Songs is a compilation of well-known songs by American singer-songwriter Rich Mullins, released on July 30, 1996. It was the last album to be released by Mullins before his death in a car accident on September 19, 1997. A follow-up hits compilation, Songs 2, was released in 1999.
The album featured three new recordings: new versions of the previously recorded songs "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" and "Elijah", and a brand new track, "We Are Not as Strong as We Think We Are". In addition, the album featured the full-length radio single version of "Screen Door," which had been commercially unavailable prior to this release.
In 2001, Songs was certified as a Gold record (500,000 units sold) by the RIAA.
The album was nominated for "Recorded Music Packaging" of the year at the 1997 Dove Awards.
Personnel (new songs)
Rich Mullins – lead vocals
Reed Arvin – acoustic piano, string arrangements (1)
Blair Masters – keyboards
Jerry McPherson – guitars
David Cleveland – additional guitars (1, 9)
Kenny Greenberg – additional guitars (5)
Mark Hill – bass
Chris McHugh – drums
Carl Gorodetzky – string contractor (1)
Lisa Cochran – backing vocals
Michael Mellett – backing vocals
Production
Don Donahue – executive producer
Reed Arvin – producer (1–7, 9–16), additional engineer (1, 5, 9)
Rich Mullins – producer (8)
The Ragamuffin Band – producers (8)
Tom Laune – engineer (1, 5, 9), mixing (1, 5, 9)
Doug Sarrett – string engineer (1), additional engineer (1, 5, 9)
Hank Williams – mastering at MasterMix, Nashville, Tennessee
James Waddell – production assistant
Diana Lussenden – art direction, design
Ben Pearson – photography
Recorded at OmniSound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Engineered and Mixed at Battery Studios, Nashville, Tennessee