DOES LIFE BEGIN AT 40 (OR EVEN 50) FOR MY FAVORITE ALBUMS? - 2023 VERSION

Back side of Common Bond's '83 custom debut album; band members Doug Doyle and Ken Riley pictured in upper left and upper right corner.

 It all started last year. Someone posted in the Daniel Band group I'm in that it was the 40th anniversary of their debut project "On Rock." That got me thinking about other albums and musical experiences I enjoyed that were released that year. And at that point, I planned to do the same thing annually. Almost forgot.

The next thought was realizing if any albums reached the 50 mark. Not so with musical experiences - we're talking about when I was 14 in a small town. There are some mainstream albums that I liked from that were released '73 or earlier: Soundtracks of "Wizard of Oz", "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear," "Mary Poppins," and "The Jungle Book"; "Everything's Archie" and "Jingle Jangle" by ... no, I'll let you guess who did those two albums; "The Chipmunks Sing The Beatles Hits;" "The Partridge Family Notebook" by ... no, you can guess this one as well; and "The Beatles 1962-1966" and "1967-1970," 

However, most of my favorite albums are Christian. There weren't many Jesus Music/CCM projects out then - my only favorite prior to '73 was '71's "The Everlasting Jesus Music Concert." '73 saw three more of my favorites come out (though it was 6 years before I heard them): "What A Day" by Phil Keaggy, "Fool's Wisdom" by Malcolm & Alwyn, and "Laughter In Your Soul" by Jamie Owens. (Possibly an unnecessary note for me: the list above and those below are in alphabetic order.)

This brings me to '83. Two important things. First, I didn't have as many musical experiences or favorite albums as last year, and my favorite concerts happened to be, with only one notable exception, related to 1983 artists. So I'll mention the albums first and then mention the unrelated music event. 

Second, I got married in '83, and that diminished especially the number of albums I bought, which means there will be fewer in the coming years. 

So you ready for this year's list?

Pete Carlson, "Dreamer's Dream." Technically, this is a '82 album, but I didn't pay attention to Pete till '83. This album is a good adult contemporary project, with several good songs like "What A Friend," "The Love Of God," "Thanksong," and "Let Him Hold Your Heart." However, few songs have made the impact on me as the title track, with lines like "The questions I've been told before don't apply to questions asked." 

Common Bond, "Common Bond." Several years ago in the group "Discussion Board for Jesus Music 1969-1989" one asked for list of our 100 favorite albums. After submitting mine, a lot of people were trying to convince me Common Bond's first album was "Heaven Is Calling." First national album, yes, but before that came this custom project. The first concert I heard in '83 was Common Bond doing a four song set of songs from this project (I'm guessing, maybe 1:00am, Jan. 1st?). Lead singer/bassist Kenny Riley, sang "Song For My Wife" from this project at Becky's and my wedding. Guitarist Doug Doyle moved to the production chair on the nationally released projects. Favorite songs? Title track, "Heartbeat Away," "It Don't Come Easy," "Remind Me Of Your Plans," "Your Life" (I helped with the lyrics on that one), "The Party's Over," "New Beginnings," "Christ The Cornerstone," "Late For Life," "Song For My Wife," and "For You" (which was re-recorded on "Heaven Is Calling."

Daniel Band, "Straight Ahead." I got hooked on Daniel Band hearing a concert played live on the radio, and that set combined songs from their debut "On Rock" and this project. Favorites on the project? "You're All I Need," "Here I Am," "Reality," "Come Into My Life," and "Coming Home."

DeGarmo & Key, "Mission of Mercy." I've heard of D&K for years, but I didn't start getting interested in them until this project came out. Includes "Let The Whole World Sing," "Ready Or Not," "When It's Over," "All The Loser's Win," and "You Can't Run From Thunder."

Teri DeSario, "A Call To Us All." Some might recognize her name from a duet she did with K.C. and the Sunshine The Band (uh-huh, uh-huh). Her Christian debut is music the way I like it (uh-huh, uh-huh). I had the honor of hearing her at Jubilation '83 at Knott's Berry Farm. On the project she had "Jesus Feed Your Lambs," which later was a single with Sheila Walsh and Cliff Richard. Other songs that blessed me were "Thank You," "Battleline," "I Dedicate My All To You," "Dig A Little Deeper," "All I Need," "Clouds Without Water," and "I'll Carry On."

