Christian Music

This is a great CD that mostly anyone can enjoy especially the younger generation like me if you like gospel music.

This is a GREAT CD! I recommend that everyone purchase this CD. It's encouraging & uplifting. You will be BLESSED by this CD.

Your spirit will be lifted up with this outstanding music. Whatever you are going through, know that this cd will lift you up!

I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING CARLTON PEARSON DOES...AND SHIRLEY CAESAR BLEW THE DOORS OFF THE PLACE....WHERE ELSE COULD YOU GET A CD WITH TWO PEOPLE WITH SUCH ANNOINTING....AGAIN I DECLARE THIS ONE A MUST HAVE....

It was totally all that I expected. I love Bishop Pearson's singing and passionate retelling of memories. I wish I could get a copy of a sermon by him. He is awesome and can't wait to hear more by him! 100 stars.

This recording is awesome!!! Just when I think Carlton can't possibly top the last release; he does. I had forgotten many of the songs we Bapticostals sang while marching in on Sunday mornings! What a blessing.

I've been wondering and waiting on Montreal. Ever since I read some years ago about a concert performance of Mahler's Das Lied Von Der Erde with the fabulous Ewa Podles in the alto part. What a reading that would be, I imagined. Now we do get this late-penned symphony/song cycle by Mahler from Montreal - not led by Charles Dutoit or Yoav Talmi or Yannick Nezet-Seguin, but by Kent Nagano. What we get on this disc is consistent with Nagano's more objective, cool way with the composer. Just check out his other Mahler readings - Mahler Third Symphony (Peckova), Mahler Eighth Symphony - or even give him a spin in Berlioz (Les nuits d'ete), Bruckner (3,4,6), or Olivier Messiaen.

What you will hear is a cool yet detailed grasp of large musical canvases. Nothing much slighted but nothing much exaggerated or over-heated either. Going all the way back to Erich Leinsdorf and George Szell, Nagano walks contentedly in paths of clear-eyed, musical restraint. When it comes to Mahler, Nagano is the anti-Bernstein. Certainly this DLVDE is cool antipode to Bernstein's famous hothouse reading in Vienna (James King tenor, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau baritone). In the Vienna Bernstein we pretty much get every possible caress and inflection of the musical line, ripe and rich in musical texture, and hot, hot, hot with every last drop of the steamy-nostalgic emotional expressiveness that either Mahler or Bernstein could bear to wring from the modern orchestra. Here we get that same, wonderful, modern big band - cool, lush in musical tonal colors, detailed.

This Mahler is all present, but he is not a show-off in any sense of those terms.

Tempos are steady and well-judged. Nagano is not just metronomically routine, clocking his way through, tick tock tick tock, while he waits unmoved for the last notes to arrive so that he can speed on to the next musical paragraphs. He breathes with the music and with his singers and his players, though not in any way which calls attention to his tempo or manners.

Breathing with the singers is not something I felt I could anticipate being able to take for granted with Nagano. I've heard the power-conducting disaster that was Nagano leading in the complete Warner set of Puccini's Boheme. What otherwise would have become a recording of the century - Richard Leech and Kiri Te Kanawa singing their considerable hearts out? - became a singer's indiscreet war for survival every time Nagano bore down the Puccini tracks with his band locomotive going full tilt, and take no vocal prisoners. Well. Nobody's musically perfect; but that Puccini was a sad disaster.

What about the singers here?

Our tenor is Klaus Florian Vogt. Our baritone is Christian Gerhaher. Vogt hails from the Holstein region of Germany. He's already essaying big Wagner parts (Lohengrin, Meistersinger, Der Ringen), even at Bayreuth. He's being tagged then, as the next, arrived big Wagnerian Heroic Tenor. Gerhaher also comes from Germany, having studied in Munich where he now also teaches voice. Before going entirely for music, Gerhaher finished degrees in philosophy (Munich) and medicine (Rome). He is becoming well-known for his lieder recitals, and several Schubert lieder recordings have won praise and acclaim. He is also doing opera, having sung Papageno under Sir Colin Davis while still in Munich.

I must say that I like Vogt very much. He may be a candidate for Heldentenor, but he is above all a voice, a singer. His approach to melody and phrasing reminds me of Sandor Konya, who recorded Lohengrin under Leinsdorf. His voice is not going to roar down on us like a Mack truck or split the instrumental walls of Mahler's band in two - like, say, James King or Jon Vickers? Think of Ben Heppner, instead? Vogt wants to always be a singer, not a belter. He is to be commended, then, for not taking anybody up on any invitation to push his voice, just for the sake of sounding more heroic than musical. One dearly hopes he keeps up his wise, vocal resistance to these showmanship pressures.

