to people." (Source: PopReviewsNow.blogspot.com)

Walk On Water peaked at #1 on the Christian Hit Radio chart and #17 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. Here are the original album version of the song:



Here is a must-see live acoustic performance from K-Love radio featuring just her and a guy playing guitar and adding harmony. Chills!

Day 448 - Eric Nelson & Michele Pillar - Love Hurts/He Gave Me Love

448. Eric Nelson & Michele Pillar - Love Hurts/He Gave Me Love
from the Album The Misfit
(Maranatha, 1979)

"As the world of 'Jesus Music' was progressing into what is now known as CCM, there were several very good albums and some brilliant artists making music that was clearly in both genres and served as bridges and building blocks to this new industry. But there were not many 'game changers' that forced the music world to consider the genre valid and worthy of consideration. Most great albums lacked quality production, originality or authenticity.

The Misfit was a game changer. Completely original and just as good as anything in the pop music world at the time. Most 'concept' albums suffer from content over quality and are often filled with songs that are forced to push the story forward and do not stand on their own as original compositions. The Misfit was a concept album that just happened to be filled with 13 brilliant individual songs that have stood the test of time.

This is not a concept album in the same way as something from The Who where it is a rock opera with a singular storyline weaving throughout each song. Rather, The Misfit is a concept album where a common thread of concept of being an 'outsider' or outcast weaves its way throughout each and every song. The different topics range from faith, love, loss, doubt and more, but all with a singular focus as coming from the outside looking in.

Erick Nelson at this point had a very good and lengthy Jesus Music career going as both a solo artist and as a member of popular bands like Good News. Michele Pillar was an up and coming and much talked about new female vocalist on the precipice of a wonderful career in the 1980′s. Her sweet and smooth Karen Carpenter (ballads) or Kiki Dee (pop) like voice matched Nelson’s more soulful and, at times, rocky voice perfectly and the blend just worked. It shocked many at the time that this would be their only album together.

Nelson has said of himself that one of his greatest strengths is his ability to surround himself with amazing musicians and performers. Though no slouch on the piano himself, he most certainly surrounded himself with the very best on this project. Guest musicians include Hadley Hockensmith, Dean Parks, John Wickham, Jonathan David Brown, Alex MacDougall, Keith Edwards, Kelly Willard, Stan Endicott, Denny Correll and a host of others!

There is a touch of Elton John (Rock of the Westies era) throughout the entire project and It is noticeable from the very opening moments of the title track. This may have to do with Nelson’s wonderful piano, but also goes to the strong vocal arrangements and memorable hooks displayed throughout.

What seems initially out-of-place is actually an album highlight with a wonderful and completely different arrangement of the song [Love Hurts by Nazareth], sung here by Pillar with limited musical accompaniment, primarily piano and string leading into a fuller second verse. This version is closer to the Jennifer Warnes version. It is haunting and unforgettable.

The pain of the world’s love is juxtaposed against God’s love that is discovered by the misfit in the following song, He Gave Me Love. … [T]here is a musical segue with no break that accentuates the polar opposite approach to the content. Nelson asked himself if he only had five-minute to sing one song, what would that song say?

The answer is found here. " (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here are the original album versions of the songs:

Day 447 - Love Song - Little Pilgrim

447. Love Song - Little Pilgrim
from the Album Final Touch
(Good News Records, 1974)

"By the time this project was released in 1974, Love Song had lost guitarist Bob Wall but gained drummer John Mehlor. Keyboardist Chuck Girard, guitarist Tom Coomes and bassist Jay Truax were augmented by steel and slide guitarist Al Perkins. Also it was clear that the life of the band had come to an end with Girard readying a solo career and other members moving on.

More electric than their debut album, the volume is turned up without losing any of the melody. Highlights here include the gorgeous Jesus Puts The Song In Our Hearts where the band's intertwining vocals are at their finest. In those days in the mid '70s when Armageddon was about to happen when the Ruskies invaded into Israel, perhaps it's okay in The Cossack Song to suggest Russian soldiers desert and pray. Despite its lyrical strangeness in this generation, it's still a fantastic bit of guitar driven rock'n'roll with Perkins excelling himself. Since I Opened The Door is great country rock and the closing touching Little Pilgrim is a fab piano ballad." (Source: CrossRhythms.com)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 446 - Tim Miner - Forgive Me

446. Tim Miner - Forgive Me
from the Album A True Story
(Frontline, 1989)

"Tim Miner was signed to major Christian label, Sparrow, as a 16 year old. He would release two very successful albums for them before venturing into songwriting, producing and recording on his own. He began to bring artists to Frontline Records in the late 80′s that he was producing at the time like Cindy Cruse (future wife), Angie Alan, Nicole (future Nicole C Mullen) and rap groundbreaker D- Boy.

