Jesus Saves (1998)

Jesus Saves is the third studio album by Christian singer -songwriter Greg Long, released on February 17, 1998 by Myrrh/Word Records.

For this album, Long worked with Christopher Harris and Don Koch, in addition to the Elefante brothers John and Dino producing. The album's highlight is the third single "Mercy Said No." Written by Long, Dave Clark and producer Koch, "Mercy Said No" is about a person heading down a hopeless road of sin, only for "Mercy" to stand in the middle of the path, put its hand up, and say "No!" It has become a signature song of sorts for Long. It was a hit on both Christian AC and Inspo charts. It has since been covered by many Christian artists, most notably CeCe Winans on her 2003 release Throne Room, in which she dedicated the song to her elder late brother Ronald Winans. The song was nominated for a Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1999.

Jesus Saves also had hits with the title song and "We Love You Jesus." The album is a collection of songs inspired by his missionary work. It feature's his musical mentor Russ Taff singing backing vocals on the song "Prove That By Me." Jesus Saves debuted and peaked at number 49 on Billboard Heatseekers Albums and at number 14 on the Top Christian Albums charts.

Track listing

1. We Love You Jesus (Greg Long, John Elefante) -4:55

2. First Greatest Wonder (Dave Clark, Don Koch) -4:36

3. Jesus Saves (Brian White, Joe Beck, Don Koch) -4:18

4. Mercy Said No (Greg Long, Dave Clark, Don Koch) -4:47

5. Man of Sorrow (David Batteau, Darrell Brown) -4:54

6. Everything is Gonna Be Alright (Greg Long, Joel Lindsey) -4:04

7. Prove That By Me (Jack Routh, Randy Sharp) -4:30

8. Life (Greg Long, Joel Lindsey, David Browning) -3:12

9. More Like Jesus (Greg Long, Connie Harrington, Joe Beck) -4:40

10. I Saw An Angel Tonight (Phil Madeira, Jim Daneker, Christopher Harris) -5:29

Production credits

John and Dino Elefante -producers (tracks 1, 3, 6, 8 and 9)

Christopher Harris -producer (tracks 5, 7 and 10)

Don Koch -producer (tracks 2 and 4)

Radio singles

1998 "Jesus Saves" -#14 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC

1998 "We Love You Jesus" -#2 Christian AC

1998 "Mercy Said No" -#9 Christian AC

1998 -1999 "First Greatest Wonder" -#26 Christian AC

Previous release: Days of Grace (1996)

Next release: Now (2001)