Larry Norman’s Only Visiting This Planet (1972) is the Abbey Road (1969) of contemporary Christian music and both shared the same producer, Sir George Martin. It has attained the status of a classic but was not popular at the time. Notice the cutout mark on the bottom left corner of this copy.
Broadway hits like Godspell (1971) and Jesus Christ Superstar (1972) showed music about religious faith could be popular. The crossover success of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Stryper in the ‘80s was further proof.
The following is a list of less famous Christian-themed music. Some are dated artifacts, others are worth listening to. If not available streaming check your local record stores or dollar bins, which is where I found these.
10) Because I Am (1973) George Andrews & Don Andreson
Double-LP rock opera that continues the popular God-as-hippie theme. Lots of love, not much repentance. Occasional stings like the flute freakout in “Babylon” bring it to life but won’t make you forget Tommy (1969).
Some of it was composed by blind musician Turley Richardson, who was on Warners the same time as Van Morrison.
9) Lazarus (1971)
Debut by gospel-folk trio is the first of their two LPs before breaking up mid-decade. Their pretty harmonizing reminds me of CS&N, but they’re a bit too pious and mellow—a problem with most Christian music.
Lazarus shared the Bearsville label with Todd Rundgren and Foghat at the time. Produced by Peter Yarrow.
8) Some Beautiful Day (1970) Bill Cormeau
Poetry based on the life of Christ narrated against a backdrop of generic rock. Similar to Ken Nordine’s spoken jazz records of the ‘50s, and probably the first to present Jesus-as-Buddhist-hippy.
“Betrayal and Crucifixion” reminds me of Dick Shawn’s “Love Power” from The Producers (1968), which is not a compliment. The blues of “Childhood” comes off best.
7) Mass (1970) Leonard Bernstein
This opera based on the Catholic mass was commissioned by Jackie Onassis to christen the Kennedy Center’s opening. It centers on a character called “the celebrant,” who sings hymns and has a nervous breakdown when the ugliness of the world clashes with his faith in God.
Mass was too contemporary for Catholics, too Catholic for Protestants, and too Christian for Jews. Bernstein and his co-writer, Stephen Schwartz—both agnostic Jews—provide the doubt and their honesty is admirable. Impressive and thought-provoking but not much fun. The Quadraphonic production loses a lot in stereo.
6) Return to Paradise (1989) Randy Stonehill
Sort-of sequel to Stonehill’s Welcome to Paradise (1976). Instead of the original’s wimpy folk-rock—Stonehill sounds a lot like Dan “Sometimes When We Touch” Hill—he opts for rustic folk in this peaceful record about aging, death and the consequences of freewill.
Producer Mark Heard’s Appalachian sound is 20 years ahead of its time. Choice cuts: “Christmas at Denny’s” and “Weight of the Sky.”
5) The Light in the Wilderness: An Oratorio for Today (1968) Dave Brubeck
Another ambitious double-album, this time from jazz superstar Dave Brubeck. It was his first composition after breaking up his classic quartet, and the Cincinnati Symphony provides the orchestra.
This is classical with jazz flavoring, using the words of Christ as a theme. Long, but some great moments here—especially when Brubeck solos on piano.
4) How the West Was One (1977) Second Chapter of Acts
Triple live album of soft rock draws from 18 concerts by Second Chapter of Acts (the Herring family), A Band Called David and guitarist Phil Keaggy that summer. Youngstown, Ohio native Keaggy was Hendrix’ idol.
He doesn’t shred here, but “Time” and the long jam “Rejoice” are worth a listen. So are “Easter Song” and “Which Way the Wind Blows”—the Herring family’s signature songs.
3) For Him Who Has Ears to Hear (1977) Keith Green
One of Bob Dylan’s favorite records. He was a personal friend of Green, who went from child prodigy to adult singer-songwriter. Piano was his forte, and this first LP is his best—full of standards like “Your Love Broke Through” and “Satan’s Boast.” Green died in a plane crash on July 28, 1982, along with two of his children.
2) Just Right (1976) Dallas Holm & Praise
The Moondance of contemporary Christian music—a soulful masterpiece by one of its pioneers. The arrangements shine here, like the trilling flute on “I Love the Son” which mimics a bird in flight. A classic.
1) Only Visiting This Planet (1972) Larry Norman
Norman was an industry insider, having opened for The Doors, Van Morrison, Hendrix and Janis Joplin as lead singer of People! in the ‘60s. He was also a street evangelist and the father of Christian rock.
‘Planet’ was the first of a trilogy, and Norman focuses on contemporary problems honestly. A little too honestly for some. “I Am the Six O’Clock News” and the blues-rock “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus” are highlights. Arranged by Beatles producer George Martin and inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2013.
Brian Hess
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