He would release his long anticipated Frontline Debut in 1989. [It contained] Flashes of Judson Spence, Michael Jackson and whole lot of Prince combined with pristine and progressive production. Drum loops, funky rhythms, dance grooves and stellar vocals join to create the best record for the genre at that time in CCM. It was in many ways ahead of the curve in Christian music production wise with help from Tommy Sims.

One of the great attributes of Tim Miner is his amazing vocal ability to range from screaming Prince-like funk to slow and earthy, soulful ballads a la Stevie Wonder or David Pack. One of those ballads is a song he would later record on an album released by Motown Records called Forgive Me. It is simply beautiful. I remember sitting in the normally busy Frontline offices hearing the song as it was played for the first time.

The acoustic guitar and strings back up Miner’s stunning vocal delivery that is both wispy and forceful, eventually breaking with emotion at the end. When it was over there was total silence in the office. I turned around to see the entire staff had come over to the office to hear the song as it played. [I had] tears in many eyes.

Miner would later record a solid album for Motown that unfortunately never broke him nationally as it was hoped. Despite that his impact on CCM is still felt through those who [he] worked with and produced and for some amazing [music] he created while a central figure in the industry." (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 445 - Andy McCarroll & Moral Support - Sin

445. Andy McCarroll & Moral Support - Sin
from the Album Zionic Bonds
(Pilgrim America, 1981)

"There are very few releases I love to listen more than this great punk rock release from Andy McCarroll & Moral Support. … I would assume not a month goes by that I don’t listen all the way through.

Andy McCarroll did record two folk/rock albums in the UK in the mid-1970′s. The sound is quite a bit more subdued than on this Clash influenced release. But both of those early releases are worthy to be tracked down. McCarroll’s distinctive vocals though are present.

It should be mentioned here that McCarroll’s vocals can be an acquired taste for some, but resonated with its nasally passion at first listen for me. I remember walking through a small Christian Bookstore in Orange County, CA as a Junior in High School. This little store had a really cool guy working there that would 'sneak' in some underground or controversial albums. One day I had dropped by and he ran to meet me outside when he saw me coming. In his hand was the brightest record LP cover ever. I saw it from a distance! He just said 'trust me!' I drove home as quickly as possible and for the next several hours I listened to Zionic Bonds over and over again. then I turned the record over to listen to Side B! I could not escape just how 'new' and current it sounded. At the time there was Resurrection Band, Daniel Amos had released Horrendous Disc and that was about it. This was before Undercover, The Lifesavers and The Altar Boys broke through.

The album kicks off with a whining guitar fading in before the drums, bass and guitar assault is launched. The bass and drums drive the song Sin with a ferocitythat was unheard of at the time. McCarroll’s vocals – an acquired taste admittedly – were unique, heavily accented and raw. The lyrics matched perfectly.

The results of rebellion causin’ societal ills
It pounds and beats to death like a pneumatic drill
You take it very lightly and excuse it at will
Don’t realize it’s cancer, don’t realize…
Sin Kills

After McCarroll points the finger at societies acceptance of sin he turns the accusing finger back on himself.

It affects my body and corrupts my brain
It effects like poison running through my veins
It penetrates all, all it touches it stains
It’s like living your, living you life…in a sewage drain
I wanna hate it (hate it) with all of me!

This is a pure Clash like rhythm attack that is utterly relentless. It would also easily rank among the finest rock songs in CCM history.

Lyrically straight forward, musically aggressive, topically current. I recall an interview with Bono of U2 in which he referenced the music of Andy McCarroll. He also mentioned that Moral Support was unique in that the band contained both Protestants and Catholics, which was pretty much unheard of at the time. The band did score a hit in Ireland but unfortunately they were short-lived and this was the only release.

