#86 to #80: From Pop Prayer to Post-Punk Faith

The 100 Greatest Christian Albums (#79–#73)

In this episode of The CCM Professor, Greg Rice continues The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music countdown, spotlighting albums #79–#73. From Twila Paris’s reverent worship to Kirk Franklin’s groundbreaking gospel debut, this episode explores how Christian music grew deeper, bolder, and more culturally influential.

#86 to #80: From Pop Prayer to Post-Punk Faith

Episode 4 — #86 to #80: From Pop Prayer to Post-Punk Faith Greg Rice explores seven pivotal albums in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music: Jaci Velasquez’s bilingual pop, Delirious?’s revival rock, Lost Dogs’ literate Americana, LSU’s raw post-punk honesty, The 77s’ art-pop precision, Cindy Morgan’s piano-pop reinvention, and Jennifer Knapp’s acoustic grit. Courage, confession, and craft reshaped modern faith music. Follow and rate ★★★★★ to keep the countdown going.

Episode 3: Deep Dive — #93 to #87 in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music

Welcome to Episode 3 of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice Podcast! In this episode, Greg continues the journey through The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music with seven defining releases that shaped the heart, sound, and scope of Contemporary Christian Music. From the live unity of How the West Was One to Amy Grant’s groundbreaking Age to Age, Resurrection Band’s gritty Awaiting Your Reply, and Jon Gibson’s soulful Jesus Loves Ya, these albums reveal how faith found new ways to sing through every genre. Greg also explores Trin-i-tee 5:7’s sleek gospel debut, the bold witness of Stryper’s To Hell With the Devil, and the breathtaking grandeur of Sandi Patty’s Morning Like This. Together, these records mark a season when Christian music came of age—bold, joyful, and unashamed. Join the countdown at ccmprofessor.com for companion blog posts, playlists, and deeper dives into the stories behind each of The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.

Episode 2: Deep Dive — #100 to #94 in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music

In this episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice Podcast, we dig deeper into the first seven albums of the countdown — from Evie’s Mirror (1977) to Michael English’s stunning 1991 debut. Greg Rice takes listeners behind the songs and stories that helped define the early years of Contemporary Christian Music. Rediscover the joy of Evie, the drama of Carman, the rock edge of Petra and DeGarmo & Key, the worshipful soul of Crystal Lewis, the conviction of Steve Camp, and the unmatched voice of Michael English. These albums not only shaped a genre — they shaped lives and faith journeys that continue today. Albums Featured: * #100 — Evie – Mirror (1977) * #99 — Carman – The Champion (1986) * #98 — Petra – More Power To Ya (1982) * #97 — Crystal Lewis – The Bride (1993) * #96 — Steve Camp – Fire and Ice (1983) * #95 — DeGarmo & Key – Straight On (1979) * #94 — Michael English – Michael English (1991) Join Greg as he reflects on the sound, spirit, and cultural impact of these albums — and get ready for the next installment in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music countdown. Visit ccmprofessor.com [https://ccmprofessor.com] for companion blog posts, playlists, and polls — and become part of the Vision Team to help preserve the legacy of this incredible music.

The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music: Introduction (#100–94)

"Welcome to the very first episode of the CCM Professor with Greg Rice Podcast! In this inaugural episode, Greg introduces the journey through The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, beginning with the first seven albums — from Evie’s Mirror (1977) to Michael English’s debut (1991). This episode offers a high-level overview of albums #100–94, laying the groundwork for future in-depth explorations of the songs, stories, and legacies of the artists who defined the golden era of Contemporary Christian Music. Each of these albums will also be featured as daily blog posts at ccmprofessor.com [https://ccmprofessor.com], so you can follow along with written reflections and share your own memories. Join us as we celebrate the music that defined a generation of believers — and still inspires today."