Gerhaher is close kin, vocally. He maintains his song-styled focus throughout all his Mahler assignments, and never, ever goes operatic. We could find no better example of Gerhaher's song styling than the really big moment in the last movement, where the singer re-enters after some poignant interluding by the orchestra. When it came to that moment in the Vienna Bernstein reading, the engineers suddenly spot-miked Fischer-Dieskau so that his lone voice would seem superman sized, and able to soar high above the orchestra.

Coming to that passage, Nagano and Gerhaher simply have no need to go for broke. Gerhaher comes in, less than full voice, staying true to himself vocally as lied singer.

If we want samples from Vogt, we can start with the very first sung notes. His drinking song of earth's sorrows is not falling down drunk, staggering through the music's interval leaps. Vogt phrases his way all through, never lurching. Same vocal style typifies his way with the springtime drunkard's song about the frailty and transience of earth's beauties. His touch in describing those friends in the Jade green pavilion is deft.

Nagano is right with his soloists, start to finish, though each daunting symphonic and vocal movement. He has no need to bear down on the orchestra, no need to underline those intoxicated Mahler brass fanfares, or to lean into the woodwinds frequent sighs and laments, or to gild the many waving bamboo green shoots or roses or lilies of all the strings' tone painting. Mahler comes across as a cool customer indeed; yet Nagano never seems fatally distanced or uninvolved, even if he is not busy italicizing the musical narratives all that intensely.

Now I am a long-time fan of the big, sweeping approach in Mahler. I will hardly remove my copy of Bernstein in Vienna with Fischer-Dieskau and James King from my shelves. Nor the contralto or mezzo versions with beloved singers like Maureen Forrester, Christa Ludwig, Janet Baker, Jesseye Norman, Mildred Miller, Yvonne Minton, provided with very good vocal company by tenors like Richard Lewis, and others. I have plenty of space to appreciate all those different readings.

And yes. I am still waiting for my own personal Dream Team updated, probably Richard Leech with Ewa Podles? In super audio surround sound? Conducted by, maybe, Fabio Luisi in Dresden?

Truly I'm still making up my mind, yet my suspicion is that I will keep Nagano, Vogt, and Gerhaher in my shelf mix. Part of the ongoing appeal is the lush and beautiful tonal colors, still innate to the Montreal band. They are still verdant, even if responding to Nagano's cooler manners. Part of the appeal is the vocal integrity, the subtlety from Vogt. I think his refusing to belt will wear well over the long term. I initially had some passing reservations about Gerhaher, listening on headphones. I thought I heard a momentary vibrato that I wasn't sure I could stomach on repeated plays; happily this is less prominent on home listening, and I am completely reassured. I do miss the contralto or mezzo lift the women usually manage, especially in the last great Farewell song. I do suspect that Gerhaher will convince me in the long run, too, since he is staying true to his voice and style, fitted so well with Vogt as tenor, and meshing so well with Nagano as the recording session's master of limpidity. The only improvement I can suggest for this approach to Mahler might be: Yo, KN, let yourself go a bit sometimes, especially when you have a band like Montreal. Bravo, all round. Ah, Montreal, you still got chops. Five (cool, lush, detailed) stars.

This was a wonderful purchase. This CD is very uplifting and one of her better ones. Well worth the money

I bought this CD because the Church was singing "What Love" and I needed the lyrics. I am pleasantly surprised. The entire CD is wonderful.

If you have got other CD's of Vickie winans,this one is a must.
If you don't know her or have never heard her, you will be Blessed! The anointing is Great! and Powerful.This CD will set you free to Worship.Find this CD when you can, and put it into your CD Collection Today.I recommend for all Gospel singers,ministeries, or choir directors interested or searching for another CD or project, this is it!

Mark Miller

When you listen to the dynamic sounds that the Lord has blessed Vickie with, you can't help but move. This CD has truly blessed me. I can just sit and listen to it, over and over again. I find comfort in the beautifully arranged sounds of Safe in His Arms, for truly we are safe, and He keeps us day after day. Vickie exhibits so much energy on this CD, that you can't help but pat your foot,clap your hands, and give God the highest of all praises. I look forward to seeing just how awesome your next project will be. Thanks for blessing me, and may God continue to bless you.