But what a release it was!" (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 444 - Darrell Mansfield - That's All Right

444. Darrell Mansfield - That's All Right
from the Album Higher Power
(Maranatha/A&S Records, 1979)

"Possessing a powerful testimony, a killer bluesed soaked voice, freakish harmonica skills and some of the best hair in Jesus Music, Darrell Mansfield has been a rocker, bluesman and evangelist for the better part of 40 years. He has released over 30 albums and played with the best the world has to offer. Through all that one thing has remained the same; Darrell Mansfield 'knows who he believes in, and is persuaded that He is able to keep him…'

After a brief stint with the short lived Jesus Music band, Gentle Faith, Darrell formed The Darrell Mansfield Band and began playing bars, churches and youth camps throughout Southern California. Much heavier musically than his former band, Mansfield's penchant for ZZ Top type blues rock and powerful ministry was gaining a large following. A survivor of suicide (he still has the scars on his wrists as a reminder), Mansfield's passion for the lost has propelled and challenged him to make a difference in the world around him. Humble and sweet-natured off stage, it was always amazing to see the passionate and fierce rocker on stage.

Mansfield’s first solo project is the album in question here and remains one of the truly classic rock releases in the genre. Released at a time when the simplicity of the Jesus Music movement was waning and the CCM genre was being birthed, Higher Power was the perfect transitional album. Legitimate rock numbers with strong production and progressive musical influences are balanced by straight ahead Gospel messages and the consistent 'Second Coming' themes of an earlier time.
…
That’s All Right would be the biggest song from the album and remain a mainstay in Mansfield’s live repertoire to today. A great bluesy number that builds and builds throughout. An apologetic of sorts, the song examines evolution and world religions and throws the post-modernist penchant for relativism back at the opposition. The songs guitar and harmonica work creates a killer bridge and finale. Mansfield would, for several years, peform the song wearing a monkey mask in mockery of the evolutionary theory. He would then throw the mask off (sometimes into the crowd) when he sung the line, 'Not gonna let no scientist make a monkey out of me.' It worked extremely well back in the day.
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Mansfield would go on to experiment with more blues rock (Get Ready), pop (The Vision) and even heavy metal (Revelation), but his strength and lasting prowess would be the acosutic and traditional blues that would fill the majority of his career. Albums with guitarist Eric Turner and Resurrections Band’s Glenn kaiser are all top notch, but Higher Power would not only remain his finest rock outing, it remains one of the best rock albums the genre has ever produced." (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 443 - Crystal Lewis - My Redeemer Lives

443. Crystal Lewis - My Redeemer Lives
from the Album The Bride
(Metro 1, 1993)

"Though it would be three more years before Crystal Lewis became one of the biggest names in CCM with her best-selling Beauty For Ashes album, it was in 1993 with the release of The Bride that Lewis achieved her artistic triumph. Following the very cool and funky Remember, The Bride was a genre shifting work of artistic merit that expanded Lewis’ musical palette and vocal prowess.

The musicians on the album read like a who’s who and their playing is true and authentic: Abraham Laboriel, Shawn Tubbs, Dave Spurr, John Knox and John Andrew Schreiner.

The production was more stark and 'band' sounding than any in her career and this live band feel created a vocal urgency and attitude that some earlier releases may have lacked. This is not the same Lewis who simply sang Bill Baumgart porcelain produced pop songs. This was a confident and forceful woman with something to say.
…
The centerpiece of the album is the tremendous My Redeemer Lives. This worship song shows Lewis’ vocal powers more than just about any other in her career. Lewis holds her own against backing vocal crew that included Alfie Silas, Debbie McClendon and Linda McCrary that accompanies her and leads to several spine tingling moments.
…
Many fans that discovered her with Beauty for Ashes have little appreciation for this album. It is much more raw and edgy and nothing like the soft AC artists that sold hundreds of thousands of copies. But for those that watched her progress as an artist from Hi Tops through Beyond the Charade, The Bride marks a step toward maturity and artistic confidence that is unmatched on any other release." (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 442 - KJ-52 - Dangerous

442. KJ-52 - Dangerous
from the Album Dangerous
(BEC, 2012)

"One of the busiest and best in the Christian hip hop world is back at it. For almost a decade, KJ-52 has been dropping new music almost every 18 months and it's always solid. So, what's new this time around? Not a ton, but 'if it ain't broke...' This release is filled with Christ-driven themes, fun-laced flavor, and sweet beats that are worthy to be played at any house party. That being said, KJ does stray a little bit from his usual album from time to time on Dangerous, but just enough to keep things from playing it too safe.
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[A] noticeable change on Dangerous is the actual singing done by KJ himself. The rapper lays down some nice vocals on the title track as well as Brand New Day. Both show off KJ's creativity while hitting on themes of focusing on God and the idea of what change tomorrow can bring.

