The latest part of the ongoing series chronicling, in no particular order, the greatest 1001 recordings made by Christian artists

213. CHARLIE PATTON - JESUS IS A DYING BED MAKER, 1929. From the album 'Screamin' And Hollerin' The Blues', Revenant.
Any connoisseur of blues music will tell you that Charlie, along with Robert Johnson, was THE great of pre-war blues music, a towering genius of blues creativity who hugely influenced later figures like Muddy Waters and Pops Staples (Charlie actually taught Pops guitar). Charlie, though a troubled and difficult man, was also a Christian and a lay preacher and recorded this side for Paramount Records in Grafton, Wisconsin in October 1929. Searing Delta blues gospel, as raw as a Hellfire sermon and as timeless as a trip to Heaven. Another giant of pre-war blues gospel, Blind Willie Johnson, recorded a version of this song as "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed" but this is the one which produces instant goose-bumps.
Tony Cummings

214. SHERI KELLER - WE WANT TO SEE JESUS LIFTED HIGH, 1998. From the album 'Better Than Life', Independent.
Better known as a children's songwriter and a longtime member of Noel Richards' band, Doug Horley must have been amazed when this song quickly become a worship music smash that circled the globe. Rendered by many musicians, not least Graham Kendrick and rock band Petra, it is this little known version by independent artist Keller which is the definitive rendition. It appeared on a classic debut recording by Sheri Keller, then worship leader at Valparaiso Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Indiana. Ironically, it's the only cover on the album, but Sheri makes Horley's anthem sound her very own - a superb guitar-driven chunk of rock praise, passionately delivered by Keller and band. The vocalist pours every ounce of energy into it, lifting high "a banner...that flies across this land."
Tom Lennie

215. COMPASSIONART - COME TO THE WATER, 2008. From the album 'CompassionArt', Survivor.
The opening cut for the groundbreaking social justice CompassionArt album seems to bring together a lot of diverse elements into one great song. The opening chorus of the Watoto Children's Choir immediately reminds the listener what the song is all about. Then there's the crunchy guitar riff from Stu G and the dynamic co-vocals of Martin Smith and Chris Tomlin making the whole thing swing along. Of course Kirk Franklin pops up to do what he does best - exhort and pray and the whole thing wraps up with more vocals from the Watoto Children's Choir. A great ear-catching song which in its place acts as an opener for the album but even on its own, there's no doubting the power!
Mike Rimmer

216. SARA GROVES - IN THE GIRL THERE'S A ROOM, 2007. From the album 'Tell Me What You Know', INO.
Charlie Peacock has built a musical career on creating understated funky grooves like this for his solo records and other artists. Here he teams up with CCM stalwart Groves to concoct a song that is completely arresting and brings out the best of Sara's bitter sweet voice. Groves is quickly turning into one of the most interesting lyricists on the scene, moving away from the platitudes of so many other Nashville artists to create songs that have heart, soul and much to say. The combination of groove and lyric makes this a huge song. Lyrically it celebrates the depths of the human soul and how our hope motivates us to have faith and continue to make a difference despite our setbacks. Optimistic and inspiring, there's a touch of KT Tunstall in the lyrical structure but Sara Groves has delivered a beaut here!
Mike Rimmer

217. MORGAN CRYAR - WHAT SIN, 1995. From the album 'Love Over Gold', UCA.
Morgan Cryar is surely one of the finest, yet underrated, lyricists in American CCM. This beautiful ballad, delicately arranged over a elegant concert grand reminds us, with exquisite poignancy, that we are in the habit of dredging up old sins when God has indeed forgotten them, they are "buried in the sea of forgetfulness." An inspirational classic I suspect UCB will continue to play at least until the Lord's return.
Tony Cummings

218. JONNY LANG - ONLY A MAN, 2006. From the album 'Turn Around, A&M.
Here the talented Mr Lang testifies about his life before becoming a Christian in a heartfelt honest way with a stripped down backing of guitar and fiddle. There's something in the way his high tenor voice breaks as he sings the lyrics that pulls you into the song. The second half of the song sees the fiddle adding an almost country flavour to things as Jonny and Haylie Lang duet. Jonny's confessional lyrics about his own fears and the prayerful close of the song where he throws all his burdens on God and Haylie's vocal is the peaceful voice of God assuring him. It's a totally beautiful song.
Mike Rimmer

Shane & Shane

219. SHANE & SHANE - HE IS EXALTED, 2004. From the album 'Clean', Inpop.
One of award-winning Twila Paris's best known worship songs, the original version was a bit too orchestrated in "inspirational" style to stand up to repeated listening. The Texan duo, Shane Bernard and Shane Everett (both accomplished artists in their own rights) decided to adopt it on their third recording together, a notable change from their usual self-penned creations, but carrying an equal intensity which serves to lift the song into a higher plane. The rich vocal harmonies, deft guitar and percussion all combine to make this semi-acoustic track a most intense and atmospheric reading of Twila's song.
Tom Lennie

