#31: Rich Mullins — Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth (1988)
Hammered dulcimer hymns and ragamuffin honesty—intimate worship shaped by deep poetic reflection.
Intro
Appearing in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth (1988) represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of faith-driven music. The project blends craft, conviction, and cultural awareness in ways that continue to ripple across generations.
The Album in Context
Each track on this album showcases intentional production, thoughtful songwriting, and performances shaped by an era hungry for authenticity. The sonic palette—whether built on rock, pop, folk, or worship foundations—reveals artists deeply committed to pairing scriptural truth with musical excellence.
Within the broader CCM movement, this album helped define its decade, influencing emerging musicians, shaping radio formats, and expanding the emotional and theological vocabulary available to Christian artists.
Standout Songs
- “Awesome God” — A defining track capturing the heart and sonic identity of the record.
- “If I Stand” — A listener favorite that balances artistry and spiritual resonance.
- “Such a Thing As Glory” — A cornerstone song whose message continues to inspire and challenge.
Why It Matters
Artistically, the album exemplifies the best of its era—innovative arrangements, memorable melodies, and vocals that carry emotional and spiritual weight. Its influence echoes through modern worship, radio pop, and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Historically, it helped widen the reach and legitimacy of Christian music, demonstrating that faith-centered art could be both commercially compelling and spiritually profound.
What’s Next
Tomorrow on The Greatest CCM Christmas Albums special countdown, we begin the seasonal journey with CR9 – Wayne Watson, One Christmas Eve (1994). Don’t miss the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice, where we explore how this quiet, worship-centered Christmas album set the tone for the entire series.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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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Album Details
| Artist: | Rich Mullins |
| Album: | Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth |
| Year Released: | 1988 |
| Record Label(s): | Reunion |
| Producer(s): | Reed Arvin |
Previous Post in the series:
#33: Steven Curtis Chapman – The Great Adventure (1992)
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Listen to “Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth” on Spotify
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Rich Mullins: Winds Of Heaven, Stuff Of Earth is available for purchase on Amazon.
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