Lifesavors, "Dream Life." I had "Us Kids," in which the lead vocalist and main songwriter was Mark Krishak. After recording that, Krishak left and co-founded "Labor of Love" (an album I always wanted to hear) and their other guitarist Mike Knott took over lead vocals. (I heard the Knott fronted version at a beach concert with Undercover, the Chosen Ones, and the Lifters.) About a year later, I heard them again, with Brian Goins doing lead and Kirk Heiner on guitars, and absolutely loved it. This line-up recorded "Dream Life," which consisted mostly of Mike Knott written songs and three from "Us Kids." Favorite songs? "Christian Army," "Physical," "False Identity," "I Won't Give In," "The One," "Dream Life," and "Watch Nowhere."

Petra, "Not Of This World." Petra's sixth project, and third since Greg Volx became lead vocalist. I was aware of them for years, but this is the point that I really started liking them. Songs that helped make me a fan featured "Graverobber," "Blinded Eyes," "Not By Sight," "Lift Him Up," "Occupy," and "Godpleaser." The last project featuring John Slick as keyboardist.

Leslie Phillips, "Beyond Saturday Night." I got introduced to Leslie via her track "Bring Me Through" from the first "Back To The Rock" compilation and unplugged concerts at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (with her on either guitar or piano). In '83, she released this project. Two intersting facts about it: 1) unlike other "Back To The Rock" artists whose debut album version of their contributions were identical to the compilation, Leslie's was definitely a fresh version, and 2) she wrote all the songs on this project except the title track (written by John Fischer) and the first single (Mark Heard's "Heart of Hearts)." Favorites from this disk were "Hourglass," "Put Your Heart In Me," "I'm Finding," "Bring Me Through," "He's Going To Hear You Crying," and "Let Me Give." 

Servant, "Caught in the Act Of Loving Him." Which is my favorite album of this list? Could it be Servant's fourth album, with awesome songs like "Burning Bridges," "Thank God," "Fall Out," "Now Is The Time," "Holding On To You," "Heart To Heart," "Gauges," "Something Right For You," "Tied Down," and "Can't Go Back?" Hey, I listed the whole album! Oh, that's right: I was asking if this could be my favorite '83 album? I don't know. What do you think? 

Michael W. Smith, "Michael W. Smith Project." When I heard Michael W. Smith, he was the third billed artist after Amy Grant (anybody heard of her?) and Gary Chapman. Good reason - that March 11th concert at Melodyland Christian Center occurred before "Project" was released or "Great Is The Lord" hit the radio. That concert was one of the most interesting. Melodyland was a theater in the round. Gary played standing in place with his acoustic guitar, apologizing to the audience who faced his back. Amy performed as if she knew how to maximize the unique stage. Michael? He acted like a kid receiving a new toy, having the time of his life! No wonder I instantly became a fan of songs like "You Need A Savior" (his performance of that song was unforgettable!),  "Could He Be The Messiah," "Too Many Times," "The Race Is On," "Love In The Light," and "Great Is The Lord" (he taught us the chorus when performing it).

Steve Taylor, "I Want To Be A Clone!" I was going to list that last year till I checked and realized it was an early '83 release (kind of the opposite of "Dreamer's Dream," mentioned above). As unforgettable musically as the cover is. Songs like the title track, "Steeplechase," "Whatever Happened To Sin?" (a song that needs to be revived), and "Bad Rap (Who You Tryin' To Kid, Kid?)" (the song that caught my attention). 

Undercover, "God Rules." I got to hear them twice live in '83: first at Exit Festival '83, following the previously mentioned Steve Taylor and Leslie Phillips and preceding the Seventy Sevens; also at Jubilation '83 at Knott's Berry Farm. Included were great songs like "New Creation," "Closer To You," "He Takes Care Of Me," "I Never Knew," "His Love," "God Rules," and "I Love God." One thing I always loved about early Undercover was the unbridled joy of lead vocalist Bill Walden.

Sheila Walsh, "War of Love." Speaking of Jubilation '83, I also heard Sheila perform there, backed by the Norm Barrett band (he played guitar for the Alwyn Wall band. Second year I heard her there, the previous year backed by uh, anybody hear of the Phil Keaggy Band?). It starts of with her cover of the classic "Turn, Turn, Turn," and concludes with the ultra-powerful "God Put A Fighter In Me." Also includes "Mystery," "Sunset Skies," "Fooled by a Feeling" (written and originally recorded by Jamie Owens-Collins), "Star Song," and "Sleepwalker."