It is hard to find fault in any particular track, but not every song on the twelve song album is stellar. Dangerous may not the best album he has ever released, but may paradoxically be the one with the least amount of flaws. You'll find some creative changes thrown in with our standard KJ fare, all laid over lyrics that can help any young person through the hard times in life. Dangerous is definitely worth picking up the day it drops. (Source: JesusFreakHideout.com)

Dangerous peaked at #21 on the Christian Rock chart and #16 on the Christian Hit Radio chart. Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 441 - Jars Of Clay - Work

441. Jars of Clay - Work
from the Album Good Monsters
(Essential Records, 2006)

"Thirteen years into their impressive career, Jars Of Clay is still challenging themselves as artists to create relevant music with a message worth hearing. After resurrecting classic hymns last year to give them a modern revisit, the alt rock quartet is returning to what they know best.

Jars Of Clay has never been a band known for riding a trend or sticking to a set formula. Even after they've found a sound and process that seems to work for them, the guys push themselves a step further, despite the risks this may entail. Good Monsters , the band's boldly titled new record, explores unchartered territory for this once-folk-pop act while combining elements from what we've come to love and expect from Jars Of Clay. When the opening electric guitar riff of Work tears into the album, many will find a brand new side of this seasoned band revealed. What unfolds is an edgy, emotional anti-anthem for isolation that boasts a deliciously painfully honest chorus, 'Do you know what I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone?" ' It's this kind of risky sheer honesty that permeates Good Monsters, threading its separate parts into a whole.

Good Monsters is a daring new direction for one of Christian music's most important and relevant artists. While the record may seem to lose a little steam after such a strong opening, as a whole, it offers a collection of songs that blend the diversity of If I Left The Zoo with the class and artistic integrity of Who We Are Instead to create a truly unique and original project. Good Monsters is a stroke of greatness." (Source: JesusFreakHideout.com)

Work was the 13th most played song of 2007 on Christian Hit Radio (CHR) srations and peaked at #27 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart. In 2007 it was nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the year. The video won a Dove award for Short Form Music Video of the Year. Here is original studio released promotional video for the song:

Day 440 - Jacob's Trouble - Look at U Now

440. Jacob's Trouble - Look at U Now
from the Album Knock Breath Shine
(Alarma, 1990)

"The second release from Jacob’s Trouble was also the one most clearly influenced by producer Terry Scott Taylor, and in a very good way. Of the three 'retro' sounding albums in the JT catalog it remains the strongest and most consistent. Strong from start to finish and filled with very memorable hits. Wisely chosen covers, some help from a few legends and some brilliant original material combined for a wonderful project.

The first two cuts ( Look at U Now & Little Red Words) were co-written by Terry Scott Taylor and Randy Stonehill, respectively. Both received a good amount of Christian rock radio airplay. The cover of Bob Dylan’s I Believe In You is nicely paced not to sound too much like the original while keeping the strong contemplative feel of the original.
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The album’s closer should have been a hit. A huge it! And it was. Unfortunately for the band These Thousand Hills would become a hit for Third Day when the band covered it several years later. (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is original album version of the song:

Day 439 - The Innocence Mission - Black Sheep Wall

439. The Innocence Mission - Black Sheep Wall
from the Album The Innocence Mission
(A&M, 1989)

"Everything about this album is simply beautiful.

From the stylish cover to the angelic quality of lead vocalist Karen Paris’ voice and from the ethereal melodic qualities to the lyrics fresh and surprising, the whole album reeks of beauty. Informed by their Catholic upbringing, the band demonstrates a love for the mystical and the iconic throughout.

Unlike their more popular Protestant contemporaries, Paris seems unafraid of the mystery that shrouds humanities relationship with God and one another. Both are dealt with a length on this amazing debut release.

