Christian music reviews

THIS IS THE SET WHERE I COULD FIND THE LORD'S PRAYER

I'm in agreement with E. Lambeth's Spotlight review. I was born in 1960 and I was lucky enough to have a mother who absolutely loved the BIG E. Mom never owned or played any of his Gospel music, except for the handful of Hymns from his wonderful CHRISTMAS ALBUM. (That record was the family favorite.) Recently I've been rediscovering the roots of my upbringing in music and buying a lot of Elvis Box Sets, movies, and Live DVD's. I love E'S Gospel hit CRYING IN THE CHAPEL and I wanted some of his Gospel recordings. I made the mistake of purchasing the single CD, ELVIS ULTIMATE GOSPEL. By the end of the first listen I knew I had made a tremendous error. It was such a gorgeous experience I was overcome with AWE. I wanted more. I needed more. Brothers and Sisters, I had sinned. I was coveting. Friends, do yourself a favor, commit a sin and buy this Box Set. You're gonna need it too. If you have to, cut back on the tithes for a month. Jesus will forgive and understand that it's necessary for your soul. The first 2 discs contain mostly the great production values of his best Gospel Hymns and a few Live ones, while the 3rd disc contains some alternate takes and many acoustic impromptu jams that remind me of E's '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL. Brothers and Sisters, I'm here to testify, this is raw, in-the-spirit, kicking-up-a-noise-for-the-Lord Gospel.

I just finished reading THE LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS and I'm in the middle of reading CARELESS LOVE. Elvis' first love was Gospel. He sang in church as a boy, admired the best Gospel groups of his day, and played Gospel music all the time in his home at Graceland. When Elvis recorded in the studio, it was always about the feeling at the session. Sometimes for a ballad he'd lower the lights in the studio for mood. Sometimes he did 30 takes and ended up on the floor in a cold sweat before he was happy with a song. But, listening to Elvis sing Hymns, it's quite obvious to me that his love for God and Man was so deep, that THIS WAS THE MUSIC HE WAS BORN TO SING. And Thank God for us he did. Nothing else in Elvis' catalog even comes close to the magic of his gift for Gospel. IF YOU DON'T OWN HIS GOSPEL RECORDINGS, YOU DON'T KNOW ELVIS.

(SOME UNUSUAL TRIVIA ABOUT ELVIS: After the Bible, Elvis' search for spiritual truth brought him to read and study many books on Eastern, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophy. For many years, Elvis visited with his Master who was a Yoga Mystic. Elvis understood that all faiths, not just Christianity, were a path to a higher power. Now, that's a Man of God. Very progressive thinking for a man that many people considered to be an uneducated hillbilly. At one time, Elvis thought of giving up his career and becoming a monk. I can't imagine a world without Elvis Presley. Can you? But, Elvis was made to realize that the gift of his voice was God's reason for his existence and the only way to serve and repay God's kindness to him was to sing and make people happy. That makes me happy and I admire Elvis even more as a Man of Faith. Although, it made me sad about the way he and the Colonel treated his first spiritual mentor, Larry Geller. But, Elvis was just a man and lived such an unusual existence with his entourage that it's forgivable. Read CARELESS LOVE for the whole story.)

Too bad Elvis never toured and filmed a complete Travelling Salvation Show Gospel Revival. That would have been something. Maybe when we all make it to Heaven, Elvis will greet us at the Pearly Gates with a fully robed Gospel Choir and some kicking Jesus music. That's my idea of Heaven, baby. HALLELUJAH!!!

ENJOY.

There should have been much, much more Gospel from Elvis. Maybe there would have been with better management. He should have sang "Why Me, Lord?" for 20 minutes instead of "Suspicious Minds". This is a beautiful collection.

You must understand what I mean when I say "all-time-favorites." Albums that make it on this list for me are those albums that I love every song on the album and that even after I have had the album for years (as is the case with this one) I still come back over and over again and the songs never get old. This album is incredible, lots of upbeat songs, and a few good balads as well, round it out so there is something for everyone. As some have said before me, the lyrics are amazingly powerful. These are the kind of lyrics that you can truly worship God to, and yet the album is not a "worship" album. My favorite songs, well I like them all but I will mention a couple. The first song, "Never Dim" is an incredible song about our condition as sinful human beings, how we choose the wrong way all the time. However, God's glory will always be the same throughout our mistakes. "But I look at You, Your eyes are clear and bright/ I see Your face,it's an amazing sight/ Your glory Lord, is still a burning light/ Light that all our faithless hands could never dim." Another of my favorites is "My Pride" because pride is one of my biggest issues, and to hear how Jesus took my place when I just could never be strong enough, "He sure has affected my pride." Amazing album! You'd be missing out not to buy it.

