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The First Decade (1983-1993) is a compilation album by Christian singer -songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on October 12, 1993 by Reunion Records. This collection features songs from his first ten years of recording, from his six studio albums, not counting his Christmas or live albums. It also contains two brand new songs: the lead single "Kentucky Rose" and "Do You Dream of Me?" The latter song is co-written with Amy Grant , who also provides backing vocals. A more extensive 2-CD collection called The Wonder Years would be released the same year as The First Decade . The album topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was Gold certified in 1995. Track listing 1. Do You Dream of Me? (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Beverly Darnall) (new recording) -4:19 2. Kentucky Rose (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (new recording) -5:27 3. Picture Perfect (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Change Your World ) -3:55 4. I Will Be Here for You (Michael W. Smith, Diane Warren) (from Change Your World ) -4:35 5. Give it Away (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Change Your World ) -5:07 6. Place in This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -3:59 7. Go West Young Man (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -3:55 8. Pray for Me (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from i 2 (EYE) ) -3:54 9. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from i 2 (EYE) ) -6:27 10. Emily (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -4:19 11. Old Enough to Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from The Big Picture ) -4:48 12. Rocketown (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from The Big Picture ) -4:35 13. I Am Sure (Michael W. Smith, Mike Hudson) (from Michael W. Smith 2 ) -4:44 14. Friends (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) (from Change Your World ) -4:41 15. Great is The Lord (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) (from Michael W. Smith Project ) -2:54 Production credits Michael W. Smith -producer (tracks 3-15), co-producer (track 2) Mark Heimermann -producer (tracks 2-5) Bryan Lenox -co-producer (tracks 6, 7 and 10) Wayne Kirkpatrick -producer (tracks 8 and 9) John Potoker -producer (tracks 11 and 12) Mark Hammond -producer (track 1) RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1995. Radio singles 1993 "Kentucky Rose" -#25 Christian CHR, -# 12 Christian AC Previous release: Change Your World (1992) Next release: The Wonder Years (2-CD box set) (1993)

Change Your World is the seventh studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on August 21, 1992 by Reunion Records for the Christian market and Geffen Records for the mainstream market. Continuing the mainstream success of Smith's 1990 album Go West Young Man , Smith collaborates with prolific pop songwriter Diane Warren on the first single and music video "I Will Be Here for You," climbing to the Top 10 on the Christian charts and topping the Billboard AC chart for two weeks. The song was also Smith's final Top 30 single climbing to number 27 on the Hot 100 chart. Popular CCM recording artist and frequent collaborator Amy Grant co-wrote and performed a duet with Smith on the track "Somewhere, Somehow." Also appearing is Toby McKeehan (TobyMac) of DC Talk adding "vocal flavor" to the intro and co-writing the song "I Wanna Tell the World." A new recording of "Friends" (from Smith's 1983 debut Michael W. Smith Project ) closes the album. Smith co-produced the album with Mark Heimermann with Trace Scarborough and Scott McLeod with additional production on the song "Out of This World." The title of the album comes from the track "Love One Another." Smith was nominated for 5 Dove Awards including Artist of the Year, Pop/ Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "I Will Be Here for You." Change Your World topped the Top Christian Albums and peaked at number 86 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. The album was Gold certified in 1992 and Platinum certified in 1997. In 2001, Change Your World was named as one of CCM Magazine 's 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music listed at number 45. Smith also released a live concert video in 1993, Change Your World Live , performing songs from this album, Go West Young Man and "Secret Ambition" from i 2 (EYE) . It was recorded at the Patriot Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Track listing 1. Picture Perfect (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:00 2. Love One Another (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:55 3. I Will Be Here for You (Michael W. Smith, Diane Warren) -4:35 4. Colorblind (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Dan Huff) -5:17 5. Somewhere, Somehow (duet with Amy Grant) (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, David Foster, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:17 6. Cross of Gold (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:36 7. Out of This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Beverly Darnall, Deborah D. Smith) -4:25 8. Somebody Love Me (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:00 9. Give It Away (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:08 10. I Wanna Tell the World (Michael W. Smith, Toby McKeehan, Mark Heimermann) -4:29 11. Friends (new recording) (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:40 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1992. Platinum certified in 1997. Radio singles 1 992 "I Will Be Here for You" -#27 Billboard Hot 100, -#1 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 3 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1993 "Somebody Love Me" -#71 Billboard Hot 100, -#10 Billboard AC, -#4 Christian CHR, -#12 Christian AC 1993 "Give It Away" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, -#1 Christian AC 1993 "Picture Perfect" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, -#25 Christian AC 1994 -1995 "Cross of Gold" -#24 Christian CHR Previous release: Go West Young Man (1990) Next release: The First Decade (1983-1993) (1993) Watch the music video of "I Will Be Here for You" here: Watch the music video of "Somebody Love Me" here: Watch the full-length concert video Change Your World Live here:

i 2 (EYE) is the fourth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on August 15, 1988 by Reunion Records. i 2 (EYE)  was a step-back from the big production of Smith's previous album The Big Picture , with more radio-friendly songs. The album's highlight is "Secret Ambition," in which Smith sings about Christ's last days on Earth before His crucifixion. CCM Magazine ranked the song at number 46 in their 2006 book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music , due to its popularity as an album and concert favorite. It's still a concert favorite to this day when Smith performs it. Eight singles were released between 1988 and 1990 to promote the album and subsequent tour. Prior to that, Smith toured with Amy Grant on her Lead Me On Tour in 1988 and 1989. i 2 (EYE)  gave Smith his first number one album on the Billboard  Top Christian Albums chart in 1989 and was Gold certified in 1991. Smith once again teamed up with studio musician Wayne Kirkpatrick for songwriting and, for the first time, producing. The album was nominated for a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Male. Music videos were made for "Secret Ambition" and "I Miss the Way," with the latter winning a Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 21st GMA Dove Awards. NOTE: Stryper 's Michael Sweet and Oz Fox provided backing vocals on the track "All You're Missin' is a Heartache." Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Hand of Providence -4:33 2. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:26 3. On the Other Side -3:40 4. All You're Missin' is a Heartache -5:39 5. I Miss the Way -4:35 6. Live and Learn -6:17 7. I Hear Leesha -5:26 8. Help You Find Your Way (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez) -5:28 9. Ashton (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -3:17 10. The Throne (Michael W. Smith, Gary Moore) -6:49 11. Pray for Me -3:52 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1991. Accolades Dove Award -Short Form Music Video of the Year ("I Miss the Way") Radio singles 1988 "Pray for Me" -#2 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1988 "Help You Find Your Way" -#13 Christian CHR 1988 "Hand of Providence" -#4 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1989 "Live and Learn" -#7 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC 1989 "I Miss the Way" -#4 Christian AC 1989 "The Throne" -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 6 weeks 1989 "On the Other Side" -#3 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1990 "I Hear Leesha" -#5 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC Previous release: The Live Set (1987) Next release: Christmas (1989) Watch the music video of "Secret Ambition" here: Watch the music video of "I Miss the Way" here:

The Live Set is a 1987 live album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released by Reunion Records. This live album features songs from 1983's Michael W. Smith Project and 1986's The Big Picture plus three new songs: "Nothin' But the Blood" is a modern reworking of Robert Lowry's classic hymn "Nothing But the Blood," "I Know" is a song recorded from his Michael W. Smith - In Concert video in 1985 and was originally released as a non-album radio single in 1986 and makes its first appearance on this album and "Emily" would later receive a studio release on Smith's 1990 album Go West Young Man . The album was recorded at The Civic Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa and The Civic Center Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The band included Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez, David Huff, Mark Heimmerman and Chris Harris. A video version of the concert called The Big Picture Tour was also available commercially with additional songs not on The Live Set album. It won a Dove Award for Long Form Video of the Year in 1988. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Track listing on CD 1. Nothin' But the Blood (Robert Lowry; arranged by Michael W. Smith, Chris Harris) -3:42 2. Lamu (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -8:26 3. You're Alright (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez) -4:55 4. Could He Be the Messiah (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -5:17 5. Rocketown (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:18 6. Emily (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -3:51 7. I Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:29 8. Friends (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:05 9. Old Enough to Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:01 10. Pursuit of the Dream (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:02 11. Be Strong and Courageous (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:21 12. You Need a Savior (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -6:25 Accolades Dove Award -Long Form Music Video of the Year ( The Big Picture Tour ) Radio singles 1986 "I Know" -#1 Christian CHR for 8 weeks, -#5 Christian AC 1987 "Emily" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, #8 Christian AC 1987 -1988 "Nothin' But the Blood" -#5 Christian CHR, -#28 Christian AC 1988 "Friends" -#13 Christian CHR, -#34 Christian AC Previous release: The Big Picture (1986) Next release: i 2 (EYE) (1988) Listen to the full-length live album The Live Set here: Watch the concert video The Big Picture Tour here:

The Big Picture is the third studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released in 1986 on Reunion Records. The title comes from the track "Pursuit of the Dream," in which it is heard a few times, but also applies to the variety of themes for young people to learn about from the songs. That track instructs on pursuing goals, and other themes include the folly of escapism ("Lamu"), sexual abstinence before marriage ("Old Enough to Know") and maintaining a self image ("You're Alright"). The mostly instrumental track "Tearin' Down The Wall" opens with a reverse snippet of Amy Grant 's "Emmanuel." The album was produced by Smith and John Potoker with most of the songs written by Smith and studio musician and songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick. The Big Picture  is listed at number 21 from CCM Magazine 's 2001 book 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music . The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In 1987, Smith won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male for the album. In 1987, Smith wrote his first book, along with Fritz Ridenour, based on songs from The Big Picture for teenagers about life and relationships called Old Enough to Know, named after the track from the album. Published by Thomas Nelson. Track listing on CD All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Lamu (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:55 2. Wired for Sound -6:00 3. Old Enough to Know -4:47 4. Pursuit of the Dream -5:11 5. Rocketown -4:32 6. Voices -5:50 7. The Last Letter -4:37 8. Goin' Thru the Motions -4:55 9. Tearin' Down the Wall (instrumental) -3:35 10. You're Alright (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez) -4:36 11. Coda (hidden instrumental track) (MIchael W. Smith) -0:41 Accolades Dove Award -Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ( The Big Picture ) Radio singles 1986 "Rocketown" -#1 Christian CHR for 10 weeks, -# 1 Christian AC for 6 weeks 1986 "Wired for Sound" -#4 Christian CHR 1987 "Voices" -#19 Christian CHR, -#5 Christian AC 1987 "Old Enough to Know" -#6 Christian CHR, -#24 Christian AC Previous release: Michael W. Smith 2 (1984) Next release: The Live Set (1987)

Go West Young Man is the sixth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on October 1, 1990 by Reunion Records. This record was his first attempt at mainstream success, as it scored a Top 10 hit with the second single "Place in This World" climbing to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the summer of 1991. Smith co-wrote the song with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Amy Grant , whose own mainstream success came earlier in 1991 with her number one Billboard Hot 100 hit "Baby Baby." The fourth single "For You" was also released as a mainstream single. "Place in This World" won a Dove Award for Song of the Year given to Smith, Grant and Kirkpatrick in 1992 at the 23 GMA Dove Awards and in 2006 was listed at number 22 by CCM Magazine in their book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music . Go West Young Man topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums and made his first appearance on the Billboard 200 Albums chart climbing to number 74 by 1991, by way of Geffen Records. The album won the Dove Award for Pop/ Contemporary Album of the Year at the 22nd GMA Dove Awards and was the first recipient of the American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary New Artist and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The album was Gold certified in 1991 and Platinum certified in 2004. The praise and worship track "Agnus Dei" was first recorded by Smith on this album and later covered by the Christian rock band Third Day in 1998 on the Smith-produced various artists worship album Exodus . Third Day's version was listed at number 16 in CCM Magazine 's 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music . Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Go West Young Man -4:01 2. Love Crusade -4:23 3. Place in This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:01 4. For You (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Will Owsley) -4:10 5. How Long Will Be Too Long (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:37 6. Seed to Sow -6:14 7. Cross My Heart -4:37 8. Emily -4:17 9. Agnus Dei (MIchael W. Smith) -5:09 10. 1990 (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -1:42 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1991. Platinum certified in 2004. Accolades American Music Award -Favorite Adult Contemporary New Artist Dove Award - 1991 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ( Go West Young Man ) 1992 Song of the Year ("Place in This World" with Amy Grant and and Wayne Kirkpatrick) Radio singles 1990 "Go West Young Man" -#1 Christian CHR for 6 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1991 "Place in This World" -#6 Billboard Hot 100, -#5 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1991 "How Long Will Be Too Long" -#2 Christian CHR, -#3 Christian AC 1991 "For You" -#60 Billboard Hot 100, -#20 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 6 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1992 "Seed to Sow" -#2 Christian CHR, -#4 Christian AC 1992 "Love Crusade" -#4 Christian CHR 1992 "Cross My Heart" -#3 Christian AC Previous release: Christmas (1989) Next release: Change Your World (1992) Watch the music video of "Place in This World" here:

Against the Law is the fourth studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on August 21, 1990 by Enigma Records and Hollywood Records. The album was produced by Tom Werman. Against the Law marked a change in musical and visual direction of the band. Gone were the yellow and black spandex outfits, the bold evangelical lyrics and the original band logo with Isaiah 53:5. In their place were leather outfits, and lyrics more focused on rock n' roll and relationships, although arguably from a Christian worldview . The album sold poorly compared to the band's previous gold and platinum releases. Most Christian bookstores refused to sell the album, due to the album's subject matter. Three singles and music videos were released: "Two Time Woman," "Lady" and a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's number one hit "Shining Star" (1975 -#1 Billboard Hot 100, -#1 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs), but received minimal airplay. This was also bassist Tim Gaines' first album appearance since 1985's Soldiers Under Command that he was involved in making a Stryper album. Well-known musician and television personality Randy Jackson played bass guitar on "Shining Star" with Gaines playing bass and backing vocals on the rest of the album. Against the Law peaked at number 25 on the Top Christian Albums and number 39 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Against the Law -3:50 2. Two Tim Woman -3:41 3. Rock the People -3:35 4. Two Bodies (One Mind One Soul) -5:18 5. Not That Kind of Guy -4:00 6. Shining Star (Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn) -4:23 7. Ordinary Man -3:52 8. Lady -4:54 9. Caught in the Middle -3:49 10. All for One -4:32 11. Rock the Hell Out of You -3:36 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead guitars Tim Gaines -backing vocals on all tracks, bass guitar on tracks 1 -5, 7 -11 (Randy Jackson -bass guitar on track 6) Previous release: In God We Trust  (1988) Next release: Can't Stop the Rock  (1991) (compilation album) Watch the music video of "Two Time Woman" here: Watch the music video of "Lady" here: Watch the music video of "Shining Star" here:

In God We Trust is the fourth release and third full-length studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on June 28, 1988 by Enigma Records with distribution by Capitol Records. The band produced the album with Michael Lloyd. Released nearly two years after the successful 1986 album To Hell with the Devil , Stryper returned with In God We Trust with more melodic pop metal and ballads. The lead single "Always There for You" went to number one on the Christian Rock chart and peaking at number 4 on the Christian CHR chart, a first for a hard rock song, plus on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it peaked at number 71. Stryper's lead singer and songwriter Michael Sweet recorded his version of this song for his second solo album, Real , in 1995 and took it to number one on the Christian CHR chart. Both this song and the power ballad "I Believe in You" were MTV hits. Like To Hell with the Devil , bassist Tim Gaines was not involved in the making of this album. Gaines was only involved with touring and music video appearances. In God We Trust peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 Albums and number 5 on the Top Christian Albums charts. The album was certified Gold three months after its release for sales of half a million copies. In 1989, Stryper were the first recipients of two Dove Awards in the inaugural categories of Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year for the title song. In God We Trust was reissued in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. In God We Trust (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -3:57 2. Always There for You -4:11 3. Keep the Fire Burning -3:34 4. I Believe in You -3:18 5. The Writings On the Wall -4:17 6. It's Up 2 U -3:50 7. The World Of You and I -3:45 8. Come to the Everlife (Oz Fox) -4:08 9. Lonely -4:09 10. The Reign (Oz Fox) -2:50 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead guitars Tim Gaines who plays bass guitar only appeared on tour and on their  music videos for the album additional musicians: John Van Tongeren -keyboards Brad Cobb -bass guitar Billy Meyers -keyboards Stephen Croes -Synclavier programming RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1988. Accolades Dove Award -Hard Rock Album of the Year ( In God We Trust ) Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year ("In God We Trust") Radio singles 1988 "Always There for You" -#4 Christian CHR, -#71 Billboard Hot 100 1988 "I Believe in You" -#6 Christian CHR, -#88 Billboard Hot 100 Previous release: To Hell with the Devil  (1986) Next release: Against the Law  (1990) Watch the music video of "Always There for You" here: Watch the music video of "I Believe in You" here: Watch the live concert video Burning Flame Live in Japan 1989 here:

