20 Music Albums That I Am Thankful For

20 Music Albums That I Am Thankful For

For a change of pace (and to talk about one of my favorite subjects:  music) I thought I’d put together a November top 20 list of Music Albums that I am most thankful for.  While ranked intentionally, this is in not the same as a “Top 20 Favorite Albums of All Time (although some music from that list made this list too).”  I hope you enjoy this list and are able to listen to some of the artists/albums listed.  #Thankful #Godisgood 

20.   Ernie Rettino and Debby Kerner - Friends 1974

This is actually my latest music find, while going through the record bins at St. Vincent De Paul a couple of weeks ago.  I’d heard about Debby Kerner in one of my old Jesus Music books and thought I’d give this record a chance.  

The record is scratched and skips in a couple of spots, but totally worth the find.  This album is exactly what a Jesus Music Folk Music record should sound like.  It is evident through the music that these two singers are genuinely excited in sharing their music and their faith (they eventually went from being friends to falling in love and getting married).  I am thankful for this album because it is just what I needed to hear to encourage me in my walk with God.  In this present time!   

19.  Owl City - Ocean Eyes 2009

The mega-hit “Fireflies” was one of the first son’s my son Asher learned to sing along to.  Along with trying to get my son to get plugged into artists like Owl City, Mat Kearney, Needtobreathe and Third Day, my son also picked up likes for music from Natalie Grant, Skillet and Tobymac. I am thankful for this album, because it helped me connect with my 2-year-old son with the joy of listening to music.  

(Honorable Mention:  Owl City - All Things Bright and Beautiful)

18.  Brooke Fraser - Albertine 2006

My local Christian radio station played “Shadowfeet” on the regular Christian Music Rotation for some time.  However I did not realize what a good album this was, until I found a copy while browsing through the local Half Price Bookstore.  From the Title track “Albertine” (about someone she met while visiting Rwanda) to “CS Lewis Song” to “Deciphering Me,” I am thankful for this album because it reflects an artist willing to break through the industry standards in efforts to minister through music outside of our set comfort zones.

17.  Call of the Sea - Coastalrise 2013

I came across one of Coastalrise’s publicity shots while browsing through New Release Today’s website.  I was immediately hooked when I saw the Oz themed “Lovely Avenue” music video, and the whole album is amazing, with its horns, catching vocals and infectious lyrics.  Although the band has since broken up, I am thankful for this album because it is unique, musically engaging, joyful, and may be in the running for my favorite album of the 2010’s. 

16.  Honeytree - Evergreen 1975

I first heard about Honeytree when my Christian music station began to showcase ‘oldie’ Christian artists/bands (this was in the 90’s; Honeytree’s music was mostly from the 70’s).  “Rattle Me, Shake Me,”  arguably Honeytree’s signature song, is on this one, along with some of my other fav’s such as ‘Searchlight.”  Phil Keaggy offered a lot of his guitar skills to this album.  I am thankful for this album because it showcases one of Christian Music’s most prolific female vocalist from the Jesus Music era, one who paved the way for many of the Christian Music vocalists of today.

  (Honorable Mention:  Honeytree- Me and My Old Guitar)

15.  Matt Redman - The Father’s Song 2000

One of my favorite worship albums, Matt Redman’s music is humble, but he makes such an impact on people’s lives for his passion for Christ.  And he does it so effortlessly it seems on this album.  “O Sacred King” is probably my favorite all time Matt Redman song.  I am thankful for this album because of Matt Redman’s faithfulness to spread the Gospel with his music, and for the countless songs he has penned to encourage and strengthen the listener’s walk with God. 

14.  "Dream Big" - The Martins 1998

Honestly, I’m not sure what compelled me to first pick up this Southern Gospel album.  Maybe because one of their singles (Come On In) cracked the Christian top 20, and their reputation was beginning to show as one of the top vocal groups of any Christian genre.  The title track was also one of Kristin’s first motivational songs in the home based business she was part of at the time.  I am thankful for this album because it was my first true ‘road trip’ album, and it also connected me with an appreciation for Southern Gospel Music.  

(Honorable Mention:  The Martins - New Day)

13.   Glassbyrd - Open Wide This Window 2003

Another “road trip” album, I was immediately drawn to married couple Christine Glass and Mark Byrd’s contrasting, but beautifully blended voices in this, their only album as Glassbyrd.  This is a praise album along the lines of the “City on a Hill” worship albums (“God of Wonders,” of which a version of that song appears on this album, was co-written buy Byrd).  I am thankful for this album because it is worshipful and it is inviting to the listener. 

