IN REVIEW: "The 2nd 50"

We've taken a good, hard look at 50 albums now, as we count 'em down to #1. Seems like a natural time to press pause and take a look back at what we'll call "The 2nd 50."

• 51 FINAL TOUCH by Love Song

Good News – 1974  |  Produced by Love Song

It’s been described as a “patchwork”…an album comprised of leftover songs that didn’t make it onto the group’s debut release. Love Song’s soaring vocal harmonies and the anointing of the Holy Spirit combine to make these some of the tastiest leftovers you’re likely to ever experience.

Standout Tracks:

Jesus Puts the Song In Our Hearts

The Cossack Song

Little Pilgrim

• 52 SOULFULLY by Andrae Crouch & the Disciples

Light – 1971  |  Produced by Bill Cole

A potent mix of Black Gospel and Jesus Music…a group of authentic black artists doing what came naturally. When you blend Andrae's anointing with the  Motown sound and Philadelphia Soul, you get an album like Soulfully. 

Standout Tracks: 

Satisfied

Through It All
It Won’t Be Long

• 53 HAND TO THE PLOW by Paul Clark

Seed – 1977  |  Produced by Paul Clark

A heady mix of jazz, soul and R&B, all with an authentic "classic rock" sound. Seven- minute jams, piano and sax brought to the fore, lush orchestration performed by members of the Oklahoma Philharmonic, and a guest vocal by a young girl who would later make a huge mark of her own. “Hand to the Plow was a big hinge on a big door in my career,” says Paul Clark.

Standout Tracks:

Hand To The Plow

Shipwreck

Woman/Man That I Love

• 54 NO SHORTAGE by The Imperials

Impact – 1975  |  Produced by Gary S. Paxton

Wildman Gary S. Paxton showed some restraint for a change, and helped this award-winning group turn out an album with cross-cultural appeal. It was a record with its finger on the pulse of life in the USA in 1975.

Standout Tracks:

No ShortageGive Them All To Jesus

My Child, Welcome Home

Hardware:

• Grammy Award (Best Gospel Performance)

• Dove Award (Pop/Contemporary Album of the year)

• 55 Phil Keaggy – The Master and the Musician

New Song – 1978  |  Produced by Phil Keaggy

The first of many instrumental albums from the master guitarist…and this one was special.

Standout Tracks:

Agora (The Marketplace)

Suite of Reflections

Follow Me Up

• 56 EYES TO THE SKY by Randy Matthews

Myrrh – 1975  |  Produced by Austin Roberts

A cathartic, relentlessly introspective and honest release from one of the Founding Fathers of Gospel Rock.

Standout Tracks:

Oh My

Wounded Warrior

Guardian Angel

• 57 JUST ANDRAE by Andrae Crouch

Light – 1972  |  Produced by Bill Cole

A very eclectic album. Gospel-infused Jesus rock, a worship standard, a country sing-along, even a weird psychedelic song about demonic deception. But the ballads…those beautiful, deep, rich, textured, thoughtful ballads are what makes Just Andrae a truly exceptional audio snapshot of what God was doing in 1972.

Standout Tracks:

If Heaven Was Never Promised To Me

What Does Jesus Mean To You

Bless His Holy Name (Psalm 103)

• 58 CHANGE IN THE WIND by Paul Clark

Seed – 1978  |  Produced by Paul Clark

A pleasing mix of rock, jazz and R&B with just a touch of traditional Jesus Music. The lyrics were smart and street-wise, penned by a man with the heart of an evangelist.

Standout Tracks:

Change In The Wind

Ounce of Prevention

He Wouldn’t Lie

• 59 ONE MORE SONG FOR YOU by The Imperials

Dayspring – 1979  |  Produced by Michael Omartian

The breakthrough album for this legendary group. Producer Michael Omartian employed a stellar lineup of A-list session players, but made Russ Taff’s voice the most important instrument on the album. He also brought a really strong group of songs to the table (many of them written by himself and his wife Stormie).

