I had so much fun creating my Top Ten Songs I Hate To Love list with some friends of mine, that I became nostalgic and decided to sift back through my archives one more time and pick out some of my favorite vintage artists of CCM days gone by.
It has a few similarities to a top ten list I did a while back about underappreciated Christian music. But this time around, I wanted to focus on Christian artists whose body of work still holds the test of time and can still be discovered by a new generation on iTunes or similar sites. I’ve also included my favorite album by the artist/band–one I suggest you check out if you aren’t already familiar with them.
As always, feel free to mention any gems you think I might have overlooked by commenting in the box below.
Ashley Cleveland, “Big Town”: I put Ashley on every music list I do , just because I am afraid Idol Chatter readers haven’t gotten the message yet on how incredible she is. “Big Town” was once ranked by Billboard magazine as one of the Top 100 overlooked rock albums and all I know is when I die, the anthem-like “Walk to the Well” better be playing somewhere.
Charlie Peacock, “West Coast Diaries”: : Peacock influenced the numerous CCM artists who came on the scene after him including dc Talk who covered his music on their albums. “West Coast Diaries” has so many of my favorite songs of his, including the haunting “Down in the Lowlands” and the sassy testimony of “Big Man’s Hat.”
David Mullen, “Faded Blues”: Probably not many people are aware that Nicole C. Mullen’s husband once had his own recording career. “Faded Blues” is an eclectic mix of funky and fun with moments of deep reflection as well.
Daniel Amos, “Doppelganger”: I admit that I didn’t really appreciate this band’s music when it first came out, but their quirky genius started to grow on me a few years later.
Burlap to Cashmere, “Is Anybody Out There?”: This group did not have a very long CCM career, but every song they recorded was memorable for its plaintive simplicity.
Leslie Phillips, “The Turning”: This was Leslie Phillip’s swan song before she left the CCM world and became Sam Phillips, tres chic folk-rock singer. For many, it was a spiritual manifesto way ahead of its time and gave inspiration to many– including myself.
Mark Heard, “Victims of the Age”: Like Charlie Peacock, Mark Heard also influenced many CCM artists who came after him, including Phillips and Bruce Cockburn. He had a Dylan-esque tendency toward prophetic lyrics such as “Everybody Loves a Holy War.”
Jennifer Knapp, “The Way I Am”: I don’t know if Knapp can really be considered vintage– her last CD was from a live concert a few yeas ago– but she hasn’t produced any new material in some time and her audience is the poorer for it. I can remember when her “Kansas” CD played on the air constantly, to the point of overkill. However I still like her sophomore effort the best for its honesty and edge.
Steve Taylor, “Meltdown at Madame Tussaud’s”: Though the musical arrangements on his 80s punk rock screams of being outdated and a little cheesy, his lyrics were–and are–some of the best Christian satire around.
Bruce Cockburn, “Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaw: “ Bruce Cockburn had a hard time bringing his acoustic pop into the CCM world and this album was perhaps his only real success in that arena for the hit single “Wondering Where the Lions Are.” Of course, I think his music has only improved with time and his last mainstream effort “Life Short Call Now” was a musical masterpiece.
posted September 18, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Jennifer Knapp (romans !! ) Burlap to Cashmere (basic instructions ) and My Favorite ELI for Cds Now for the news, Second handing Clothing (probably the best one) and Things I prayed for (I loved that song and Grace walked by on Second hand clothing) Second hand clothing part two Always made be think of this one girl i used to know at USF…
if you can find it -get the two cd set of Jennifer knapp.
posted September 18, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Love to me means caring sharing and holding (any others) around you as important if not more important than you. Reaching out to those who need caring is what we are told to do by Jesus but when you have a love for humanity it is something you want to do. Sharing the word of God is knowing that those around you even those who need care are loved by God just as you are. God doesn’t love anyone any more or less than the next person. We all have 24 hours in a day and we all have Gods love those 24 hours each day. We just need to see it and show it. Holding and lifting people in prayer is the best thing one can do for each other. Edifying each other and encouraging one another, servng one another is Love. And God would be smiling down knowing that each of us is doing just that.
posted September 19, 2008 at 4:03 am
Most wouldn’t put it in the CCM category but Little Steven’s _Born Again Savage_ would rank highly in any listing of ‘spiritual’ albums I put together: not ‘orthodox’ but somehow God breathed.
posted September 22, 2008 at 12:23 am
Uh, Jennifer Knapp’s sophomore “effort” was Lay it Down; the Way I Am was her third album. i don’t know how you could call anything that she did an “effort,” all of her albums are awesome from start to finish.
posted September 22, 2008 at 10:50 am
Great list (of course, I don’t totally agree with every one of those, but….)! Daniel Amos’ Alarma Chronicles was without a doubt one of the highlights of the early days of Christian rock music – tragically under-appreciated, but brilliant. I’d also add The Allies to the list of under-appreciated artists. They were a great rock and soul band with a pretty good lead singer – guy by the name of Carlisle …Bob Carlisle (forget about Butterfly Kisses – think James Brown). Speaking of amazing singers, there’s Bryan Duncan – one of the best singers around, and more people should know about the man. Earthsuit’s Kaleidoscope Superior CD was one of the most innovative, eclectic, totally fascinating projects to come out of the CCM industry and they let it die on the vine – absolutely a classic!
The list is sadly too long.
I’d better stop before I get depressed.
posted September 22, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I was listening to contemporary Christian music back in the 1970s, when it was known as Jesus music, so my favorites probably won’t ring a bell — Phil Keaggy, Love Song (lead singer Chuck Girard went on to a solo career), Honeytree and the Second Chapter of Acts are four groups/artists who spring to my mind.
Phil Keaggy set a C.S. Lewis poem, “As the Ruins Fall,” to music on his album Love Broke Through. That song is one of my favorite songs, as is Honeytree’s “”Hummer Bummer Bashmobile.” Neither specifically mentions Jesus or even God, but both certainly can be read that way.
posted September 23, 2008 at 11:13 am
Keaggy – yes. Absolutely.
posted September 24, 2008 at 9:12 am
Okay since your way back in the 70′s how about Paul Clark? In his band were Keaggy, Abraham Laboriel one of the greatest bass players on the planet still today, Harlan Rogers and on some of this stuff Hadley Hockensmith on guitars. The records Songs for the Savior, Hand to the Plow, Come Into His Presence. That stuff kept me sane and serving Jesus in the late 70′s early 80′s.
One of the great things about all these guys is that they are all still at it. I hope that all who are in pursuit of a Christian music ministry today are still going for Jesus 30+ years later and I believe that they will if we just keep following Him.
Peace,
The Rev.
posted October 18, 2008 at 12:14 am
I am trying to find music by “Evie” Tornquist from the 70′s
posted November 23, 2008 at 12:05 am
I Love Jennifer Knapps music. Lay it down was the first I heard and the rest is History……… I pray she blesses us once again