Entertainment

Al's All-Time Favorite Christian Albums

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Al Menconi
President, Al Menconi Ministries
July 17, 2001

The following is a list of contemporary Christian albums that today's Christian should (must) have in their music collection. Some may be out of print, but each is worth the effort to search closeout bins, used record stores, auction Web sites, and garage sales if you can't find them at your local Christian music store.

Margaret Becker, Immigrant's Daughter (Sparrow Records)
Her honesty, passion, and love for Jesus are expressed in every lyric. This album was a transition from "Joan Jett" rocker to a more mature sound. Immigrant's Daughter set the pace for the Gen X female acoustic-rockers of the nineties.

Terry Clark, Living Worship and Let's Worship (Newport Records)
I don't know what we will be singing in heaven, but I know who the worship leader will be. God uses Terry Clark to transport the listener to the throne of God with his songs of worship. These two dynamic albums have recently been repackaged as one set and are being distributed by Diamante Music.

dc Talk, Jesus Freak (Forefront Records)
I believe this album is the greatest contemporary Christian album ever recorded. It changed the sound of contemporary Christian music and set a standard of what Christian rock should be. It pushed the envelope as it explored what it meant to be a Christian in today's society.

Keith Green, The Ministry Years (Sparrow Records)
(This is the gold double album.) Every album by Keith Green should be in your collection. God used this man to change the hearts and minds of millions of Christians for His glory, including mine. After listening to his album For Him Who Has Ears to Hear was the first time that I realized God could use "rock" music for His glory.

Love Song, Welcome Back
If you were born after 1960, you might listen to this album and think that it is a nice mellow acoustic album. But for those of us who experienced the "sixties," this album is like a cool sip of water after a long, hot, parched day. Welcome Back is re-recorded, but it's note for note from their pivotal Jesus People days.

Paul Overstreet, Time (Word Records)
Jesus Christ or a clear plan of salvation isn't mentioned on this country album, but these songs are the clearest description of how to love your family I have ever heard. You don't have to be a country music fan to enjoy this album. Every time I listen to this, I am reminded how much I love my wife and daughters. There are two levels of country music; Paul Overstreet, and everybody else.

Leslie Phillips, Dancing With Danger (Myrrh Records)
A great 80's rock sound that was "beyond acceptable" for its day. Every song expressed her heart and challenged the listener to a deeper walk with Christ.

Sparks, Through Flood & Fire (Reunion Records)
There is no single album that has had more of an impact on my spiritual life than this superb light rock/blues album. Greg and Rebecca translate the heart of a song better than anyone in Christianity. It is rare when you can point to a song that had a positive effect on your life. There are at least six on this album that changed my life forever.

Russ Taff, Medals (Myrrh Records)
We are God's medals. Will He be proud to wear us on His chest? That's the theme of this '80s light rock album. It's worth the cost just to hear him sing, "Not Gonna Bow!"

Steve Taylor, I Want To Be A Clone and Meltdown (Sparrow Records)
These albums showed the Christian community that it was possible to rock and roll, be challenged by the truth of the gospel, as well as smile at the same time. The majority of these songs have been re-released on The Best We Could Find and Now The Truth Can Be Told, but try to find the originals.

Various Artists, Coram Deo (Sparrow Records)
Coram Deo is Latin for "In the presence of God." What a perfect title! Some of the best contemporary Christian artists such as Michael Card, Susan Ashton, Charlie Peacock, and others lead the listener in a rich worship experience. Each song is a wonderful insight on the glory and majesty of God. Volume II is also good but not on a par with this album.