Formed during the early to mid-1980′s when band members met each other at their High school, The Innocence Mission is really the table dressing for the songwriting prowess of lead vocalists Karen Paris and musician husband, Don. The other musicians have come and gone over the years leaving the Paris’ as the focal members of the group. On the debut under consideration here Paris was responsible for writing or co-writing every song on the album.
…
Black Sheep Wall remains a personal favorite and the haunting melody never wavers. At times Paris’ voice falls into a sound similar to Maria McKee’s without the gusto. The black sheep here is reminded that there is still a shepherd out there in the field.
…
Few albums among my collection are as consistently stunning and beautiful as this project. I doubt many in the future will reach its heights. " (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is original album version of the song:

Day 438 - In 3D - Livin' in the Real World

438. In 3D - Livin' in the Real World
from the Album No Glasses Needed
(Refuge, 1985)

"A little heavier and less 'reggae/world music' than their sophomore release [Barrage], No Glasses Needed is a great rock album with various influences impacting the overall sound. Relatively strong production (for Refuge records) and great songwriting combined with stellar musicianship and killer vocals to [create] a band that should have done much better and had a much longer career.

There are two guests worthy of noting. the first, Glenn Kaiser of Resurrection Band, adds some guitar work while Jeff Pollard provided backing vocals. The Pollard inclusion is very interesting and I would love to know the story about how he became involved. … He appeared on Kerry Livgren’s Seeds of Change album as well as being the lead vocalist for the unfortunately unheralded Louisiana band, LeRoux. I saw LeRoux once opening up for Kansas and later learned of Pollard’s influence on Livgren’s conversion. Pollard had renounced rock music after his conversion and entering a Baptist Seminary. His inclusion here is intriguing.

There are so many great rock songs here. Memories of a Man, Can’t Stop and Livin’ In the Real World all would have been hits on Christian rock radio if something like that existed at the time. The latter would hint at the more Police style that would follow on the second album, but with a much more harsh, rock sound and great guitar work.
…
I have always considered the uniqueness and lack of a real 'consistently commercial' sound hurt the band’s chances at success. It is not a sound that immediately grabs the casual listener and walks such an interesting creative thread, that I could see where many 'metal fans and rockers' didn’t think they were hard enough while the straight ahead pop or rock fan found the album too disjointed. But it’s the disjointedness of the album that makes it such a gem.

I do not believe it ever made its way on to CD, and that is a real shame given the high production values and longevity musically." (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is original album version of the song:

Day 437 - Idle Cure - Breakaway

437. Idle Cure - Breakaway
from the Album Idle Cure
(Frontline, 1986)

"Heavier and 'cooler' than Petra, but not metal; the popular phrase 'men of their time' fits Idle cure better then most. Sure, the Def Leppard, Foreigner rock was for a specific era and many judge too harshly the time. What can’t be mistaken, though, is the fact that for the time, this album was pure gold. Great rockers mixed with radio ready ballads were the perfect hit combination. This formula was worked for optimum success by producer Bill Baumgart.

Enough keyboards to keep the record from straying into the big hair metal category and diversity in arrangements allowed for constant repeated listening. What was strayed from was the songwriting formula. Toned down verses, big hooky choruses, massive wall of sound backing vocals and tasty, just heavy enough guitars. Foreigner, Bon Jovi and the rest understood how this worked and so did Idle Cure.

The first ballad, Take It, was Frontline’s first big radio hit I believe. The Chicago influenced ballad would also be one of the first 'background tapes' the company would have to produce as people wanted to sing the song during church. Six of the eight songs were rockers and two ballads. Again, the perfect formula for hit records. But it really boiled down to just how good the songs actually were." (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Take It wasn't as big a hit as Take It but I think it is a better song and more indicative of what the band sounded like. Perhaps it was a bit too heavy for Christian Radio in the mid 80s. Here is original studio released music video for the song:

Day 436 - iDEoLA- Is It Any Wonder?

436. iDEoLA- Is It Any Wonder?
from the Album Tribal Opera
(What? Records/A&M, 1987)

"On Mark Heard's Stop the Dominoes! the poet lamented …

I'm too sacred for the sinners
And the saints wish I would leave

But this was not supposed to be the case for Heard working under the pseudonym iDEoLA on the newly created What? Records in 1987. This was to be a label dedicated to allow Christian artists the free expression to write and perform what they wanted and would include a strong relationship with mainstream counterpart A&M to market, distribute and promote the releases to the mainstream radio and record market. Label mates Tonio K. and Dave Perkins were perfect fits for this type of fledgling project. But unfortunately for all involved (including the consumer) the dreams never truly materialized.