Standout Tracks:

I’m Forgiven

Eagle Song

Higher Power

Hardware:

Dove Award (Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year)

• 60 SAYIN' IT WITH LOVE by Steve Camp

Myrrh - 1978  |  Produced by Steve Camp and Paul Bogush, Jr.

A fitting introduction to a man whose talents and convictions would often take center stage in the CCM world over a span of three decades. 

Standout Tracks:

Sayin' It With Love

If I Were a Singer

Strong Love, Strange Peace with Diamonds

• 61 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE by Dan Peek 

Lamb & Lion - 1978  |  Produced by Chris Christian

Radio-ready, light and breezy…with Peek's effortless falsetto soaring above it all. 

Standout Tracks:

All Things Are Possible

Love Was Just Another Word

One Way

• 62 SHALLOW WATER by Servant

Tunesmith - 1979  |  Produced by Bob Brooks

At times dated...imperfect...rough...a little ragged around the edges. But that's also what gives this album a lot of its charm. Servant's energy and passion definitely got their message across on this debut album. A fitting introduction, and a welcome addition to the very small cadre of CCM groups willing to rock hard in 1979. 

Standout Tracks:

Shallow Water

Jesus Star

Holy Roller Blues

• 63 LIGHTEN UP by Barry McGuire

Myrrh - 1975  |  Produced by Buck Herring

One of the landmark projects of Barry McGuire’s music career. The lyrics are insightful, the playing superb, the emotions raw and real. 

Standout Tracks:

Callin' Me Home

Happy Road

Anyone But Jesus

• 64 EVERGREEN by Honeytree

Myrrh - 1975  |  Produced by Billy Ray Hearn

This was the album that forever cemented her legacy as the "First Lady of Jesus Music." 

Standout Tracks:

(Lovely Jesus) Here I Am

Rattle Me, Shake Me

Searchlight

• 65 WHAT A DAY by Phil Keaggy

New Song – 1973  |  Produced by Phil Keaggy and Gary Hedden

What really made What A Day special was the spirit behind the music. There is no escaping the sense that you are listening to the joys and wonder experienced by a new believer in Jesus. It’s a bonus that he just happens to be a really, really, really good guitarist.

Standout Tracks:

Rejoice

What A Day

Hallelujah

• 66 HEAVEN AIN’T ALL THERE IS by The Pat Terry Group

Chrism/Newpax – 1979  |  Produced by The Pat Terry Group

An album they produced on their own in a studio they created themselves. “In these tracks I hear me turning a corner in my faith and my music,” says Pat Terry.

Standout Tracks:

I Wanna Put My Armor On

Written In The Book Of Life

Reason Why You Do The Things You Do

• 67 THE MELODIES IN ME by Honeytree

Myrrh – 1979  |  Produced by Al Perkins

On The Melodies in Me, Nancy Honeytree had a story to tell…one with which she was intimately familiar…because it was her story. A beautiful, transitional concept album that marked the beginning-of-the-end of her Jesus Music period.

Standout Tracks:

Making Melody In My Heart

Mirage

Diamond in the Rough

• 68 WILDWALL by Malcolm & Alwyn

Myrrh – 1974  |  Produced by Jon Miller, Roger Hand and Rod Edwards

Jesus Music’s Simon & Garfunkel turn their amps up to 11 (well, to 9 at least) and deliver a darker, more aggressive sophomore release.

Standout Tracks:

I Feel Fine

I Love

England Goodbye

• 69 JUST BECAUSE by The Imperials

Impact – 1976  |  Produced by Phil Johnson

The final release from this particular lineup of Imperials, Just Because was a somewhat serious collection of songs, displaying a certain maturity from a group of men who had weathered many storms and traveled many miles together, both literally and figuratively.

