The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music — #96: Steve Camp, Fire and Ice (1983)

The Album in Context

By the early 1980s, Steve Camp had already established himself as a thoughtful and passionate voice in contemporary Christian music. After earlier albums that leaned toward pop and soft rock, Fire and Ice marked a turning point—a bold statement of conviction and craft that positioned Camp as both an artist and a reformer within the CCM genre. Released in 1983 on Sparrow Records, the album showcased a high level of production and musicianship, paired with lyrics that didn’t shy away from challenging the church to a higher standard of faithfulness.

In the broader landscape of early-’80s CCM, the genre was finding its identity—balancing radio-friendly appeal with a call to spiritual depth. Artists like Keith Green, Larry Norman, and Randy Stonehill had already sounded prophetic alarms. Still, Camp’s approach was distinct: he wrapped those same convictions in a polished pop-rock sheen that appealed to both mainstream listeners and youth group faithful. Fire and Ice reflected the tension between comfort and conviction, between cultural relevance and biblical truth.

Standout Songs

• “Upon This Rock” — A stirring anthem that grounds the album in biblical foundations, reminding believers of the unshakeable truth of Christ.
• “Fire and Ice” — The title track challenges complacency with a lyrical duality: the warmth of faith versus the chill of indifference, delivered through driving rhythms and soaring vocals.
• “Living Dangerously in the Hands of God” — Perhaps the album’s defining statement, urging Christians to live with bold, radical obedience rather than safe conformity.

Why It Matters

Fire and Ice stands as one of Steve Camp’s most important works, both musically and theologically. It bridged the gap between artistry and accountability—reminding listeners that Christian music could be both sonically excellent and spiritually urgent. For many, it was a wake-up call: a soundtrack for believers unwilling to blend in with the culture around them. Its influence can be traced through later reform movements within CCM, as artists and audiences alike wrestled with the call to authenticity and truth.

What’s Next

Tomorrow, we move to #95 with DeGarmo & Key’s classic 1979 release Straight On—an album that helped set the stage for the emergence of rock-driven evangelism in Christian music. Be sure to subscribe and listen to the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice, where we’ll unpack the stories behind Fire and Ice and its lasting influence on the movement.

Soli Deo Gloria!

This post is part of the daily series, "The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music," counting down from #100 to #1.

This post is part of the series The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, celebrating the artists and recordings that defined a generation of faith-filled creativity.

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