But what we are left with, though, is one the best singular recordings in CCM. This is one of the few releases in this countdown by an artist with only one release. Of course with iDEoLA that isn’t quite accurate as the mastermind and singular performer is the late Mark Heard.

Musically this was quite a departure for Heard as his previous releases were acoustic or electric driven folk, rock and blues. But like Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwod Mac), to whom Heard is often compared, he felt free as an artist to expand his musical horizons while remaining true to his core, which is songwriting. There will be many who will disagree, but I am firmly convinced that Mark Heard was the very best songwriter in Christian Music and rivaled the very best in all of music including Bruce Cockburn, Peter Gabriel and Bob Dylan.

Musically this is electric and eclectic. Both world music and rock and roll. Samples, steel drum sounds, electronic bass and both acoustic and electric guitars. The comparisons to the aforementioned Lindsey Buckingham and Peter Gabriel are fair and complimentary. But hidden within the punctuated production and world rhythms are some of Heard’s finest lyrics and melodies.
…
The first, and I believe, only pop radio single follows with Is It Any Wonder. … It made sense to make this tune the first single as it is clearly the most accessible and pop driven tune. It was almost like the first time I heard Springsteen’s, Dancing in the Dark. It was a folk/Americana rocker placed on top of a straight dance beat. But somehow it worked. But unlike Springsteen, Heard actually had something worth saying.

I had a dream, it was a mystery
i dreamed of science and of history
i dreamed that since we stood up out of the dust
we formed our words on lips of beauty and trust

i should’ve known better than that
i should’ve known better than that
everything looks different in the morning

is it any wonder
is it any wonder
is it any wonder we dare to live in our dreams
…
It should be noted here just how stellar the production of this project. It was easily one of the finest produced albums for its time and still sounds sonically strong. Despite the electronic and manufactured feel of the project musically, it lyrically carries the stamp of the raw emotion connected to the struggles of the human condition. In fact, it is these raw and very personal lyrics couched within a very artificial setting that makes them so impacting and worthy of our attention. (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)

Here is original studio released music video for the song:

Day 435 - I Am Empire - You're a Fake

435. I Am Empire - You're a Fake
from the Album I Am Empire
(Independant, 2009)

"The San Jose, CA based quintent has opened eyes and ears with their latest self- titled release. Already making noise with their first single, You’re A Fake, the band has hit the radio airwaves and have been touring in support of the album.

The album is filled with sing- along tracks that will have fans screaming lyrics during live shows.
…
As mentioned, You’re A Fake blazes out of the speakers with lead guitar picking accompanied by a solid riff, which leads into the lyric, 'Get up, Get up!' This song has just begun to break out the band, and has lasting power.

After releasing their first album, Letters, the indie rock band showcases their talent, which has evolved to be the band’s best group of songs they have compiled on I Am Empire." (Source: GigHive.com)

You're a Fake is a call for redemption. It peaked at #15 on the Christian Rock Tracks chart and a new version of the song was subsequently released on their 2011 Tooth & Nail Records debut,Kings. Here is original studio released music video for the song:

Day 434 - Hothouse Flowers - Don't Go

434. Hothouse Flowers - Don't Go
from the Album People
(London, 1988)

"I will admit from the outset that I actually know very little about Hothouse Flowers outside of the fact that I pretty much love anything and everything I have ever heard from them. The greatest love I have for this band is encapsulated in this wonderfully Gospel, funky, bluesy, Celtic, and unflinchingly stirring hoe down. It's just flat out infectious.

Birthed in Ireland, I first heard about them from an interview with Bono, who was admittedly a huge fan of the band. Their first single was released in 1986 by U2′s own label. That lead to a mainstream record deal. They went on to have the best selling debut album in Ireland with People. I still hear songs from this album used in bumper music. In fact talk show host Laura Ingraham is a huge fan and uses their music all the time on her radio program.

The album is filled with deeply personal and spiritual content delivered in a uniquely creative musical narrative that is immediately likable and never grows weary. Lead vocals are bluesy, soulful and utterly heartfelt. There’s a slight slur to the inflection that gives an Irish whiskey drawl to the approach.
…
[T]he album is loaded with traditional Celtic instruments combined with modern instruments and the melding of the two work perfectly. The saxophone solo on If You Go is simply ridiculous!