12.  Randy Stonehill - Welcome to Paradise 1976

I took Asher to his first concert in 2015:  Randy Stonehill and Buck Storm.  Randy was one of Larry Norman’s (considered the father of Jesus Music) prodigies and another important member of the Jesus Music era.  This album kept pace with its mainstream rock contemporaries at the time, filled with great rock hits and quirky lyrics.  I am thankful for this album because of the artist’s passion to continue spreading the Gospel to whomever will listen, now in his 5th decade of music. 

11.  Jars of Clay - Jars of Clay 1995

As a new Christian, I initially found it difficult to find much music on my local Christian radio stations that I connected with.  Then “Flood” began to play and my initial response was “Who is this group?”  The self-titled album later went double-platinum and ushered in what is now arguably Christian music’s Golden Age.  I am thankful for this album, because it showcased the amazing talents and music of four Christians who were not afraid to break new boundaries.  

(Honorable Mention:  Jars of Clay - Who We Are Instead and The Long Fall Back to Earth)  

10.  Michelle Tumes - Listen 1998

“Listen” came out on a Christian up-and-coming mix CD almost a year and a half before.  When I heard it, I went look for the album, only to find noone who knew about this artist.  So when “Please Come Back” first aired on Christian radio, I immediately recognized the same artist from two summers prior that had reemerged.  I am thankful for this album because it once again celebrates what is good in Christian Music and debuts an amazing singer and songwriter in the process.  

(Honorable Mention:  Michelle Tumes - Center of My Universe) 

9.  Mat Kearney - City of Black and White 2009

I place this album in my top ten, because it was my go to album with my brand new son Asher, born 11/12/2009, exactly nine years ago.  From his 11 days in the NICU, to his first several weeks at home, this was the album, along with its title track, of the type of music I wanted young Asher to appreciate as he got older.  I am thankful for this album because it reminds me of those first days with my second son, and the joy God gave me for my little miracle.  

(Honorable Mention:  Mat Kearney - Nothing Left to Lose, Mat Kearney - Young Love)  

8.  The Waiting - The Waiting 1997

This album never really got the recognition it deserved, but quite frankly, it borders on mastery.  Both lyrically and musically, the Waiting builds on the momentum of their previous album Blue Belly Sky with a sound so unique, yet so poignant it is a shame to be lost in the archives of Christian music past.  I am thankful for this album, because it reflects the heart and soul of a music album put together with love. intention and passion.  

(Honorable Mention:  The Waiting - Blue Belly Sky)

7.  Fernando Ortega - The Breaking of the Dawn 1997

I  demo’d “Lord of Eternity” and it almost made me cry right there in the store. Honestly, both This Bright Hour and Breaking of the Dawn are nearly neck and neck on my Fernando faves; I connect just a bit more with Breaking and it’s calming and inspiring tracks.  I am thankful for this album for all the times it brought me peace in tumultuous times in my early walk with Christ.  

(Honorable Mention:  Fernando Ortega - This Bright Hour) 

6.  Bebo Norman - Myself When I am Real 2002

2002 was a challenging faith year for me.  The latter half introduced Bebo’s third (and my favorite) album.  “Great Light of the World” was up for Dove Song of the Year, but my personal fave “Falling Down” spoke even more to my situation.  The whole album stands the test of time.  I am thankful for this album for the great songwriting, its feeling of cooperation and togetherness, and for helping me through a dry season in my life.  

5.  Third Day - Come Together 2001

his album also helped me through 2002 with songs like “Show Me Your Glory” and “Nothing Compares.”  This is my favorite Third Day album of all time. The members just seemed to really enjoy each other’s company on this one, and you can tell by the sound and the music offered up.  I am thankful for this album because it has stood the test of time, and is effective in both times of joy and times of despair.  

(Honorable Mention:  Third Day - Time; Third Day - Offerings I; Third Day - Wire; Third Day - Third Day)  

4.  Needtobreathe - The Heat 2007

This album contains “Signature of Divine,” one of the songs I dedicated to my first son Nels Robert Campbell who only lived one short hour on this earth before going to Heaven.  I listened to this album before and after his birth, on the streets, on the bus and in my car.  I am thankful for this album for helping me through was is undisputedly the biggest trial of our family’s life and for bringing me comfort during that time.  

(Honorable Mention:  Needtobreathe - Rivers in the Wasteland; Needtobreathe - Hardlove)  

3.  The Folly - Until the Road Ends 2007

This is one of my all time favorite albums; I must have listened to it over 100 times straight through.  I was blessed to be invited to the CD release party up in Seattle’s Queen Anne district by the Folly’s lead singer Kurt Dyrhsen on a Rainy April night 2007.  It’s just one of those albums that just never gets old and hits all the right notes.  I am thankful for this album because it shows beyond the shadow of a doubt what great indie music can sound like, and still be done to the glory of God.  

