I collect gospel and CCM from the 1960s through the 1980s. Most specifically everything released on Word Records and all their sub-labels. This casts a very wide genre net, perhaps outside the intention of the OP.
In the traditional sense of religious music I would suggest "Spirituals In Concert" featuring Kathleen Battle & Jesse Norman. This album is in my, "If I had to pick 10 CDs to take with me to be be stranded on a desert island" list.
The Gospel category is wide and deep, but for people unfamiliar and looking for variety I strongly suggest Shirley Cesar’s album "Rejoice", especially the track, "Satan You’re a Liar".
For 80’s mainstream contemporary christian music definitely listen to Jon Gibson, any album will do, his Hits compilation that came out in 1991 is a good entry point.
For artist cross over albums Dylan's is obvious, but I greatly prefer Mark Farner's christian album, "Some Kind of Wonderful".
In the traditional sense of religious music I would suggest "Spirituals In Concert" featuring Kathleen Battle & Jesse Norman. This album is in my, "If I had to pick 10 CDs to take with me to be be stranded on a desert island" list.
The Gospel category is wide and deep, but for people unfamiliar and looking for variety I strongly suggest Shirley Cesar’s album "Rejoice", especially the track, "Satan You’re a Liar".
For 80’s mainstream contemporary christian music definitely listen to Jon Gibson, any album will do, his Hits compilation that came out in 1991 is a good entry point.
For artist cross over albums Dylan's is obvious, but I greatly prefer Mark Farner's christian album, "Some Kind of Wonderful".