Listmania!
Christian music for those who often find it boring
By an Amazon.com customer
How Great Thou ArtHow Great Thou Art by Willie Nelson
Buy used from: $7.80
Gorgeous mellow familiar old hymns, with only Willie + guitar and sister Bobbie's piano. Willie has more items on this list(Parts 1 and 2) than any other artist.There's also AMAZING GRACE on his Sound In Your Mind CD, and FAMILY BIBLE on his CD GOSPEL FAVORITES, and others below.
Peace in the ValleyPeace in the Valley by B.J. Thomas
Buy used from: $20.00
His equally super album is 'AMAZING GRACE', unavailable on CD, but the CD PRECIOUS MEMORIES has both those fine songs plus THE OLD RUGGED CROSS and one of my favorite gospel recordings, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW. Unfortunately, the latter redone recording doesn't compare with the original on vinyl/cassette.
DuetsDuets by Patsy Cline
Buy used from: $6.49
Not a gospel CD, but you have to hear the fab duet with Willie, RAILWAY TO HEAVEN, one of those posthumous concoctions, but great! Another below:
Classics by Willie NelsonClassics by Willie Nelson by Willie Nelson
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $1.50
Not a gospel CD, but JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE, posthumous duet with Patsy Cline. GRRREATT!!!
A Tribute to TraditionA Tribute to Tradition by Various Artists
Buy used from: $1.50
THE JIMMY BROWN SONG(also known as The Three Bells). My favorite version is Mac Davis' on his vinyl LP Burnin' Thing, unavailable. This Alison Krauss rendition is a worthy substitution.Alison has two other items on these lists.
Old Rivers/Twas the Night Before Christmas...Back HomeOld Rivers/Twas the Night Before Christmas...Back Home by Walter Brennan
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $9.89
Too bad there isn't a 'Best of Walter Brennan. But we can compose a 'spiritual best with a few selections from his few albums. OL'RIVERS here, I BELIEVE from CD Old Shep, and MAMA SANG A SONG from vinyl LP Dutchman's Gold.
With This Kiss: CollectionWith This Kiss: Collection by Amy Sky
Buy new: $19.98 / Used from: $6.46
Singer Amy Sky joins with Jim Brickman in LOVE NEVER FAILS, creative adaptation of the words from (1 Corinthians 13,the famous 'Love Chapter' of the Bible) to the beloved classical melody, Bach's Air On a G String.Just the one song on this CD though.
TimelessTimeless by Lynda Randle
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $9.97
'GOD ON THE MOUNTAIN' stands out, but there are lots of other goodies. Her other best CD is entitled HYMNS.
Roses in the SnowRoses in the Snow by Emmylou Harris
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.56
For the duet with Ricky Skaggs 'DARKEST HOUR BEFORE DAWN'. Not her best CD, but used price worthwhile for this song plus love song 'Miss the Mississippi and You'
The Best of Boney M.The Best of Boney M. by Boney M
Buy used from: $27.66
RIVERS OF BABYLON is uplifting and includes good scripture. MARY'S BOYCHILD/O MY LORD: Has there ever been a more celebratory Christian song on the pop charts?
Super HitsSuper Hits by Glen Campbell
Buy used from: $1.99
Used price worthwhile for great song 'CALL HOME', written by Mike Reid, Christian former all-pro NFL player.(a Cincinnati Bengals lineman, not a Wichita Lineman, teehee).Also noteworthy: his version of STREETS OF LONDON, on vinyl LP--Live with the Royal Philharmonic.
Born for TroubleBorn for Trouble by Willie Nelson
Buy used from: $6.00
Two songs. IT'LL COME TO ME, and AIN'T NECESSARILY SO. Both are not explicitly Christian, but express some Christian-like philosophy. They do the trick for me! I love 'em both. Exhilarating! Both written by Beth Nielson Chapman whose CDs focus on spiritual themes.
America - A Tribute to Heroes (Telethon Broadcast)America - A Tribute to Heroes (Telethon Broadcast)
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $1.89
From the post 9/11 concert.The finale AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, intro by Clint Eastwood, led by Willie Nelson with stellar support, especially Mariah Carey and Halle Berry. Also GOD BLESS AMERICA by Celine Dion.
Sounds of SundaySounds of Sunday by Floyd Cramer
Buy used from: $9.88
Beloved hymns by the ever-stylish Nashville pianist. Also good is his 'Gospel Classics Volume One'
The Best of Don Williams, Vol. 3The Best of Don Williams, Vol. 3 by Don Williams
Buy used from: $3.04
Williams is a Christian. Used price gets 4 Godly songs: 'Lord, I Hope This Day is Good', Miracles, I Believe in You, and Good Ol' Boys.
Rich from the JourneyRich from the Journey by Kimmie Rhodes
Buy used from: $0.91
A celebration of life and God's grace. Exquisite. I invite you to check out my latest Listmania: Discover the Music of KIMMIE RHODES.
Lost & FoundLost & Found by Kimmie Rhodes
Buy used from: $3.69
This CD has songs of romantic love and Christian worship but many can be both. Lovely and poetic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television SpecialA Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $4.58
Stylish Christmas album by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi and Peanuts gang.
The Very Best of Kris KristoffersonThe Very Best of Kris Kristofferson by Kris Kristofferson
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $5.98
WHY ME LORD plus other classics. Ex-wife Rita's vinyl 'Fall into Spring' has Kris'BURDEN OF FREEDOM.On other albums:ONE DAY AT A TIME(Christian classic he wrote but never recorded)They Killed Him,Help Me, Love of Money, Slow Down(Kris&Rita), Living Legend and Anthem 84(Highwayman 1&2)And spiritual longing in Sunday Morning Comin'Down and Shipwrecked in the 80's.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2 by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.75
Superb guest solos by Johnny Cash, John Denver, Michael Martin Murphey and others.