2.  Newsboys - Not Ashamed 1992

Kristin supported me when I purchased this, my very first Christian music album.  It was actually introduced to me first by my friend Ben Radcliffe while walking around my old high school in 1993 and it didn’t sound like anything I expected to hear from ‘church music.’  Since I wasn’t a Christian yet, Kristin was more than willing in indulge my curiousity by buying me the cassette a short time later.  I am thankful for this album for showing me the much bigger world of Christian music that was out there, and of good quality.  

1.  David Meece - Once in a Lifetime

I make this my #1 thankful album, my coming to Jesus album.  I was saved at a David Meece Concert in September 1994; I have gone to at least 2 other David Meece concerts over the years.  He is a piano virtuoso, he has a great sense of humor, and he can sing vocally over 3 octaves.  And David is a great witness and testimony for Jesus, all of which prompted me to accept Jesus into my life.  This was one of my main album rotations (soon to follow by all of David’s other nearly 13 albums) in late 1994.  I am thankful for this album because it encouraged me as a brand new follower of Christ and delivered the message of the Gospel that made it clear to me what a life in Jesus is all about.  

Top 5 CCM Goodbye Songs of All Time

     The church I am attending, Hope Covenant in Lake Stevens WA, currently meets in a middle school cafeteria.  That all is about to change however when the congregation moves to Everett in a few weeks into an established church building and combines with the members of Sanctuary Covenant.  As we were talking about this in our pre-church prayer time last Sunday a thought occurred to me about what would be the best CCM "Goodbye Songs."  I put together a list; obviously these songs are much more somber than your standard fair 'upbeat' praise and worship CCM.  However, they also have some of the best lyrical content of any CCM hits as well, including some profound "one-line zingers."  So without further ado, here are your top 5 CCM Goodbye songs of all time as compiled by......me:


Number 5:

"Bye Bye Babylon" - Whiteheart

Whiteheart's "Freedom" album was arguably released at the pinnacle of the band's career; this opening track set the stage for music that rivaled the mainstreams rock and roll efforts of the same year.  (Best Lyric:  "Rocket ride through time and space/It's 2088/They're diggin' around in the dust of what we've done/Now people study me/I'm a part of history/Oh, did we leave them another Babylon")


Number 4:

"Move to Bremerton" - MXPX

More of a "Hello" song than a "Goodbye" song, the song suggests nevertheless that one 'drop out of school, run away and quit their job,' because Bremerton (Washington) 'is a good place to reside.' That type of resolve would still no doubt be stressful for anyone who is leaving their former settings behind.  (Best Lyric:  "Drop out of school and run away/Quit your job, you got a place to stay/Pack your bags and hitch a ride/Bremerton's a good place to reside")

Number 3:

"So Long Self" - Mercyme

"Stop right there because I know what you're thinking/But no we can't be friends (Best Lyric)";  Mercyme's "controversial" offering of the mid 2000's is still probably one of their most catchiest and wittiest offering of their collection.  It's believe it's also the only CCM song I've ever heard played in a Las Vegas casino.

Number 2:

“Friends” - Michael W. Smith

At first this song wasn’t going to make the list.  But after reconsidering, it should not only be on the list but toward the top.   This was the last song of the last concert before high school graduation, the three years I was in A Capella choir, the one that made everyones’ faces tear up with emotion.  This is the quintessential high school/college goodbye song, the song you pull out, like Christmas music, once a year. (Best Lyric:  Packing up the dreams God planted/In the fertile soil of you/Can't believe the hopes He's granted/Means a chapter in your life is through)

And the Number 1 CCM Goodbye Song of all Time:

"Goodbye" - Plankeye

"I never took the time/To stop and realize/That death takes many forms/Even while alive (Best Lyric)"; this lyric is not just the best CCM Goodbye Song lyric, it's probably in the top ten best lyrics of any CCM song ever.  At least I think so.  This song is symbolic of the band itself, having had their lead singer drop out, yet still producing a solid rock album called "Relocation" in 1999.  The shock of the remaining members of Plankeye after losing their lead singer is evident on this music video, shot 95% in a hospital elevator.  Don't think a music video in a hospital elevator will hold your attention?  Think again.



Honorable Mentions:  Barlowgirl “Beautiful Ending”; Michelle Tumes - "Missing You"; Third Day - "Don't Say Goodbye"; Jars of Clay - "I'll Fly Away"; Group 1 Crew - "Not the End of Me"; Hocus Pick - "Bye Bye Bye"; DC Talk - "My Friend - So Long"; PFR - "Life Goes On"; Mat Kearney - "Runaway"; Nicol Smith - "When I Most Miss You"; Michael W Smith “Pray for Me"