Best I've ever heard, especially the song Oh What Love. I had the cassette, it was destroyed in the car from the heat and can't get another Live in Detriot, (cassette tape). I would love to know how I could order this especially if you have a the longer version of Oh What Love.

Excellent music and I would buy it again.
Sara in NC

Truly enjoyed this CD, Vestal was at her best. Anyone who truly loves Southern Gospel music and the Goodmans should purchase this CD

Vestal and Howard Goodman. These names ring a bell to those of us who grew up listening to the Happy Goodmans. These 2 people are SO special. All of the songs on this cd I know are special to them. I feel I have known Vestal all my life. The song Friends is really special to me in such a way that-it reminds me that-we all have at least one earthly very special friend. But, we also have a Heavenly Father who wants to be our friend also. My favorite words in this song are,"..you just love me, and you pray for me-thats a friend." That IS a friend. God is our friend. We know that. And even with all the troubles this life may bring, one thing two special people said has always kept me going,"Lord, I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now!"

this was purchased for a gift for my father. he requested a specific song by the group and your company made it easy for me to track down the right cd. he was so excited to be able to hear this music again. thank you for making his (and my) holiday special this year.

This album is the BEST! I love to hear the couple that have been married for 50 years sing. Vestal is the greatest. She is my favorite gospel singer. If you don't have this album, make sure you get it soon! Love ya Vestal!!!!

I love this CD! I bust it out every Fall. It compliments the season well. Whether on my drive to work as the sun is coming up over the horizon, or on long trips late on into the night. I am a huge fan of Newsboys and equally a fan of this type of music. Must buy for the collection.

This album rocks. I love it. I have bought it and given it away five times now. Everyone who I play it for loves the music.

I suppose I should start this review by telling you what Newsboys Remixed is not. It's not an album full of new songs--in fact, there's not a single new song on the album, which consists entirely of remixes of Newsboys songs. Likewise, this isn't a typical pop-rock album by Newsboys. If anything, it sounds more like techno. What this album is, then, is a series of new takes on well-known Newboys singles, each one of them well-crafted and thoroughly listenable.

These aren't subtle changes either. The remix of "It Is You" begins with a deep-voiced man singing, "Lord is my shepherd...he restores my soul". Not exactly what you heard on the original version of the track. In fact, you won't hear anything from the original "It Is You" until a minute and a half has passed. The entire album feels less like remakes of old songs than new songs which happen to borrow material from older songs. This is hardly a bad thing, though--as Newsboys broke from their old styles in albums like Love Liberty Disco and Step Up to the Microphone, so they do here, and the results are fascinating. Carefully interweaved synth parts, samples, and elements from the original songs produce tracks with excellent scope, equally entertaining when listening at rapt attention and when just popping the album in as background music.

The remixes hit a few bumps, unfortunately--in particular, the remixes of "Shine" and "Entertaining Angels", both famous songs that deserved better treatment. The remix of "Shine" makes use of a static-filled, almost dissonant sound, an interesting idea that unfortunately doesn't mesh at all with the original track. Maybe others will enjoy it, but I certainly didn't. "Entertaining Angels" is much more pleasing, but not bold enough. It sounds too much like the original track, without really adding anything.

This isn't an album to go to if you just want to get introduced to the Newsboys' sound--it's far too different from their other works--and it certainly isn't ideal for someone just looking for a typical pop-rock album, since the album's sound is far closer too techno than pop. But in Remixed the Newsboys have delivered an album full of great tracks, not only fun to listen to but really interesting in their variety of sounds. In my opinion, this is some of the Newsboys' best work.

Take the top rock hits of the Newsboys, add electronic beats and you are left with pure gold.

I've read several reviews, and perhaps my tastes aren't the norm, but I have found this album to be one of my MOST favorites for worship. To be fair, my wife can't stand this album... but then she can't stand TobyMac, rock, and the like, either. I want songs to jump out and connect with my worship attitude, and I feel right at home with this album. A little bit eccentric, but Newsboys through and through, and just right for rocking/funking out at the office when your body has to sit still but your spirit wants to rock. I say darn the torpedoes: add this to your list of worship albums and just enjoy it!

I have never had one of Floyd Cramers CD's before. I love it very much.

Again Amazon was key in locating an oldie that was difficult to find. Great quality, price and delivery!

She looks good, the voice is good, but the attitude is so pretentious. And I can feel the no votes coming ...

Although disappointed by By Surprise, hearing the radio hit "Hide" brought faith back into Joy's talents.

