The band recorded their first album Playing in the City in 1981 at Chapel Lane Studios just outside Hereford.
This was a bold attempt to produce CR recordings that matched professional secular standards and also raise Christian rock's profile.
Barratt Band was featured on Larry Norman's 1981 live Friends on Tour album, along with Alwyn Wall.
In their own right they embarked on smaller club tours, the highlight being the 1982 Greenbelt Festival held at Knebworth, where they headlined the closing night.
Larry Tomaso replaced Tim Hatwell on bass in 1982 and the band appeared on numerous tours and albums supporting or backing some of the top CR artists of the day from the US and UK, including Larry Norman, Steve Camp, Phil Keaggy, Jesse Dixon and Sheila Walsh.