Russ Taff (1987)

Russ Taff is the self-titled third solo album by Christian singer - songwriter Russ Taff, released in late 1987 on Myrrh/Word Records.

The Russ Taff album was a departure from the pop/contemporary sound of his 1985 album Medals. The album was more alternative rock and contains two covers: "Down in the Lowlands" by Charlie Peacock and "I Still Believe" by the alternative rock group The Call. Taff also recorded "Breathe Life into Me," which would later be a Top 30 UK hit and Top 30 US R&B hit in 1988-89 by British singer Mica Paris. The album won a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 20th GMA Dove Awards and earned Taff a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance, Male at the 31st Grammy Awards. Produced by Jack Joseph Puig. Russ Taff climbed to number two on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

Track listing

1. Shake (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, Lynn Nichols, Dave Perkins) -4:55

2. Walk Between the Lines (Dave Perkins) -5:30

3. Believe in Love (Chris Eaton) -4:54

4. Down in the Lowlands (Charlie Peacock) -5:06

5. This Love is Strong (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, James Hollihan, Jr.) -4:52

6. I Still Believe (Michael Been, Jim Goodwin) -4:30

7. Steal Away (Traditional) -0:40

8. (Living on the) Edge of Time (James Hollihan, Jr.) -3:44

9. Higher (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, James Hollihan, Jr., John Hiatt) -4:51

10. Breathe Life into Me (Peter Vale, Mick Leesome) -5:10

11. Healing Touch (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, James Hollihan, Jr.) -4:37

Accolades

Dove Award -Rock Album of the Year (Russ Taff)

Radio singles

1987 -1988 "Walk Between the Lines" -#1 Christian AC, #1 Christian CHR

1988 "Believe in Love" -#11 Christian AC, #16 Christian CHR

1988 "Breathe Life into Me" -#11 Christian AC

1988 "Down in the Lowland" -#6 Christian CHR

1989 "I Still Believe" -#5 Christian AC, #5 Christian CHR

1989 "Healing Touch" -#38 Christian AC

Previous release: Medals (1985)

Next release: The Way Home (1989)