1. Stay: This is an awesome catchy song that encourages us to not avoid the pain in our lives and to face it to see our full potential. The lyrics are catchy, Joy's voice is perfect with the accompaniment, and it is a great way to start of the disc. 5/5

2. We: There are probably a million songs about the girl/guy who has it all but is still dissatisfied. You would think this one would flop. But it doesn't. Joy imbues the song with new life. Add a catchy tune, good, crisp lyrics, and a rocky beat and you have a new "old" song. 5/5

3. Say Goodbye: Slowing down from the last two upbeat tunes, this song deals with changing from who you were to who you are. Not my favorite, it is easy to catch on to, with some pretty nice lyrics. Plus, this is where the disc gets its name ("Genesis"). 4/5

4. Hide: The big radio hit of the disc, this is probably the best song Joy has ever done (well, next to "Do you see Jesus in me?"). A great melody coupled with awesome lyrics (about not being ashamed of all the bad things you've ever done)--who couldn't like this song (even after hearing it a million times)? 5/5 (actually more, but 5 is the limit)

5. Beautiful Redemption: A heartfelt song, Joy sings about the trials she's been through and the redemptions she's found in God. Not my favorite, but there is something about the song that is just pleasant. 3.5/5

6. Unafraid: Joy picks up the tempo in this one as she sings about how she is not afraid of whatever she plans on tackling despite going against the crowd. A great showcase of her vocal range and the powerhouse of her voice. Not to mention powerful lyrics. 4/5

7. Silence: In this very personal song, Joy tackles the issue of desiring to feel God's presence. Not my favorite, but still, Joy does a pretty good job. 3.5/5

8. I'm in Love with You: This is a sweet, sweet ballad that Joy sings to her new husband (at the time). Absolutely adorable love song about the joys (and sorrows) of marriage. Although not particularly upbeat, this is one of my favorites. 5/5

9. God Only Knows: A song about how God knows what is going on in our lives (and is holding us in His arms). Joy sings it well (during the chorus, she really lets it all go--you can feel the energy in her voice), the lyrics are very crisp, and the melody is catchy. 5/5

10. Child of Eden: This song alludes to the Creation story of Adam and Eve. Another slow song, this is probably my least favorite of the disc. Joy sings it well, but there really isn't much calling to me in this song. 3/5

A delightful collection of heartfelt love songs, upbeat head-boppers, and soulful introspective ballads, I think this is Joy's best album ever. Joy and her creative team did a much better job matching her powerful, unique voice to an appropos song style (unlike in By Surprise where her voice just couldn't find purchase against all the other rock instruments). Also, Joy's songs are more catchy, more personal, and more everything. If you have to buy only one of Joy's CDs, buy this one.

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Don't tell anybody this, but I like this album. This is one of the best Pop albums I've ever heard. Joy Williams has a great voice, and brings such emotion to her songs. Better song writing really helps this release compared to her earlier work.

Only major problem is the length, I would have liked more songs, more bang for the buck. Some songs are better than others considerably, but they are still good.

Overall, a great Pop album, not totally formulatic, and don't even get me started on the album insert. Whoa! Buy it, love it, listen to it, look at it.

Joy Williams - Genesis I am a 40-something who wants to share "with it" Christian music with my kids. This is one of the best CD's I found yet for that purpose. Really like that the music is good and the lyrics are not weak and wishy-washy like many others.

Joy Williams is my favorite Christian singer out there: her passion in her songs and her honesty with the lyrics are two things that we don't normally see in the music industry. I first discovered who Joy Williams was through her song "Hide" that was being played constantly on the Christian radio stations before the release of her album "Genesis." I thought at first that the song was all right but when I really listened to it, I found that this song is relating to not just the world but to Christians as well.

There are ten tracks on this CD, but each have different meanings that apply to every rough road that Christians have walked in this life. For example, the first track "Stay" tells us not to run from the situations that haunt us in life but face them; or track five "Beautiful Redemption" which talks about how evil our hearts are but Jesus has saved us from that washing us clean and will do that every day; or track nine "God Only Knows" that says people may think that they understand what is raging in each of our hearts but when the truth is truly revealed, only Jesus really understands us.

Joy uses plain and simple language to get these messages across: that's why her music is so honest and real. She is not putting on a show: she is doing it from her heart. This is an amazing CD. You won't be disappointed.

This Cd had the song I was looking for. The only problem I have is that there were only two songs that I liked on the whole cd.