Wild at Heart - John Eldridge; An evaluation

I read “Wild at Heart” by John Eldridge this week for the very first time.  I’d prefer to refer to this blog as an evaluation rather than a book review because it’s difficult for me to write a book review.
It’s often hard to admit when one’s wrong, but I admit that I was wrong.  This book originally came out in 2001 and I avoided reading it for 17 years based on what I had heard from other people based on a stereotype that I was determined that I would never pigeonhole myself into.   Hearing statements that Mr. Eldridge disliked Mr. Rogers and other nice people closed my ears into even giving Mr. Eldridge a fair opportunity to share the thoughts in this book with me.  Pridefully living as what I considered to be a ‘nice guy’ most of my life (even that moniker has been made known false to me and has been revealed to me as simply selfish pride) I didn’t feel that I would relate to Mr. Eldridge and his teachings.
Now at 43 years of age, I am at a crossroads of sorts as far as masculinity goes and, to be quite frank, needed this book.  Mr. Eldridge is not the egotistical male stereotype that I had envisioned him to be. He spoke on subjects that I was yearning to read about, but never came close to finding in my local Christian bookstore.  I believe that he truly cares about his readers; in this book he rightly identifies the core issues that men are going through, and is one of the scant few authors I know to have the guts to come out and say them.  All I can say, my 141blogger friends, is that you would have to read this book in its entirety to know what I mean.
It is not my goal of this blog  to put this man on a pedestal; it is Creator God/Jesus/Counselor Which is the Holy Ghost who deserves all our praise and adoration for His love, grace and mercy.  But I do believe that I owe Mr. Eldridge an apology.  I wish that I had not closed my heart to this book for all those years  without first giving him and it a chance.  I was wrong.
With all the other books and vast links on Mr. Eldridge’s ministry page I see I have a lot of catching up to do.  I have downloaded his app, and would like to know more.  I pray that God will continue to soften my heart as I choose to pursue the narrow road He has beckoned me to take.

Double Down

     Several years ago I went to KFC and ordered one of their Double Down chicken sandwiches.  For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a sandwich which uses two fried chicken breast patties as buns, with the other ingredients in between:  mayo, cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc.  This sandwich came at at time when one of the nation's major health kicks was underway, and KFC received a lot of scrutiny for being one of the most unhealthy fast food sandwiches that had ever been created, despite it being especially tasty.
     Double down, originally used as a blackjack term, has been used especially more frequently as a term given when someone presents a falsehood, then when confronted by people with evidence to the contrary, not only continues in that falsehood, but with even more fervor than before.  Jeremiah 44 came to mind recently.  After the cities in Israel and Judah were ransacked and the inhabitants of those cities taken from their homes, Jeremiah addressed a remnant of Jews living in the land of Egypt who had been assimilated into Egyptian society, worshiping false gods and burning incense to them.  There must have been such sadness when Jeremiah, the man of the true God, spoke to them:

     "Why are you destroying yourselves?  For not one of you shall live - not a man woman or child among you who has come here from Judah, not even the babies in arms.  For you are arousing my anger with the idols you have made and worshiped here in Egypt, burning incense to them causing me to destroy you completely and to make you a curse and a stench in the nostrils of all the nations of the earth.  Have you forgotten the sins of your fathers and the sins of the kings and queens of Judah and your own sins and the sins of your wives in Judah and Jerusalem?  And even until this very hour there has been no apology; no one has wanted to return to me or follow the laws I gave you and your fathers before you (Jeremiah 44:7-10)"  

     Again remember, that the cities of the Jewish homeland had already been destroyed, the inhabitants carried away.  Jeremiah was giving this remnant a chance to return to the Lord God and be set free.  Yet the Bible reports that not one individual came forward to repent, ask for forgiveness or even offer up an apology.  Instead the people 'doubled down' in one accord to the man of God:

     "We will not listen to your false messages from God!  We will do whatever we want to.  We will burn incense to the 'Queen of Heaven' and sacrifice to her just as much as we like - just as we and our fathers before us, and our kings and princes have always done in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for in those days we had plenty to eat and we were well off and happy!  But ever since we quite burning incense to the 'Queen of Heaven' and stopped worshiping her we have been in great trouble and have been destroyed by sword and famine. (Jeremiah 44:16-18)"  

     They equated their prosperity to the worship of a false god and their misery to not worshiping her!  There were so many false and misleading statements in their response, yet they proclaimed it boldly and rejected the words of the prophet of God.  They exchanged the truth for a lie and continued to worship the false gods that were causing God's anger to increase.

     Is there anytime where you have 'doubled down' in your life?  Is it happening now?  Is there anything that has crept into you life that you know is wrong, is a stench in the nostrils of God, yet you still justify?  Is there any actions you knew you shouldn't take, even actions that God warned you not to take, yet you still took them?  Even if no one else knows about it, God does. Just like the Double Down sandwich is tasty at the time, yet bad for the body, so is a man who's actions may feel good and pleasurable at the time, but whose long-term effects can be devastating.