Standout Tracks:

Just Because He Loves You

He Made My Life Come Together

He’s Coming Back

Hardware:
Grammy nominated (Best Gospel Performance)

• 70 SLOW TRAIN COMING by Bob Dylan

Columbia – 1979  |  Produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett

Bob Dylan got saved! This was a well-played, hugely consequential album that thrilled many but enraged others due to its lyrical content. Now, about the vocals…

Standout Tracks:

Gotta Serve Somebody

I Believe In You

When He Returns

Hardware:

Grammy Award (Best Rock Male Vocal Performance)

• 71 MYLON, WE BELIEVE by Mylon LeFevre

Cotillion – 1970  |  Produced by Allen Toussaint

On this historic album, a young Mylon LeFevre leaves his southern gospel roots behind and embraces gritty, southern rock and roll. One of the first true Jesus Rock albums in existence.

Standout Tracks:

Old Gospel Ship

Sunday School Blues

Trying To Be Free

• 72 LIVE IN LONDON by Andrae Crouch & the Disciples

Light – 1978  |  Produced by Andrae Crouch and Bill Maxwell

This turned out to be the final release for the group Andrae Crouch & the Disciples. They went out with a bang. A prestigious venue, world-class musicians, and anointed songs combine to make this 2-record set very special.

Standout Tracks:

I Surrender All

You Don’t Have To Jump No Pews

Well Done

Hardware:

• Grammy Award (Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album)

• Dove Award (Soul/Black Gospel)

• 73 THE EVERLASTIN’ LIVING JESUS MUSIC CONCERT by Various Artists

Maranatha! Music – 1971  |  Produced by Chuck Girard

The very first release on Maranatha! Music was a strong indication to the wider world that God was up to something good in Southern California. This Calvary Chapel compilation album served as a musical statement of faith for young people who were simply in love with Jesus.

Standout Tracks:

Little Country Church

Two Roads

For Those Tears I Died

• 74 MIKE WARNKE ALIVE! by Mike Warnke

Myrrh – 1976  |  Produced by Paul Craig

A hugely popular, iconic recording from the official comic of the Jesus Rock era. Despite the revelations and allegations that came later, Mike Warnke Alive! was funny, effective and powerful.

Standout Tracks:

Preacher Lessons and Cookie Cutters

Bible Stories and Jonah

The Jesus Freaks

• 75 RAINBOW’S END by Resurrection Band

Star Song – 1979  |  Produced by Resurrection Band

Rainbow's End picked up where Awaiting Your Reply left off, again featuring the group’s classic, hard rock sound. Lyrically, it was vintage Resurrection Band: uncompromised Christian themes with a few political statements and some social awareness thrown in for good measure.

Standout Tracks:

Afrikaans

Paint A Picture

Everytime It Rains

• 76 BENNY HESTER by Benny Hester

Spirit – 1978  |  Produced by Brent Maher

An album that properly showcased Hester's radio-ready pop/rock vocals and songwriting style, with unapologetically Christian lyrical themes.

Standout Tracks:

Be A Receiver

Jesus Came Into My Life

We All Know He’s Comin’

• 77 GOOD TO BE HOME by Paul Clark & Friends

Seed – 1975  |  Produced by Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy

Paul Clark’s songwriting had matured, and his “friends” just happened to be a group of really good musicians. Featuring Phil Keaggy’s unmistakable guitar work from start to finish, Good to Be Home was a classic rock and roll album for folks who loved the Lord.

Standout Tracks:

Holding On To You

Which One Are You

Abide

• 78 HIGHER POWER by Darrell Mansfield

Maranatha! Music / A&S  - 1979  |  Produced by Skip Konte

A promising, powerful debut from the man who would later become the Dean of Christian Bluesmen.

Standout Tracks:

That’s All Right

He Has Overcome

Higher Power

• 79 SEEDS by Barry McGuire

Myrrh – 1973  |  Produced by Buck Herring

All of the popular themes from the Jesus Movement’s early days are here: the second coming of Jesus, new life in Christ, evangelism, Scripture songs, and the retelling of famous Bible stories. An important statement of faith from the gruff but lovable Mr. McGuire.