Even as I type this I am starting to think this album deserves to be ranked higher! Please do yourself a favor and just get a copy." (Source: CCM's 500 Best Albums)

Don't Go peaked at #16 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at #8 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Here is original studio released music video for the song:



The studio also released an excelent extended version of the video that's about three minutes longer and, as far as I know, doesn't appear on any album.

Day 433 - Holy Soldier - See No Evil

433. Holy Soldier - See No Evil
from the Album Holy Soldier
(Myrrh/A&M, 1990)

"The eponymous debut release from Holy Soldier remains of the true landmark albums in the Christian rock and metal world. Myrrh Records finally put their substantial industry weight behind a metal band and the band did not disappoint with a stellar debut that hits right in the center of the metal world at the time. Heavy drums and David Zaffiro produced wall of vocals and guiatrs created a legitimate metal album in any arena.

The great struggle the band would face through it’s decade long career was the inability to stay together for very long without personnel changes. This was most notable in the on again off again relationship lead vocalist Steve Patrick would have with the band. Most agree the best projects are those in which Patrick was a participant.

But that would all follow this classic debut. Fans of Guns and roses, Bon Jovi, Skid Row and a host of LA metal bands would find something here to appreciate.
…
Much of Christian metal (big hair or hard rock) had a tendency to suffer from average to mediocre production, especially debut projects. Here, with the help and support of Zaffiro and Myrrh, Holy Soldier was able to create a great record. And though the band would continue to create solid projects throughout its tenure, this debut would stand out as a real treasure.

Future releases would also carry a distinctly more 'mainstream' lyrical content and one of the great values of this album is the fact that the significantly more evangelical approach still sounded real and authentic within the genre." (Source: CCM's 500 Best Albums)

Here is original studio released music video for the song:

Day 432 - Hokus Pick - Silver (The Comfort Song)

432. Hokus Pick - Silver (The Comfort Song)
from the Album leaving Eden
(Freedom Records 1997)

"Snappy , one of their last albums was their best and proved they could write and play with the best of them. On Snappy the band reached into several different genres from pop/ska to U2 styled driving modern rock. The album also contains their biggest, I’m So Happy from whence the album got its title and was accompenied by one of the best low budget music videos ever. It also happens to be an extremely well developed song and utterly misunderstood as despite its uber-bright demeanor it was, in actuality, a stinging indictment against the syrupy, unrealistic content of most Christian music. Oddly, because it was clearly misunderstood it actually became a HUGE hit. (Source: CCM's 500 Best Albums)

Despite a very humorous tone, and an introduction by Homer Simpson, this song conveys the serious message that we need to put our trust in God and not earthly possesions.

Here is the album version of the song:

Day 431 - Brandon Heath - Your Love

431. Brandon Heath - Your Love
from the Album leaving Eden
(Reunion, 2011)

" When you've got a year's second most played radio single to your name, there's much that can be expected for the future. Give Me Your Eyes, one of the biggest Christian radio hits of the last decade, took Brandon Heath from a lesser-known singer/songwriter status to Christian music staple, and for fans of both the song and the artist alike, Leaving Eden was earnestly awaited, and the result leaves few surprises behind.

From a commercial standpoint, Leaving Eden is nothing but a home run. Taking a cue from the style of the most successful song of Heath's career, this is a much more produced record than his previous work, and given who the target audience is, it triumphs. Leaving Eden is especially comparable to Give Me Your Eyes, as it follows a very similar style using people-watching skills to convey the message of the world's falseness ('I just waved to a stranger, he didn't wave back.../teacher is hiding her Bible, but at least she's got a job/my local Salvation Army just got robbed'). The simple upbeat hip-hop drum style found in adult contemporary music is preserved all the way through (as well as some unfortunate auto-tune usage), especially with tracks like the already-runaway-hit Your Love, The Light In Me, Might Just Save Your Life, plus others. Basic themes in Leaving Eden include recognition of Christ's contagious sovereignty in the believer (The Light In Me), the captivating power of Christ's love (Stolen), and the Christian's ability to make a difference in their world (The One). Most material here is pretty typical of Heath's songwriting technique - straightforward while leaving room for art to shine through, though not terribly profound.