Avalon SunsetAvalon Sunset by Van Morrison
Buy used from: $1.83
Several Christian/spiritual threads in Van's albums. This one has the most."WHENEVER GOD SHINES HIS LIGHT" is the standout, but there are other little gems here: When Will I Learn To Live In God?".
Hymns to the SilenceHymns to the Silence by Van Morrison
Buy used from: $34.95
Title song plus WHY MUST I ALWAYS EXPLAIN, BY HIS GRACE, and especially BE THOU MY VISION(but it'd be better if Van could get his 'thee,thou, thy, thine' straight!!!)This CD doesn't belong so high on this list. Just thought I'd keep the Morrison together.
Joy: Best of Apollo 100Joy: Best of Apollo 100 by Apollo 100
Buy new: $18.99 / Used from: $30.60
Worth having for 'JOY', a rocking pop update of Bach's 'JESU,JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING',a good original of which can be found on the album BEST OF LIONA BOYD(internationally known Canadian classical guitarist).
I Will Always Love YouI Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Buy used from: $1.50
Includes Whitney's classy recording of 'JESUS LOVES ME'.
Love Lifted MeLove Lifted Me by Kenny Rogers
Buy used from: $21.49
There are two Christian-like songs on this very good album. First, Kenny reworks the beloved hymn LOVE LIFTED ME into a semi-Christian romantic love song, beautifully done. And there's a superb production of a medley ABRAHAM, MARTIN & JOHN blended with PRECIOUS MEMORIES and BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.
I Know Who Holds TomorrowI Know Who Holds Tomorrow by Alison Krauss and The Cox Family
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $7.20
Special guest: Alison Krauss, who also produced the CD. Alison(with Union Station) also has an excellent Christian song THERE IS A REASON on their CD 'So Long So Wrong'.
Brother's KeeperBrother's Keeper by The Neville Brothers
Buy used from: $0.01
BIRD ON A WIRE, led by the amazing Aaron Neville. Canadian poet Leonard Cohen's song, with some revised Christian lyrics added. I could have put this a lot higher on my list but I decided to keep all the Aaron Neville together.
The Best of Aaron Neville - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century MastersThe Best of Aaron Neville - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters by Aaron Neville
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $4.99
The unique voice produces an excellent Christmas album. Aaron has three gospel albums too. GOSPEL ROOTS, BELIEVE, and CHRISTMAS PRAYER.
It's About TimeIt's About Time by John Denver
Buy used from: $16.61
WINGS OF A DREAM. Other spiritually themed songs by JD on other albums include MATTHEW, OPPOSITE TABLES, and AND SO IT GOES on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band CD: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, vol 2.(above)
Millennium PrayerMillennium Prayer by Cliff Richard
Buy used from: $1.15
Powerful British #1 hit single, by the UK icon of 5 decades.The Lord's Prayer to the tune of Auld Lang Syne
Light of the StableLight of the Stable by Emmylou Harris
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $10.15
Beautiful Christmas album
What a Friend We Have in JesusWhat a Friend We Have in Jesus by Merle Haggard
Buy new: $6.98 / Used from: $2.93
Warm, rich vocals on gospel standards.Best: ONE DAY AT A TIME(Kristofferson classic) and WHEN GOD COMES TO GATHER HIS JEWELS. Add from early Haggard albums: ROOTS OF MY RAISIN', and MAMA's PRAYERS.
Long Black TrainLong Black Train by Josh Turner
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $4.17
Won country music awards for this superb gospel hit, his only great song from first two CDs. A fine voice and future star (with the right material)
The Sound in Your MindThe Sound in Your Mind by Willie Nelson
Buy used from: $3.70
Willie adds his unique style to AMAZING GRACE.
The Kershaw Sessions: Live at the BBCThe Kershaw Sessions: Live at the BBC by Ted Hawkins
Buy used from: $5.96
WHO DO YOU LOVE? While plundering a 2nd hand music store, I heard this and started bouncing around. So I bought the CD. Other CDs have a few other gospel songs among the blues folk and pop.
Legacy...Hymns & FaithLegacy...Hymns & Faith by Amy Grant
Buy used from: $3.50
Old hymn favorites done in both traditional and innovative style. Sidenote: Recently Amy and hubby Vince Gill did a superb duet of the national anthem at the Nashville Predators NHL playoff. Amy handled the extreme range of the melody more easily than any singer I've heard. Comment about Vince at bottom of Part Two.
What a Wonderful World: 26 Inspirational ClassicsWhat a Wonderful World: 26 Inspirational Classics by Anne Murray
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $6.83
Anne is one of my six favorite female vocalists. Dependable treatment of beloved classics.
Number One HitsNumber One Hits by The Judds
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $0.99
GRANDPA
Eden (US Release - 16 tracks)Eden (US Release - 16 tracks) by Sarah Brightman
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $2.00
DUST IN THE WIND. First time I heard original by Kansas, I thought how scriptural it is. I hear writer/band member Kerry Livgren later became a Christian. Prefer Sarah's version though.
Anchored in Love: A Tribute To June Carter CashAnchored in Love: A Tribute To June Carter Cash by Various
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $2.47
ON THE FAR SIDE BANKS OF JORDAN.Duet with Patty Loveless and Kris Kristofferson. Kris' voice beginning to age, but I still prefer to listen to him than to 98% of today's artists.