Standout Tracks:

Peace

Love Is

Shauna’s Song

• 80 GROWING PAINS by Jamie Owens

Light – 1975  |  Produced by Al Perkins

Growing Pains boasted a ‘who’s who’ supporting cast, rich orchestration, and the sweet, yet strong voice of Jamie Owens, a maturing artist in her own right with some important things to say.

Standout Tracks:

Hard Times

The Victor

My Jesus, I Love Thee

• 81 IMPERIALS by The Imperials

Impact – 1972  |  Produced by Bob MacKenzie and Charlie Tallent

The legendary group takes a risk and records an album full of spiritually-aware, mainstream pop tunes. Rich harmonies and pleasing musical arrangements are found in abundance.

Standout Tracks:

Gospel Ship

Didn’t he Shine

You Should Have Come Sooner

• 82 HIT THE SWITCH by Pantano/Salsbury

Solid Rock – 1977  |  Produced by Larry Norman

Much more than “just a record on your stereo,” this lone release from John Pantano and Ron Salsbury was fun, comfortable, and full of substance.

Standout Tracks:

Soul Seeker

Hold On

Lover of My Soul

• 83 THE ASTONISHING, OUTRAGEOUS, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE, DIFFERENT WORLD OF GARY S. PAXTON by Gary S. Paxton

Newpax – 1975  |  Produced by Bob MacKenzie and Gary S. Paxton

Jesus Music’s eccentric uncle takes center stage with an eclectic album of hippie humor and biting social commentary set to country, gospel, rock, disco and funk.

Standout Tracks:

Different World

Sophisticated Savages

He Was There All the Time

Hardware:

Grammy Award for best Inspirational Album (1975)

• 84 HONEYTREE by Honeytree

Myrrh – 1973  |  Produced by Joe Moscheo and Paul Craig

Sparse production, short songs, and simple arrangements…but that’s precisely what gave Honeytree’s self-titled debut much of its charm. People love this album because they love these songs. And they love Nancy Honeytree.

Standout Tracks:

Treasures

Clean Before My Lord

I Don’t Have to Worry

• 85 A PORTRAIT OF US ALL by Farrell & Farrell

Newpax – 1979  |  Produced by Brown Bannister

Before reinventing themselves as a highly successful techno-pop group in the 80s, Bob & Jayne Farrell treated us to some amazing songs on this album, produced and engineered by a young Brown Bannister.

Standout Tracks:

Boundless Love

Jailhouse Rock

All You Need

• 86 SAIL ON SAILOR by Mustard Seed Faith

Maranatha! Music – 1975  |  Produced by Tommy Coomes

Oden Fong’s smooth vocals, Pedro Buford’s “dirty flute” solos, Lewis McVay’s classic title track and Rick Griffin’s iconic cover art combine to make Sail On Sailor a winner all the way around…and much loved.

Standout Tracks:

Sail On Sailor

Sweet Jesus Morning

Back Home

• 87 GLAD by Glad

Myrrh – 1978  |  Produced by Ed Nalle

A tasty mixture of jazz, progressive rock and stylish pop, along with intelligent lyrics firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God.

Standout Tracks:

All Things

Love That Never Dies

Psalm 121 

• 88 MATTHEWS TAYLOR & JOHNSON by Randy Matthews, Danny Taylor & Mike Johnson

Newpax – 1976  |  Produced by Bob MacKenzie and Randy Matthews

Three veteran singer/songwriters of the Jesus Music era join forces and pool their talents. Real...gritty…authentic. These were three men who had lived life. You could see it in their faces and hear it in their voices.

Standout Tracks:

Something in Common

The Gambler

This and That

• 89 FRESH SURRENDER by The Archers

Light – 1977  |  Produced by Tim Archer, Steve Archer and Bill Cole

Boasting a 'who’s who' of top session players, soulful vocals from the brothers, and baby sister Janice’s million dollar smile, Fresh Surrender became The Archers’ best-selling album to that point. Memorable songs…and production that was through the roof.