Listeners have to take in Leaving Eden with certain expectations. Recognizing the success radio-friendly material has brought him thus far, this feels like the natural next step in Heath's career for it to continue to thrive and sell records. As a result, this isn't a boundary-breaking release, but it's far from a miss. Joining the ranks of artists such as Tenth Avenue North, Leeland, and The Afters as the best of what Christian radio has to offer, Heath keeps things somewhat fresh but pulls no punches. Leaving Eden may not be destined to be hailed as a masterpiece by the year's end, but it's full of truthful optimism that will stick around on the radio long into 2011 and beyond." (Source: JesusFreakHideout.com)

Your Love reached at #1 on the Christian Songs chart and remained on the chart for 27 weeks. It peaked at #1 on the Christian Adult Contemporary chart and #3 on the Christian hit Radio chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian song.

Here is the album version of the song:

Day 430 - Guardian - Time and Time Again

430. Guardian - Time and Time Again
from the Album Fire and Love
(Pakaderm, 1990)

"As the 'big hair' metal trend began to wane some bands were able to escape the pigeon holing the music industry was known for. Those bands included Motley Crue, Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi and, in Christian circles, Guardian. After an EP released through Stryper’s mainstream label, Enigma, the band asked to be released to pursue more Christian ventures. After the Oz Fox (Stryper) produced debut was met with decent results the band enlisted the help of producing brothers, John and Dino Elefante. This, coupled with some vital membership changes took Guardian to a whole new level of acceptance and popularity.

The first album produced by the Elefantes and released on their Pakaderm label was Fire and Love, and soon the band blew up. Taking a more refined hard rock sound with touches of GNR, Bon Jovi and Van Halen, the band reached new heights. It did not hurt that the better production quality focused on superb vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitar god Tony Polacios.

Of all of the bands from the era in CCM, it always seemed like Guardian was the one most likely to be poised for success in the mainstream market. Their quality always seemed a notch above and the songwriting completely in tune with what was happening musically at the time. They also never appeared preachy despite having very 'Christian' content lyrically." (Source: CCM's 500 Best Albums)

Here is the original album version of the song:

Day 429 - Amy Grant - Find a Way

429. Amy Grant - Find a Way
from the Album Unguarded
(A&M, 1985)

"Unguarded, first released in 1985, was Amy Grant's ninth album. In 2007 Amy's new record label re-issued and digitally remastered it on CD. I bought it as a vinyl LP and clearly listened to it a lot back then because when I played this new CD I could still remember all the lyrics!

 Back in the '80s pop music was dominated by synthesizers—keyboards that didn't pretend to be pianos or anything else - and they are here in abundance, in place of the piano and acoustic guitar that characterised many of Amy's earlier songs. Unguarded embraced the contemporary pop sound, synths and all, and was unashamedly aimed at the mainstream music market. Unguarded marked a big change from Amy's two previous regular studio albums, Age To Age and Straight Ahead, and indeed created something of a storm in middle America. I think she only says Jesus and God each on one separate occasion through the course of the whole album—a big risk in 1985 for the top selling contemporary Christian music artist in the USA.

Despite this, the top track Find A Way was a number one hit on the Christian radio charts and the album generated a further four hit singles. With the help of the album's distributor in secular outlets, A&M Records, three of its singles reached the mainstream charts. Find A Way was a Top Ten hit on the Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Everywhere I Go and Wise Up also charted. The album was certified gold in September 1985, and platinum in June 1986. The great thing is that Unguarded doesn't really have a weak track on it. Beside the singles, I Love You is noteworthy as Amy's first "secular" love song, dedicated to her then husband Gary Chapman. The Brown Bannister production was, and still is, legendary and the whole project drew on a dream team of CCM musicians of the '80s—including Michael W Smith and Robbie Buchanan on those synths, Dan Huff on guitar and Mike Brignardello on bass. This album still sounds as fresh as it did when I first heard it in 1985 and should be essential listening for Amy's newer fans and anyone who missed all the fun of the '80s." (Source: CrossRhythms.com)

Amy was Criticized by long-time fans for what they perceived as a watered down message aimed at a more mainstream audience, but for those who were listening, her faith comes through loud and clear. In the bridge she sings:

If our God His Son not sparing
Came to rescue you
Is there any circumstance
He can't see you through?
 
 Find a Way peaked at #1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart, #7 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #29 on the Hot 100 chart. The album peaked at #1 on the Top Christian Albums chart and  #35 on the Top 200 Albums chart and was the #1 inspirational album for 1986. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Female and a Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

Here is the original studio released promotional video for the song: