Description
Wired for Sound is a multi-artist compilation featuring music by ten of the leading pop-rock artists signed to Word Records, released on A&M Records in 1987.
In January 1985, Word Records announced that it had entered into a distribution agreement with A&M Records, and May the same year Amy Grant’s Unguarded was released in the mainstream music market by A&M. Unguarded had some success, for a Christian album lots of success – the single “Find a Way” entered Billboard’s Top 40, a feat never before accomplished by an artist signed to a Christian music industry label. Soon more CCM artists were to follow in the footsteps of Amy Grant.
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. Russ Taff – “I’m Not Alone” – 4:22 (from the album Medals)
A2. Kim Boyce – “Love Resurrection” – 4:09 (from the album Kim Boyce)
A3. The Choir – “Render Love” – 4:45 (from the album Diamonds and Rain)
A4. Sheila Walsh – “Big Boy Now” – 3:54 (from the album Shadowlands)
A5. Michael W. Smith – “Wired For Sound” – 6:00 (from the album The Big Picture)
Side Two
B1. Randy Stonehill – “Get Together” – 3:49 (from the album The Wild Frontier)
B2. Greg X. Volz – “The River Is Rising” – 5:16 (from the album The River is Rising)
B3. Chris Eaton – “When My Heart Breaks” – 4:46 (from the album Vision)
B4. The Imperials – “Let The Wind Blow” – 5:02 (from the album Let the Wind Blow)
B5. Leslie Phillips – “Your Kindness” – 4:00 (from the album Black and White in a Grey World)
Note: Simultaneously released on 12-inch vinyl LP and CD by A&M Records.
Liner notes featured on the back of the LP sleeve:
Russ Taff – “I’m Not Alone” from the album Medals
Produced by Jack Joseph Puig and Russ Taff.
Talk about being wired for sound: one of Russ’ recent concerts was simultaneously satellite-beamed to over 1200 different halls across the Western Hemisphere. His first solo album after leaving The Imperials brought Russ his first Grammy award. We bring you this from his second album Medals.
Kim Boyce – “Love Resurrection” from the album Kim Boyce
Produced by Brian Tankersley.
At 25, this Florida performer already “has enough spunk to redefine fun” (Newsound). On her debut album, Kim redefines this Alison Moyet hit, working with Amy Grant and Russ Taff band members to bring its positive message all the way home.
The Choir – “Render Love” from the album Diamonds and Rain
Produced by Charlie Peacock.
Southern Californians Steve Hindalong (drums) and Derald Daugherty (guitar) recorded this track in England where they appeared before a crowd of 30,000 at The Greenbelt Festival. CCM described the results as “enjoyable, thoughtful and accessible.” L.A. Times writer Chris Willman finds the band “challenging listeners and well as edifying them.”
Sheila Walsh – “Big Boy Now” from the album Shadowlands
Produced by Barry Blue.
For three BBC-TV seasons, 5 million Britishers spent Sunday nights with this Scottish singer and her own weekly rock series. Before moving to Southern California, this Grammy-nominated performer taped this song live at London’s Hammersmith Odeon Theatre as part of her Shadowlands home video.
Michael W. Smith – “Wired For Sound” from the album The Big Picture
Produced by Michael W. Smith and John Potoker.
The song from which this sampler takes its name is a multi-textured rock anthem that’s easy to plug into. The chief reason is Michael himself, a familiar face and songwriter name on the Amy Grant tours as well as on his own Grammy-honored albums.
Randy Stonehill – “Get Together” from the album The Wild Frontier
Produced by Dave Perkins.
This performing veteran returns to his role as pioneer with an album of “no holds-barred rock ‘n roll” (Newsound). You can practically hear Randy’s palms sweat on this hard-edged update if the Youngbloods’ brotherhood rock classic of the ’60s.
Greg X. Volz – “The River Is Rising” from the album The River Is Rising
Produced by Jonathan David Brown and Greg X. Volz.
For eight years, Greg fronted Billboard’s longtime #1 Inspirational Group, Petra. This song comes from the album that’s given us the first chance to appreciate his four octave range solo. His new band Pieces Og Eight includes former Paul McCartney & Wings drummer Joe English.
Chris Eaton – “When My Heart Breaks” from the album Vision
Produced by Brown Bannister and Jack Joseph Puig.
Computerized special effects add suspense to this melody-driven ballad written by this noted songwriter and emerging performer. Chris is the Britisher who has written songs that have become hits for Janet Jackson, Cliff Richard and Amy Grant.
The Imperials – “Let The Wind Blow” from the album Let the Wind Blow
Produced by Brown Bannister.
A trend-setting vocal quartet for 23 years. The Imperials have an alumni list that includes producer Michael Omartian, Peter Cetera, Donna Summer and country star Larry Gatlin. The current line-up’s performance of this Eagles-like song of hope is representative of the kind of energy that’s blown four Grammy awards their way.
Leslie Phillips – “Your Kindness” from the album Black and White in a Grey World
Produced by Dan Posthuma.
After seeing Leslie live, one critic reported that she “sings like Pat Benatar and dances like Sheila E.” Here’s a more contemplative view from her own Grammy-nominated album, a reaffirming ballad about forgiveness and second chances.
An ad featured in Billboard Magazine October 11, 1986, listing Word Records signed artists distributed by A&M Records.
Pictured in the magazine ad above is some of the most popular artists in 1988 signed to Myrrh Records, the main contemporary label of Word Records, the world’s largest gospel record company.
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