#8: Leslie Phillips — The Turning (1987)
Art-rock reinvention—dark-hued textures, poetic lyrics, and the seismic shift that marked Phillips’ transformation into Sam Phillips.
Intro
Appearing in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, The Turning (1987) stands as a deeply influential and beloved project. Its blend of craft, conviction, and emotional resonance has shaped listeners and artists for generations.
The Album in Context
This album arrived at a moment of musical and spiritual transition. Artists were stretching creative boundaries, embracing new sonic languages, and deepening the emotional honesty of their writing. This record reflects that cultural and artistic restlessness, balancing innovation with timeless spiritual themes.
Within Christian music, the album helped expand expectations—showing that faith-driven art could be sophisticated, poetic, bold, and culturally engaged.
Standout Songs
- “River of Love” — A defining track that encapsulates the album’s voice and artistic center.
- “Black and White in a Grey World” — A listener favorite whose arrangement and lyric continue to resonate.
- “The Turning” — A cornerstone moment that anchors the project’s enduring legacy.
Why It Matters
Artistically, this album remains a benchmark—rich in musicality, emotional depth, and spiritual insight. Its impact extends far beyond its release year, influencing multiple generations of worship leaders, songwriters, and Christian creatives.
Historically, it marks a turning point (or in the case of Honorable Mentions, a defining supplement) that broadened the scope of Christian music’s reach and artistic credibility.
What’s Next
The countdown now moves into its final stretch. Be sure to join the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice as we prepare to reveal the top entries of this landmark 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: | Leslie Phillips |
| Album: | The Turning |
| Year Released: | 1987 |
| Record Label(s): | Myrrh |
| Producer(s): | T-Bone Burnett |
Previous Post in the series:
#9: DC Talk – Free AT Last (1992)
Next in the series:
#7: Rich Mullins – The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume I (1991)
Listen to “The Turning” on Spotify
You can listen below or click here to purchase the entire album.
Leslie Phillips: The Turning is available for purchase on Amazon.
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