I have never written a review of a cd before, but feel compelled to write one about "The Waiting". Ever since I heard them at Estes Park, Colorado in 1998, I have loved them! This album is my favorite of their's! I cannot listen to "My Pride" or "Hands in the Air" without being moved. Each of the songs has a message filled with "Truth", but without being "preachy". The lyrics as well as the music truly capture the spirit of our Savior's love. Brad Olson's voice is one of the best, and he sings the songs with such sincerity and conviction. Every song in this album is wonderful!

Part folk, part southern rock, this band crafts songs with substance and spirituality. This album isn't preachy, but subtle and stylish, worthy to sit on the shelf next to the best that Christian OR secular music has to offer.

This is an underrated album by an underrated band. In order for an album to make it on the top of my personal "Best of All Time" list, EVERY song has to be good, and this album is one of the few in existence that delivers on that.

This album is comparable to Jars of Clay's debut album ("Jars of Clay"), or any album by U2 or REM.

I am a long term fan of Yolanda Adams. I bought this Cd even though I owned many of the original versions. The test of a true singer is their ability to sing live and this girl can saaaaang anything!!!! I really enjoy this cd.

Yolanda is great when she is live. I've seen her in concert two times. Both times I enjoyed her wonderful gift that God gave her. I love her music whether it's studio or Live. Live in Washington took songs she had already done in the studio. This was my frist Yolanda Adams Cd...so I had never heard the studio cuts. So when I got a chance to listen to her studio cuts from her previous albums. I was amaze at the fact she took those studio songs to a whole new level and made it sound as if you were listening to a new song. I enjoyed all of the tracks. The standout tracks for me were...Let us Worship him, The Battle is the Lord's, The Only Way, Just a prayer away, I'll always Remember (Talk about Jazzy WOW!!!) and Through the Storm (MY MY MY!!!)

The ultimate way to determine the authenticity of any artists talent is to hear them live. This album leaves you without any doubt that Yolanda's talent exceeds all expectations. I bought this album hearing only one track from a compilation CD. Literally, for years I could not get that song out of my head (Let Us Worship Him) and looked and looked to find what album it came from.
When I found it I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm not the biggest of gospel fans (alot of it sounds exactly the same - alot like pop music) but Yolanda is a distinguished artist. I can pick Yolanda's voice out with only a few lines of music.

This album takes me to work, eases me on my breaks, gives me a pep in my step on my way home, and puts ease in my heart in the evening. Sometimes it gets me in the mood before I go out dancing on the weekends (she's just good like that)

If you're like me and consider yourself a beginner in Yolanda's music, or gospel music for that matter, this is the album that you need to own. She's a little R&B, alot of spirituality, a touch of jazz, and fully blessed with a wonderful voice. Don't download it. Buy it. It's worth the price!

I ordered this CD to add to my collection of Christian CDs quite a while before I had even discovered Margeret Becker, Susan Ashton or Christine Dente (from Out of the Grey). It was listening to this amazing CD that I became interested in all the three singers and have subsequently bought several of each of their albums. They are highly talented and their voices blend together like voices from heaven as they sing their way through these awesome songs. It literally sounds like music from Heaven and definitely lifts your soul and causes you to think deeply about your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why I buy Christian music... for daily inspiration and soul upliftment and all the songs featured on this CD certainly do both.

I know that Susan Ashton, Christine Dente and Point of Grace also grouped together to bring out the wonderful album "Girls of Grace"... I am not at home at the moment as I am in the States taking care of my grandsons for their Summer vacations, so I cannot refer to it to see if Margaret Becker was also on this album. However, I truly wish that they would get together again and make another album.. They are just the best!!

