10 Mylon LeFevre Songs You Need to Hear
Mylon LeFevre died on September 8th at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer. This won’t be an in-depth tribute to Mylon, his life, and career. Maybe we will try to put one of those together later on. For now, we simply want to do our best to help as many people as possible listen to his music.
Mylon LeFevre was a pioneer of Christian rock. He and his band, Broken Heart, paved the trails that the artists of today walk on so easily. We do ourselves a disservice if we forget all those musicians and artists who did the truly hard work of creating a space for popular Christian music. They faced antagonism from inside and outside of the church. Mylon LeFevre was a vital player in bringing the world of contemporary music to the church and he did so by being true to his heritage, his faith, and his artistry.
What follows are songs that span the peak of his career in Christian music. This isn’t a top ten list. It’s not a favorites list either. Instead, I’ve tried to include a good sampling of the various sounds and styles he employed throughout his time on the CCM scene. We’ve included a Spotify playlist with these ten songs plus a number of other memorable Mylon tunes.
The Music of Mylon LeFevre
Without Him (1963)
Mylon wrote this song when he was 17 years old. It has been covered hundreds of times by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley. This song put him on the map and became the biggest hit of his life. It brought him success and money and those things would lead him away from God for a time. He eventually found his way back to Jesus and spent the rest of his life singing and teaching as many people as he could that without Jesus, he could do nothing. This song is his legacy. And what a legacy it is!
Crack the Sky (1987)
The best song off one of Mylon and Broken Heart’s most popular albums. The pounding drum intro catches your attention right off the bat. Thankfully, the rest of the song holds up its end of the bargain.
Morning Star (1985)
One of the things I have always appreciated about Mylon’s music, is his clear devotion to his Savior. Knowing his story, the highs and lows, these songs all land a little harder. At its heart, “Morning Star” is a song of praise for life that has been radically transformed.
Love God, Hate Sin (1987)
In my opinion, this is not one of Mylon and Broken Heart’s best song, but it one of their most popular and well-known songs, so I have to include it. It does have a fantastic driving energy to it so I can see why it was such a big hit for them.
More (Of Jesus) (1983)
“More” is a gentle and meditative prayer of surrender. It’s beautiful, simple, and completely without pretention.
Free Man (1983)
Early in the 1980’s, Christian music executives were still not entirely sold on the whole rock and roll thing. Mylon LeFevre’s first album was a pretty subdued affair. His second studio album, More, was mostly more of the same, no pun intended. But for a few brief moments, Mylon was able to convince the execs to let him loose. “Free Man” is the best example of an unleashed Mylon. This song is energetic and rocks in every way you could possibly want. After this album, Mylon was allowed to stretch his artistic legs a whole lot more.
Falling in Love (1989)
From what I believe is their strongest album, Big World, we get the best song from that album. “Falling in Love” is a rock song, through and through. It’s melodic, up-tempo, and has one of my all-time favorite guitar solos.
Heaven (1990)
I realize this song has a strong “Money for Nothing” vibe going on, but maybe that is why I like it so much. But as a kid who had not heard much of Dire Straights when I first heard “Heaven”, I was captivated by the guitar tone and the rock and roll swagger. To be honest, I still am.
Sixteen (1988)
Maybe Mylon and Broken Heart’s most perfectly constructed song. It’s not my favorite or even their best but it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. It’s a late 80’s pop rock song. Fast paced verses with a beautifully melodic chorus. Plus, the guitar work, including the solo, is everything you would want – it adds to the song instead of trying to hog all the spotlight. But what makes the song work so well is the final 75 seconds or so. Just pure 80’s rock goodness. Inject this into my veins.
I Will Rejoice (1985)
Probably my favorite Mylon song. The intro itself is a thing of beauty. Not sure why artists don’t do stuff like this anymore. It’s ambitious in scope, aiming for the heavens. I think it reaches them.
Closing thoughts on Mylon LeFevre’s music
That’s my list. I’m sure every Mylon fan has their own. We would love to read about your favorite Mylon songs and albums. Please post them in the comment section or at any of our social media profiles. Thanks for reading and listening.
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Mylon Lefevre,
I will always love and miss you and your awesome music that I grew up under, as a teenager in the 80’s.
Your Sister in Christ,
Angela Stoker
Especially as a major metalhead, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that feels that way about Falling in Love’s guitar solo.