Chris2fer

Recorded 2024-2025

Every gay gets assigned a diva upon coming out. Some are Gagaians. Others, Madonnifers. The younger crowd may be Roaners or Grandeos. I was one of the lucky ones—I got a vocally extravagant, high-note-hitting, kind and caring religious icon.

She’s released over 30 albums and appeared on countless compilations, duets, and cantatas. She’s sold more than 11 million units. She’s sung for presidents, late-night hosts, and the nation itself (the rededication of the Statue of Liberty, July 4, 1986). With a soaring four-octave range that reaches up to an E6 (“Twinkle, Twinkle”, For My Friends, 1978), she is a cornerstone of Contemporary Christian Music.

She is Sandi Patty.

This is my second songbook of Sandi Patty recordings. Listen with headphones. Loudly. Damn your hearing—this should be experienced in all it’s glory.

Liner notes are below the downloads.

Songs and Downloads

Liner notes

We Shall Behold Him

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: The Edge of the Divine, 2010
• This is quintessential Sandi—one of her most iconic songs. This particular rendition comes from her 2010 album The Edge of the Divine, and takes it down a key or two from her original. The tradeoff is a gorgeous symphonic backing track. The high note hits an A5. Interestingly, this version didn’t include background vocals, so I borrowed them from the original recording, pitch-corrected them, and mixed them in here to add some extra dimension.

In Majesty He Will Come

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: Make His Praise Glorious, 1988
• This is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite Sandi song. It originally appeared on her album Make His Praise Glorious. During the bridge, the song seamlessly weaves in Majesty by the Gaithers—a beloved church chorus. The sweeping symphonic arrangement, powerful vocals, and soaring high notes (topping out at A♯5) all come together to create a dramatic and grand sense of, well… majesty.

Wonderful Lord

• Genre: Praise
• Album: Songs From the Heart, 1984
• This is a frothy little number that reminds me of the Carpenters a bit (probably because of the multi-track vocals). Fun, kitchy, very 80s. Sweet enough to give you a cavity.

No Other Name

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: Make His Praise Glorious, 1988
• Another gem from my favorite Sandi album. She is at the absolute height of her powers here. Interestingly, there is an earlier version of No Other Name from a compilation album called “Together We Stand”. This version is better. It closes on a breathtaking (literally) B♭5.

The Devil Is A Liar

• Genre: Disco
• Album: Sandi’s Song, 1979
• Yes—disco. Really. And honestly, this one was a blast to record. As much fun as a white, 50-year-old Mainer can possibly have singing disco originally performed by an operatic CCM soprano superstar in the late seventies.

My Tribute

• Genre: Prayer / Inspirational
• Album: Songs For The Journey, 2008
• My father used to sing this André Crouch–penned song in church. It was always quiet and introspective. Sandi’s version leans into that mood, singing just behind the beat. I took a different approach—pulling the phrasing forward, lifting the melody higher in a few places, and adding a bit more drama. I think Dad would approve.

We Will See Him As He Is

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: Songs From The Heart, 1984
• Another one of Sandi’s signature high-note, key-change extravaganzas—complete with a soaring choir and lush string section. It ends on a B♭5. I absolutely love this one.

There Is A Savior

• Genre: Prayer
• Album: Morning Like This, 1986
• This quiet selection is simple and lovely. With this one, I really leaned into the purity of the melody.

Forever Friends

• Genre: Light Pop
• Album: Sandi Patti and the Friendship Company, 1989
• This one is from Sandi’s first children’s album—back when she still spelled her last name with an “i.” It sort of feels like her answer to Michael W. Smith’s Friends. I’ve always felt the original version was missing a modulation… so I added one.

You Alone

• Genre: Anthem / Praise
• Album: Artist of My Soul, 1997
• I’ve always thought the backing choir in this track had a vibe reminiscent of the kids from Fame (the 1980 version) singing I Sing the Body Electric – there’s something wonderfully raw and unpolished about their voices. Naturally, I boosted them a bit in the track. I also made a few changes to the ad-libs in the middle section.

Glorious Morning

• Genre: Praise, Inspirational
• Album: Songs From The Heart, 1984
• Another strong entry from the Heart album, this piece reaches back to that first Easter with a sense of reverence and power. I first attempted it years ago while recording the first Sandi Patty Songbook, but found the consistently high range a bit too shrill for my voice at the time. Now, with age and a more mellow tone, it feels much more natural—and more rewarding to sing.

King of Glory

• Genre: Praise
• Album: Morning Like This, 1986
• This one’s a fun bop, no doubt about it. Lean into the synths, embrace the drum machine, and just enjoy the ride.

Crown Him With Many Crowns

• Genre: Hymn, Anthem
• Album: Hymns of Faith… Songs of Inspiration, 2004
• After recording God Bless America last time, I really wanted to explore another track from this album. Admittedly, it’s a bit “studied” for my plebeian tastes—but I couldn’t resist: a full symphony, bold horn section, jingle bells, a Mormon Tabernacle–style choir, and three different tempos. And let’s be honest—shouting “CROWN HIM! CROWN HIM!” is just plain joy.

Holy Lord / Carry On

• Genre: Prayer, Pop
• Album: Find It On The Wings, 1994
• I first sang this in a small church in Britain while on a college study-abroad trip. Our chaperone (and resident poet), Carl Winderl, told me it was fine—but that there really shouldn’t have been an electric guitar solo in the middle. You know what, Carl? You were right. I took it out, and it’s better for it. I also created and sang an original harmony part for this track. It just felt like it needed a little something more.

He’ll Never Let You Down

• Genre: Praise
• Album: Sandi’s Song, 1979
• I love the “breakdown” in this song. Also, I left Sandi’s backing vocals intact. Don’t mess with perfection, I say.

I’ll Give You Peace

• Genre: Anthem
• Album: Another Time… Another Place, 1990
• This track originally featured a children’s choir… whoops, now they’re gone. I leaned into the anthemic style of the song, letting it build beautifully on its own.

Holy Ground

• Genre: Prayer, Inspirational
• Album: Hymns of Faith… Songs of Inspiration, 2004
• This was another one of my dad’s favorite songs to sing. Between this and Tribute, I shed more than a few happy, nostalgic tears. I took this one up a couple of steps so it didnt linger in the basement.

Almighty God

• Genre: Prayer
• Album: Make His Praise Glorious, 1988
• “Who filled the sky with radiant stars to glorify the night? Who knows the path that leads up to the dwelling place of light?” This is pure poetry, and a joy to record.

Unshakeable Kingdom

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: Morning Like This, 1986
• This, We Shall Behold Him, and Upon this Rock are the trifecta of high note celebrations that personified for me who Sandi is (or was). This ends on a B5.

Upon This Rock

• Genre: Inspirational
• Album: More Than Wonderful
• This was the song Sandi performed while touring with the Gaithers at the very start of her career—and it’s arguably her signature piece. I did everything I could to honor it, right down to the soaring C6 at the end. What more can you say about Upon This Rock? It’s timeless and perfect.