I took a chance when I bought this CD. I own a lot of Christian music, and have heard Margaret Becker and Christine Dente before, but didn't have any of their music. Let me say that you won't be sorry if you decide to buy this CD! I love every song on the album. I can't write a good enough review, and 5 stars are not enough! I can't pick a favorite song, they are all great! (Incidentally, there is another CD that I purchased which is similar and also a wonderful album. It's called "Heaven & Earth - A Tapestry of Worship".)

This album consistently takes me over. It is as beautiful and visceral as the voices that sing it. Of course I recommend it! I also hope the three get together to make another.

Love this CD. Love the song, I Believe. Marvin seems to reach way down in his soul and pull out an exuberant flow of gratitude and praise to God. What is from the heart reaches the heart. I love the way that Marvin praises the Lord in song.

I love this album, my favorite is the "None Like You Medley" This song just gives you the chance to say thank him for all that he has done in my life cause, I know that, there is no one like him anywhere....This encourage my soul tremendously.....

Marvin doesn't dissappoint. I would recommend this highly!

If you view it from the traditional pop/rock point of view, this is very interesting. You hear instruments, you don't here too often. You hear them played in way you don't hear them too often. You hear a female lead singer with a good voice (gives me the same feeling like Anneke from The Gathering). There is solid pop/rock combined with some irish/folk/celtic influences, which are finely integrated, never disturbing but adding to the more introperspective, mellow feeling. You might think "no thanks, I don't like folk songs, I don't like irish traditional songs, etc.", but don't be afraid! First, those influences are not overwhelming, they are nicely interwoven during the whole Live Set in this 2 CD work, fit the feeling, and are presented with that fine voice! So, I think, in contrast of dislike, you will come up to really admire those influences. Second, Iona plays live here. They really make music, the use their instruments, they work with their instruments, you feel the fun, the joy and the power they feel while playing. So, especially on this Live, there is hardly any risk, that you will not be captured by their great performance. From that on, you recognize their interesting lyrics, which adds even more depth. So, if you think, you don't like their style, do yourself a favour and give this Live 2CD a try. There are good chances, you really discover a new jewel here. Same happend to me.

Iona at their absolute best! I've listened to most of Iona's CD's, and this one is the one that I constantly have playing. Truly artistic.

This Cd shows Iona at their best! The production is flawless, and the choice of songs for this CD shows the wide range of artistry that Iona embraces, from haunting ballads to rocking anthems. All of the musicians play multiple instruments and their skills are amazing. Their flawless and masterful playing ,recorded live, puts most band's studio works, with all the editing, to shame. In my opinion the highlight of the album is "I Will Give My Love an Apple". This traditional Irish ballad begins with Joanne singing acappella, which really gives you an appreciation for one of the finest voices in Celtic music. As the song progresses the music builds until, in traditional Iona fashion, it breaks forth into passionate abandonment. The song closes with Joann's voice solo once again. The only complaint I have with this CD is that it gave me an incredible desire to see this band in concert, which is improbable as they don't come to the US very often. Final word -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I enjoy Chris' music quite a bit. I won't pretend to be a music critic but his music is simply excellent.

But there's a problem with this CD. When I try to listen to it on my computer, it launches a music video that takes over my screen entirely. You can't listen to the normal songs on the CD. If you try to go back to the work that you were doing before you put the CD in the drive, then the Chris Rice video stops.

That's right, you have no choice but stopping whatever work you were doing and watching the Chris Rice video. You can't just listen to the music while you do your work.

Maybe this is some kind of reaction to copyright infringement. I think it's a shame. I'd be surprised if it were Chris' idea.

But when I listen to it in my car or living room stereo, it's a great CD ! I do wish that Chris would put more new songs on each CD though. Many of these are repeats.

"Untitled hymn (Come to Jesus)" is a great song!
Get a taste of the album 'Run the earth...watch the sky' by Chris Rice by hearing about the songs.