Standout Tracks:

Water Into WineSanctified Life

Make Me An Instrument

Hardware:

Dove Award nomination for Best Contemporary Album

• 90 – HEAVENLY LOVE by The Boones

Lamb & Lion - 1979  |  Produced by Chris Christian

The Boone ladies were at the top of their game vocally. Their sibling harmonies and Chris Christian’s production talents combine to make this a healthy dose of polished pop perfection.

Standout Tracks:

Heavenly Love

Because I Love Him

You Came Softly

• 91 – GRAND OPENING by Andrus, Blackwood & Co.

Greentree - 1977  |  Produced by Phil Johnson

These two former Imperials turn in an album of polished 70s pop, radio-friendly vocal harmonies, and well-crafted songs.

Standout Tracks:

I’m Gonna Rise

Questions

Steve

Hardware:

Dove Award – Graphic Layout and Design

• 92 - PETRA by Petra

Myrrh - 1974  |  Produced by Billy Ray Hearn

They hadn’t found their singer yet, but that didn’t stop them from releasing an album of solid, guitar-driven, rural rock ‘n roll with lots of lengthy, harmony-guitar leads and lyrics that pointed directly to Jesus.

Standout Tracks:

Wake Up

Back Sliding Blues

Get Back to the Bible

• 93 – SONGS FROM THE SAVIOR VOLUME 1 by Paul Clark

Creative Sound - 1972  |  Produced by Paul Clark

It was one of Jesus Music’s very first offerings and is credited with helping to establish the genre as an art form.

Standout Tracks:

Looking Glass Incident
Song for Salvation

It Was True

• 94 MY FATHER’S EYES by Amy Grant

Myrrh - 1979  |  Produced by Brown Bannister

My Father’s Eyes was proof that 18-year old Amy had grown up a lot since her debut. But it gave us few clues as to what was around the bend for CCM’s earnest girl-next-door.

Standout Tracks:
Faith Walkin’ People
Always the Winner
Fairytale

Hardware:Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational

• 95 MARANATHA MARATHON by HoneytreeMyrrh - 1979  |  Produced by Jim Stipech

A little something for everyone – straight ahead rock and roll, full-on country, contemplative worship, and even a children’s ditty.

Standout Tracks:

Live for Jesus

Righteous Rock and Roll

Go to Church

• 96 HOME WHERE I BELONG by B.J. Thomas

Myrrh - 1976  |  Produced by Chris Christian

B.J. Thomas was a huge “get” for the fledgling Christian music industry. The album’s title track was recorded by others, but this is the definitive version.

Standout Tracks:

Without a Doubt

You Were There to Catch Me

Home Where I Belong

Hardware:

Grammy Award: Best Inspirational Performance

Dove Award: Best Album By a Secular Artist

• 97 LIVE by Dallas Holm & Praise

Greentree - 1977  |  Produced by Phil Johnson

A low budget live album that gave us an Easter song for the ages.

Standout Tracks:

Hey! I’m a Believer!

He Means All to Me

Rise Again

Hardware:

Dove Award (“Song of the Year”) for Rise Again

• 98 GENTLE MOMENTS by Evie

WORD - 1976  |  Produced by – Lennart Sjöholm

Her crystal clear voice and sweet smile evoked a freshness and purity of spirit that won the hearts of audiences around the world. 

Standout Tracks:

Give Them All

Meet Me Here

Broken Up People

• 99 FORGIVEN by Ron Salsbury & JC Power Outlet

Myrrh - 1974  |  Produced by Billy Ray Hearn

This one gave the young people of the Jesus Movement some raucous rock ‘n roll to sink their teeth into.

Standout Tracks:

Oh My Jesus

I Choose to Follow You

Don’t Let Jesus Pass You By

• 100 DANIEL AMOS by Daniel Amos

Maranatha! Music - 1976  |  Produced by Al Perkins

An interesting look at the embryonic stage of one of the most creative bands in the history of Christian music.

Standout Tracks:

Don’t Light Your Own Fire

Losers and WinnersLove in a Yielded Heart