Soldiers Under Command is the second release and first full-length studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on August 23, 1985 by Enigma Records. The album is produced by Michael Wagener. It was the first Christian metal album to be Gold certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of half a million copies. A music video was made for the title song of the album. It was originally issued on white vinyl. Both the title song and the ballad "Together As One" were sent to Christian Rock and CHR radio, respectively. The inspiration verse for Soldiers Under Command is 2 Timothy 2:3, 4: " Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer" (New International Version). The album peaked at number 5 on the Top Christian Albums and number 84 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. In 1986, Stryper released a concert video on VHS titled Live in Japan , where they are popular in that country. Stryper performed songs from this album and their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack! The concert video was certified Platinum. That same year, the band performed live at the 17th GMA Dove Awards, making them the first Christian metal act, despite the conservatism of the ceremony where the performers and presenters are predominantly Southern Gospel. Soldiers Under Command was reissued in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Soldiers Under Command (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -5:04 2. Makes Me Wanna Sing -2:53 3. Together Forever -4:04 4. First Love -5:48 5. The Rock That Makes Me Roll -4:59 6. Reach Out (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -5:23 7. (Waiting For) A Love That's Real -4:36 8. Together As One -5:05 9. Surrender -4:30 10. Battle Hymn of the Republic (Glory, Glory Hallelujah) (Julia Ward Howe; arranged by Michael Sweet) -2:38 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, lead guitar solo on tracks 4 -7 Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, lead guitar solo on tracks 2 -6 and 9 Tim Gaines -backing vocals on all tracks, bass guitar and keyboards on all tracks, except track 8 (bass guitar and keyboards were handled by John Van Tongeren on track 8) RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1988. Radio singles 1985 -1986 "Together As One" -#3 Christian CHR, -#34 Christian AC Previous release: The Yellow and Black Attack  (EP) (1984) Next release: To Hell with the Devil  (1986) Watch the music video of "Soldiers Under Command" here: Watch the live concert video Live in Japan here:

The Yellow and Black Attack! is the debut extended play (EP) by the Christian hard rock band Stryper . It was released on July 21, 1984 by Enigma Records. The band produced the EP with Ron Goudie. The EP originally contained six songs with 20,000 copies pressed as their record label, Enigma, was unsure of the potential market for Christian metal, aside from Christian rock acts like Petra , White Heart , DeGarmo & Key and many others. CCM Magazine was slightly critical, citing production quality and the short length of the release, but commented that "Stryper has the promise of a major success story." According to Michael Sweet's autobiography, the album was re-recorded and released as an official album, after their first manager, Daryn Hinton, loaned them $100,000 to re-produce the record. The album initially sold 150,000 units in the first three weeks. After Stryper achieved major success with their second release and first full-length album, Soldiers Under Command , The Yellow and Black Attack! EP was reissued. Re-released on August 10, 1986 with an updated album cover and two additional songs, "Reason for the Season" (which was originally released on a 1985 Christmas-themed 12" single with "Winter Wonderland") and a new, mellowed-down version of "My Love I'll Always Show," which dates from their Roxx Regime days. The version recorded for The Yellow and Black Attack! featured less obvious Christian lyrics than the one to feature on The Roxx Regime Demos . The Japanese re-release of the EP also contained "Winter Wonderland" as a bonus track. A music video was made for the track "You Know What To Do." The Yellow and Black Attack!  began its climb up the albums charts in Billboard magazine in the fall of 1984 and eventually landed in the Top 10 at number 10 by the summer of 1985 on the Top Christian Albums and peaked at number 103 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart in 1986. The EP even sold well on the Japanese Albums chart in Japan, climbing to number 61. The Yellow and Black Attack! EP was reissued again in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Loud 'n' Clear -3:30 2. From Wrong to Right (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox) -3:50 3. My Love I'll Always Show -3:35 4. You Know What to Do (Stryper) -4:46 5. Co'mon Rock -3:44 6. You Won't Be Lonely -3:42 7. Loving You -4:13 8. Reason for the Season (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -6:31 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -lead guitars, backing vocals Tim Gaines -bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards Next release: Soldiers Under Command  (1985) Watch the music video of "You Know What To Do" here:

