The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music — #100: Evie, Mirror (1977)

Intro

Welcome to our continuing journey through The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. Today, we begin at the very start of the countdown with album #100 — Evie’s Mirror (1977). This project captured the youthful sincerity of one of Christian music’s most beloved voices and reflected the growing momentum of the CCM movement in the late 1970s. Each day on ccmprofessor.com, we’ll spotlight another album in the countdown, giving context, background, and reflection to the music that defined a generation.

The Album in Context

By 1977, Evie Tornquist had already become a household name in Christian circles. Born in Rahway, New Jersey, to Norwegian immigrant parents, Evie grew up in a bilingual household, bringing a unique cultural perspective to her music. Her clear, innocent voice carried both warmth and conviction, quickly capturing the attention of audiences in the U.S. and abroad.

Mirror showcased Evie at a pivotal moment in her career, balancing upbeat songs of joy with heartfelt ballads that resonated across denominations. The title itself—Mirror—reflected a central theme of the Christian life: seeing ourselves in light of Christ and His Word. This spiritual simplicity, presented through contemporary pop-gospel arrangements, helped bridge the gap between traditional church music and the emerging CCM genre.

Standout Songs

• “Mirror” — The title track, reminding believers to reflect Christ in their daily walk.
• “Lord, Send That Morning” — A hopeful ballad anticipating Christ’s return.
• “Four Feet Eleven” — A lighthearted, memorable cut that showcases Evie’s charm.

Together with the rest of the tracklist, these songs show why Evie’s voice and message connected so deeply with both young listeners and families.

Why It Matters

Mirror may not be as musically complex as later CCM releases, but its impact lies in accessibility and authenticity. Evie gave Christian music a friendly, approachable face—someone who sang with conviction and joy while remaining relatable and accessible. In doing so, she helped lay the groundwork for female artists in CCM who would follow in her footsteps.

What’s Next

This album is just the first stop in our journey through The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. Be sure to listen to the companion episode of the CCM Professor with Greg Rice Podcast for more insights and reflections on Mirror and the other first seven albums on the list.

Tomorrow’s blog post will feature #99 — Carman’s The Champion (1986). You won’t want to miss this dramatic, larger-than-life entry in CCM history!