Allegiance (1994)

Joel Caballero
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Allegiance is the sixth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Ray Boltz, released in March 1994 by Ray Boltz Music/Word Records. The album was produced by Boltz and Steve Millikan.

After taking a detour with a change in sound from his previous album Seasons Change, Boltz's album Allegiance returns him to his Inspirational pop sound with sincere ballads and clear, direct lyrics focused on the Christian life as a spiritual journey. The album's core theme is the lead single and music video "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb." The song contrasts nationalistic loyalty with a primary spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ. It asserts that a believer's ultimate loyalty belongs to "the Lamb" (Jesus), regardless of worldly consequences. It went to number one on the Christian Inspirational chart and peaked at number 11 on the Christian AC chart.

Boltz's other hit "The Anchor Holds" was another number one Christian Inspo hit. It's a powerful ballad that uses nautical metaphors to describe maintaining faith through life's "storms." Written by Lawrence Chewning in 1992, he wrote it during a devastating period marked by his father's death, health issues, ministerial burnout, and a third miscarriage. Boltz heard the song in 1993, reworked some lyrics, added a musical bridge, and recorded it for Allegiance with Chewning's permission. Both tracks have become concert favorites for Boltz.

Allegiance climbed to number 6 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, Boltz's sixth Top 10 album. In 1995, Boltz won his second Dove Award for "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" as Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year at the 26th GMA Dove Awards. The track was also nominated for Song of the Year. Allegiance was originally issued on cassette tape and CD when it was first issued. It is not available on digital platforms, but it is sold at Boltz's website at www.rayboltz.

com. A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article.

Track listing

All songs written by Ray Boltz and Steve Miilikan, except where noted.

1. I Go to the River (Ray Boltz, Brent Alan Henderson, Steve Millikan) -4:56

2. Reigning -3:42

3. Where I Met Jesus -4:30

4. Brought With Blood -4:08

5. I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb (Ray Boltz) -5:20

6. Set Sail -5:17

7. The Storm (instrumental) (music by Steve Millikan) -1:15

8. The Anchor Holds (Lawrence Chewning; reworked lyrics by Ray Boltz) -5:54

9. Thrown Away -3:59