Absolutely Positively is an official compilation album by Christian singer -songwriter Kenny Marks , released on August 17, 1993 by DaySpring/Word Records. This collection contains 11 of Marks' best-known songs and album tracks, plus two new recordings of classic songs: "Friends" and "I Give It All to You" and one brand new song, "Absolutely, Positively Friends." The new recordings were produced by Marks and James Baird, commonly credited as "JB." Marks also released a video EP of the same name on VHS featuring five music videos of songs on this album. Track listing 1. Absolutely, Positively Friends (Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks) (new recording) -3:32 2. The Party's Over (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) (from Attitude ) -4:33 (*) 3. Next Time You See Johnny (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) (from Another Friday Night) -5:50 (*) 4. Make It Right (Mark Chesshir) (from Make It Right ) -4:28 5. Soul Reviver (Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks, Tom Hemby) (from Attitude ) -4:36 6. Single-Minded Love ( Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks) (from Right Where You Are ) -3:47 7. Friends (Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks, The Hummingbird Workshop) (new recording, originally from Attitude ) -5:00 8. Turn My World Around (Kenny Marks, David Martin) (from Fire of Forgiveness ) -4:01 (*) 9. White Dress (Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks) (from Make It Right ) -4:51 (*) 10. Right Where You Are (Paul Smith, Keith Thomas) (from Right Where You Are ) -4:11 11. Running On Love (Steve Forbert) (from Another Friday Night ) -3:44 12. Like a Father Should Be (duet with Kim Hill) (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) (from Fire of Forgiveness ) -3:22 13. I'll Be a Friend to You (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) (from Another Friday Night ) -3:11 (*) 14. I Give It All to You (Tom Hemby) (new recording, originally from Follow Him ) -4:25 (*) -music video available on the VHS of Absolutely Positively Production credits Kenny Marks -producer (tracks 1, 7, 8, 12 and 14) James Baird -producer (tracks 1, 7 and 14) Bubba Smith -producer (tracks 2 -5, 8, 9, 11 -13) Keith Thomas -producer (tracks 6 and 10) Radio singles 1993 " Absolutely, Positively Friends" -#14 Christian CHR Previous release: Fire of Forgiveness  (1992) Next release: World Gone Mad  (1995)

Fire of Forgiveness is the sixth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Kenny Marks , released on February 19, 1992 by DaySpring/Word Records. Marks co-produced the album with Bubba Smith. The opening title track subtitled "Ashes of Love," comes to a conclusion on Johnny and Jeannie (previously heard on tracks "The Party's Over" and "Next Time You See Johnny") as Marks sings, from Johnny's point of view, about his life and all the wrong he has done as he reflects his life and the lessons Johnny has learned, especially about forgiveness. Overall, Fire of Forgiveness takes on a more mature, adult perspective on the same family-oriented issues Marks had been addressing to the youth on previous albums. Tracks like "Someone to Come Home To," "Promises to Keep" and "Forever Love" all deal with marital commitment. "1932" is about Marks' father immigrating to America from Yugoslavia (now known as Serbia and Montenegro). A tribute to Marks' father, as well as other fathers, is heard on the duet track "Like a Father Should Be" featuring Christian recording artist Kim Hill . A music video was made for the further single "Turn My World Around." It was filmed on location at Moscow's Red Square in Russia. Marks went with the teen ministry Teen Mania on a mission trip to spread the word of God to the Russian people. Fire of Forgiveness debuted and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Track listing 1. Fire of Forgiveness (Ashes of Love) ( Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) -5:39 2. When Love Comes Clean (Lee Domann) -4:31 3. I Need a Savior (Kenny Marks, Mark Chesshir) -3:17 4. Turn My World Around (Kenny Marks, David Martin) -4:01 5. Someone to Hold On To (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) -5:04 6. Promises to Keep (Pamela Marks, Leonard Ahlstrom, Dennis Dearing) -4:14 7. 1932 (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) -3:34 8. Like a Father Should Be (duet with Kim Hill) (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) -3:22 9. Tell Me You Love Me (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia) -3:08 10. Forever Love (Kenny Marks, Phil Maderia, George Cocchini) -2:52 Radio singles 1992 "I Need a Savior" -#22 Christian AC 1992 "Like a Father Should Be" (with Kim Hill) -#22 Christian CHR, -#12 Christan AC 1992 "Turn My World Around" -#8 Christian CHR Previous release: Another Friday Night  (1989) Next release: Absolutely Positively  (1993) (compilation album) Watch the music video of "Turn My World Around" here: