Russ Taff - Stuff I Like

Here’s another Stuff I Like…

I’m not saying Russ Taff’s self-titled album is the greatest CCM record ever made… but if I had to make a list, this one would be near the top.

It was 1987, and I remember exactly where I was when this gem landed. I was shocked. The lyrical depth was raw. Russ was incredibly vulnerable in these songs—they resonated with me. Every. Single. One.

The album was produced by none other than Jack Joseph Puig—a name that, if you know, you know. His work influenced so many artists, and his roster is unreal.

And the list of players? Crazy. Just a few of them:

🎸 Dann Huff (legend)

🎹 Robbie Buchanan, Alan Pasqua, Charlie Peacock

🎶 Greg & Rebecca Sparks, Steve Taylor

🎤 Lynn Nichols, Dave Perkins, Jackie Street, Mark Douthit

This album was gritty. Raw.

Russ, even then, was wrestling with the demons of his past while clinging to something greater. Songs like Walk Between the Lines, This Love is Strong, and I Still Believe carried a deep hope. While Shake, Down in the Lowlands, Living on the Edge of Time, and Healing Touch spoke of a man still healing. Still searching. Still on a journey.

I remember seeing Russ play the entire album live in a small bar in Portland, OR. It was the perfect setting—a room full of broken people, all on a journey.

Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a list of the awards and accolades this album has earned:

GMA Dove Awards (1989):

• Rock Album of the Year

• Recorded Music Packaging of the Year

Grammy Nomination:

• Best Gospel Performance, Male at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards

Chart Performance:

• Reached #2 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart

As for sales figures, specific numbers aren’t readily available, but the album’s impact and recognition speak volumes.

That’s what makes this album so special. It wasn’t just great music—it was real. It was honest. And it still holds up today.

If you’ve never listened to this one, do yourself a favor.

What’s an album that hit you at just the right time?