CCM Professor

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.

Episode 4 — #86 to #80: From Pop Prayer to Post-Punk FaithGreg 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.

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 for companion blog posts, playlists, and polls — and become part of the Vision Team to help preserve the legacy of this incredible music.

"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, 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."

🎶 **Welcome to CCM Professor!** 🎶If you love the sounds of *classic* Contemporary Christian Music — the songs, the stories, and the spiritual impact — you’re in the right place.Here at **CCM Professor**, we explore the golden era of CCM, roughly from **1967 to 2001**. Through podcasts, blog posts, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes insights, we dive deep into the music that shaped a generation of believers.But this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about **faith**. Our goal is to remember and rediscover music that not only made history, but still strengthens hearts today.Whether you grew up on Andraé Crouch, Amy Grant, Petra, or Point of Grace, or you’re just discovering this powerful legacy — welcome. Let’s journey together.👉 Like the podcast, share with fellow fans, and stay tuned for new episodes and posts!#CCMProfessor #ChristianMusicHistory #FaithThroughMusic #CCM1967to2001