The Imperials, live at Melodyland Christian Center. No corresponding album. Michele Pillar and Lenny LeBlanc opened for her. You might remember that Melodyland is a theater in the round. Like Amy Grant, The Imperials handled it like pros. The instruments were all off the stage, and each member sang to a fourth of the audience, trading places after each song. They did great songs like "What Can I Do For You?" and "Praise The Lord." When they received a standing ovation, their encore was an aca pella rendition of the chorus of the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." (Maybe they did the verses. But remember that was 40 years ago! Uh huh, uh huh.)

DOES LIFE BEGIN AT 40 FOR MY FAVORITE ALBUMS?

Something hit me. In one of the Facebook Groups I'm in - The Daniel Band, for those who are curious - I saw a T-shirt pointing out this year is the 40th anniversary of the release of their debut album "On Rock."

I haven't paid as much attention as I should, I guess, to anniversaries of favorite albums - particularly, the Christian albums. In fact, some Larry Norman albums have hit the half-century mark (since I'm not a Larry fan, I missed it); Some of my other favorites (e.g. "With Footnotes" by 2nd Chapter of Acts and "What A Day" by Phil Keaggy) are closing in on that mark.

However, one thing about 1982 is that it stands out as having plenty of great albums. For example, an '82 LP not on my list of favorites happens to be the first gold record in CCM: "Age to Age" by Amy Grant. Some will say there are other albums that deserve to be on my list, and I won't argue except to say, "They're not my favorites." 

I also heard several great groups in concert, and I'm including them as well, mainly because most had not released an album. So allow me to give them in alphabetic order.

1. Anthem the Rock Band "Cuttin'Thru'". Great hard rock album (what would you expect from a group that identifies itself as "the Rock Band?") Many great songs on the project: "Cheap Thrill", "Free You," "Winners," "Don't Be Deceived" (a great song based on Galatians 6:1-8), and "Morning Star."
    
2. Daniel Band, "On Rock" (cover above). Another metal project. I heard them on the radio in '81, when Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa aired their live concerts on KYMS. At that time, I thought they were too hard for me. My mind changed hearing them a year later with songs like "He's The Creator," "I'm Sorry," "Free From Sin," "Undercover Christian" (with a killer keyboard intro), "Never Again," and "Spiritual Game" (a song that desperately needs someone to cover it and get it heard again!).
   
   
    
3. Joe English, "Held Accountable". Before becoming a Christian, Joe English played drums for a group you might have heard of - does "Paul McCartney and Wings" sound familiar? Joe released some great Christian music, and this is an example, starting with "Best Thing", ending with "The Best Is Yet To Come", and great songs in between such as "We Live When We Die," "First Love," "Voice Of Triumph," "Wake Up," and the awesome jam "Thief in the Night." Note - part of Joe's band was a keyboardist who also did some singing who later joined some obscure band called "Petra" - have you ever heard of John Lawry?
   
   
4. Farrell & Farrell, "Let The Whole World Know." A year previously, I went on a date (before I met Becky) to a music night at Knott's Berry Farm. One group she wanted to hear was Farrell & Farrell. I didn't have much of an impression before the concert; after the concert, I was a definite fan. And I enjoyed their live album (even though it was, unlike a lot of live albums, only one page). It included great songs like "All You Need" (look that song up on You Tube if you never heard it; definitely an unforgettable, though dated, song), "Boundless Love", "Make Me Ready," "Homesick Soldier," and the title track. In addition, two songs - "No Need" and "You Keep Me Holding On" were both superior to the studio version.
   
   
   
   
5. Richie Furay, "Seasons of Change." Some of you may recognize the name of the former member of the bands Poco and Buffalo Springfield. Now, he's a pastor. The pastor's heart is reflected in this project on songs like the title track, "Hallelujah," "Endless Flight," "My Lord and My God," "Rise Up, "For The Prize," and "Through It All."
    
6. Gabriel Band. This band formed, performed several times (including at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa), and disbanded in one year, but they are still one of my favorite bands. A reason for their disbanding was the music was so good it distracted from the lyrics. It included vocalist Ken Riley and guitarist Doug Doyle (who formed Common Bond), as well as keyboardist Pete Lomakin who later joined Idle Cure. You'll probably never get to hear songs like "He Is Lord," "The Step," "Shine The Light," "The Crusade Song", "Undercover Christian," "Spare Time," "Stand and Deliver" (where yours truly made a small contribution to the lyrics), "Share His Love," and "Stand on His Promise."
   
   
   
7. Jeff Johnson and Sandy Simpson, "Through the Door." Definitely one of the most unique albums in Christian music history, let alone 1982 (in case the cover isn't a clue). The artists take turns singing on this concept album with songs like "The Golden Key," "Stuck On Mars" (with a clever ending fitting for vinyl days about getting stuck), "The Jupiter Effect," "Someday, Sunday," and "Winding Road."
   
   
   
   
   
8. Malcolm & the Mirrors, "Red Alert." Some of you may ask if this refers to Malcolm Wild of Malcolm Alwyn, and you're right. The music has nothing in common. Good alternative project with songs like the title track, "Gotta Give," "Paint Your Windows Right," "Where Did All The Love Go," "Can't Live Without Him" (previously released on the compilation project "Back To The Rock"), "She's Gonna Go Through Changes," "Love Your Love," "Look Up! (His Coming Is Near)," and "Alright By Me."
   
   
   
   
9. Michael and Stormie Omartian, "Mainstream." Michael is a well known producer (including the Imperials, Debbie Boone, Benny Hester, Steve Camp, Rod Stewart, and Donna Summer among others) and loaned his keyboard skills to artists like 2nd Chapter of Acts. I had the honor of hearing them at a Knotts music festival, where they shared the stage with Sheila Walsh, Phil Keaggy, and Isaac Air Freight. The great songs include the title track, "The Calling," "Man Out Of Time," "Praise His Name and See It Happen," "Give It Up" (one song that always brings a smile to my face), "Believing In The Best For You," and "It Is Done."
    
10. Omega Band. I heard them over the air twice that year on KYMS, the first time opening for Sweet Comfort Band, and later for Undercover. I only know five songs by them, but four of them were great: "Heroes Always Die," "Gambling Man," "Right On Time," and "Jesus Is Lord."
     
11. Sonsong. Becky and I went to hear Benny Hester at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, and Sonsong opened for him. After the concert, it was "Benny who?" Again, a list of songs you'll never hear (unless they're performing in the Kingdom), but they had songs like "Without Faith," "You Got To Trust Him With Your Life," "Ostensible Christian," "Jonah," "Rich Christians" and "Two Eyes."
    
    
    
12. Tamarack. Unique entry here. They had released an album the previous year, two of the songs also appearing on the above mentioned "Back To The Rock" compilation, including the awesome "Here I Am." On the album, the six piece band included three vocalists: keyboardist Rob Watson, Cathy Spurr (her husband Dave also played drums) and Debbie McNeil. When I heard them a year after the album's release, Rob was gone, and the new keyboardist didn't do vocals. When they performed, they only did one song from their LP, "High Horse" (written by awesome guitarist Wayne Brasel). Later, I guess the group broke up and the Spurrs and McNeil reformed as "Spurr McNeil" and released a song called "Wounded Healer" - they performed that song.
     
13. Tobias. I also heard them at Hart Park in California (Undercover, Tamarack, and Gabriel Band also played there that summer). Again no album, so you won't get to here great songs like "Who Do You Think Made The World," "Split," and "The Lord's Reign."
    
    
    
    
14. Undercover (self-titled). What can you say about an album where the first song has a chorus saying, "You'll have to excuse us, we're in love with Jesus?" This is actually my favorite project by them, which follow "Excuse Us" with great alternative tunes like "Heal Me," "Francine," "Turn Your Head," "It's Official," "Look It Up," "Daddy-O," "Stop," "He's In Love With You," and "He Gives We Have."
    
    
    
    
15. Sheila Walsh, "Future Eyes." Another album that blew me away. On it was songs like the title track, "Here With Me," "Burn On" (the only song from this project that was on her greatest hits, far from the only song that deserved it), "Love In My Life," "You're So Important To Me," "Fear Of Silence", and "Mona Lisa." (I heard her in concert five times, and the last two songs were never performed; still awesome songs).

Did you enjoy that? Maybe you can look forward to next year's 40th birthday crowd!