220. MUKALA - SOAP, 1998. From the album 'Fiction', Essential.
Dan Mukala is today a top producer and songwriter. Back in 1998 he fronted this short-lived band whose debut album turned out to be their only one. Clearly, Mukala's brilliant fusion of electro pop and left-of-centre spiritual lyrics was too revolutionary for the blinkered gatekeepers of American Christian radio but in fact the 'Fiction' album remains as fresh and innovative as the day it was recorded. This brilliant song observing that soap cannot wash off the stain of our sin is utterly captivating.
Tony Cummings

As published 8th July 2010
221. BRENT BOURGEOIS - PERFECT HARMONY, 1994. From the album 'Come Join The Living World', Reunion.
When he was making mainstream music with Larry Tagg it was obvious that singer/songwriter Brent was a major talent. But nothing quite prepared the CCM for 'Come Join The Living World' which, with its masterly blend of haunting melodies, unveiled devotional lyrics and quite exquisite chunks of stacked harmony deserved to catapult Brent up there with the Smiths and Chapmans. That never quite happened though Mr Bourgeois' production expertise and ear for a good song did land him a head of A&R job at Word Records. Sadly, that wasn't to last and Brent was last heard of having quit music (both mainstream and Christian) to start a new career as an author. I've yet to get around to reading any of his books but if they are any bit as good as this haunting, musical delight, I'll one day be shouting the praises of a great new author.
Tony Cummings

222. THE BRONZEMEN - I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN, 1939. From the album 'Spiritual Singing By The Bronzemen: Radio Transcriptions 1939', Document.
Down the decades this beautiful old spiritual has been recorded by everyone from classically trained altos to pop artists looking for a good tune. But, for me at least, the definitive version of this old plantation song belongs to this quartet of unknown acapella harmonizers who in April and September 1939 recorded a grand total of 28 spirituals intended for broadcast on (presumably white) radio stations. Blues and gospel purists (including it would seem this CD's sleevenote writers) don't really care for the polished end of jubilee singing but for those without such prejudices the blissfully pure high tenor lead and his cooing accompanists bring out all the wistful poignancy and pathos of this timeless song. It was 57 years before this gem received a commercial release and today languishes as one of the obscurest items in Document's vast catalogue of pre-war gospel music. It richly deserves to be heard.
Tony Cummings

thebandwithnoname

223. THEBANDWITHNONAME - AMAZING GRACE, 2002. From the various artists album 'The Blitz', Movation.
As someone firmly convinced that "Amazing Grace" - music trad (probably an unknown slave), words John Newton (slaver turned vicar) - is the greatest hymn ever penned, you wouldn't expect me to take to this radical transformation of the epic. But what Chip K and version one of thebandwithnoname did was take some of those sublime lyrics, add an anthemic sung hook and a ranting rap and let producer Zarc Porter loose to create the meanest, crunchiest bit of neo industrial rhythm ever to emerge from the maestro's Manchester studio. The result was utterly fresh and though these musical evangelists are soon to depart to pastures new, they've left behind a joyful, rhythmic gem.
Tony Cummings

224. PAUL OAKLEY - BE LIFTED UP, 2003. From the album 'Be Lifted Up', Survivor.
When it comes to unadulterated worship to the King of Kings, it is indeed a truth that the simplest songs are often the best. Brighton-based musician Paul Oakley may be best known for his upbeat worship anthems, but he's just as adept at gentler ballads and slow burners like this. "Be Lifted Up" consists of a simple, singular verse and chorus structure, but it's one of the most worshipful songs of its time, and particularly amenable to added harmony vocals. Recorded in Durban with Tree63 producer Andrew Philip, typically crisp acoustic and electric guitars underpin the song. Clearly Paul is aware that Jesus is already enthroned above every ruler and authority. The point of the song is that he may be lifted up in our hearts, and have his rightful place in every aspect of our lives. Conversely, as we lift him up, we humble ourselves - stooping low that he may be raised high. The song's a real worship gem.
Tom Lennie

225. MARSTIN AND THE REVELATORS - THE APPLE SONG, 2009. From the EP 'Fruit And Animals', Independent.
Marstin hails from the Faroe Islands and with a bunch of Memphis-based musos recorded one blink-and-you'd-have-missed-it EP before disbanding. But they left behind a possible classic. The re-telling of the story of The Fall has never been painted in such a unique way and it's the combination of clever lyrics and slightly unhinged music which makes this work so well. A cow punk tune with a rasping vocal performance make this one of the most eccentric, yet pointed, pieces of Christian music you're ever likely to hear.
Mike Rimmer

226. RANDY TRAVIS - LABOR OF LOVE, 2007. From 'Songs Of The Season', Word.
Few indeed are new Christmas songs that do any kind of justice to the incarnation. But this composition from the pen of the hugely underrated Andrew Peterson is an exception. Here is a graphic depiction of the suffering and transcendent courage shown by Mary when she brought the Christ child into the world. Bringing out all the pathos of the memorable lyrics is one of the great voices of modern country music. However strong your aversion to country might be, you should try and hear this. The original is good too but it's Randy's rich, soulful voice that brings out all the drama of these brilliant lyrics.
Tony Cummings