Other side of the radio: I don't really like this song much. It's okay though. 1/5
Everything's OK: This song is really encouraging. a nice, upbeat feel to it 3/5
Nonny Nonny: Not so upbeat. Seems softer. Pretty good 3/5
Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus): This is a really good song. I love it so much. it is probably the best song on the album. I love it! 5/5
Smile: This radio single is really good. It's not really a ballad, though it's not that upbeat. It's abotut he longing for Heaven 2/5
8th Grade: An upbeat kind of song. Cool for driving to :-) Good 2/5
My Catherdral: I like the lyrics. It is a nice song. accoustic guitar driven. The echoeing is a nice touch, it makes him sound like he's in a catherdal! A nice tale of his past. I like the strings 3/5
Me and Becky: This is one of the best songs on the album. An upbeat tune. 4/5
Wonder: One of the not so great songs on the album, though it's not that bad. 1 1/2 /5 (That says one and a half out of five)
Spare an angel: A nice song. quiter. Chris goes a bit too high in this song..sort of. it's nice. 3/5
Circle Up:I think it's pretty good. Not really a ballad, not really upbeat. It's great. 3/5

"Run the Earth, Watch the Sky" is an exquisite set of pop tunes about faith and God. On most CDs, if there are 2 or 3 songs I really like, it's successful. On this disc, there are 6! "Wonder" is a joyful pop nugget with Chris' expressive baritone gently caressing the lyric, "Shall we dance from opposite sides of the universe? And we'll shine the glory behind all our spins & turns as we orbit our way through the sky." What a lovely picturing of man reaching for God and God for man! "My Cathedral" is a sweet acoustic melody about the joys of worshipping outdoors, "Here beneath the blue skies, I ran down to be baptized." "Circle Up" is a sweet melody with a delightful vision of men & angels all joined in worship, "Great & small, angels all & seraphim, grab a hand, twirl a dance, circle up & worship him!" It's a delightful track. "Untitled Hymn" is a comforting melody that starts simple with piano before the strings come in as the song builds from loneliness to joy. "Spare an Angel" is a song that touches a deep chord for those whose hearts are troubled and no human comfort seems to satisfy. It's an elegant statement of compassion. "Me & Becky" is such a perky track that it makes me think it ought to be a TV theme song. While I've cited my favorites, none of the other tracks are weak. This set by Chris Rice is extremely strong with a positive delightful vision. Bravo!

i have the turn the tides cd and it's pretty good the songs are uplifting and straight forward it's production quality could be a lot better but hopefully the album that they're working on now will have better production, they just started touring again last fall and I'm not exactly sure when the CD release date is since they havn't put up the info but i'm guessing it'll be some time summer or fall 06 if you wan't to listen to a couple of songs they have a demo or two up at myspace.com/38thparallel

38th Parallel's "Turn the Tides" is, in all honesty, one of my favorite albums of all time. Though it is only ten concise songs, the members of 38th Parallel have proven that they are unbelievable lyricists and quite skillful musicians. I love the style in which the album is delivered, as well as how vocalists Mark Jennings and Nathan Rippke complement each other. Here is a breakdown of the tracks.

1. Hear My Cry = 8.3/10 - I was never really a fan of this one, I thought it was a rather unsatisfactory opener. There is some impressive harmonic singing in the chorus, and a powerful delivery in the verses. However, "Hear My Cry" never really did it for me.

2. Turn the Tides = 9.9/10 - Perhaps my third favorite song of all time. "Turn the Tides" is a fast-paced rap-induced track after which the album is named, and with good reason. The dual vocalists play off each other wonderfully during the verse, then proceed into a similar chorus, which impresses me more each time. The bridge introduces a beautiful but brief appearance of a violin. This song is by far my favorite on the CD, and amazes me each time I hear it.

3. Higher Ground = 8.9/10 - Great mix of acoustic and electric guitars in this song, which proves to be one of the softer songs of "Turn the Tides". Both vocalists harmonize in a comforting and uplifting chorus. A great song to listen to anytime.

4. Clouded = 9.7/10 - "Clouded" holds a place as my second favorite song on the album, as its gentle verse leads into a remarkable chorus, which is very relatable. I love the sound of the bridge as well. I can't help speaking softly with Nathan Rippke during the verse of "Clouded", which displays some of the brilliant lyrics featured in this CD.

5. Who Am I = 8.3/10 - I don't really enjoy this one too much. It's a hip-hop song that resonates throughout the whole track. It just doesn't do much for me, except for the lyrics.

6. Horizon = 8.8 - This was the single off "Turn the Tides", and with good reason. As the band declares, it captures what 38th Parallel is about, as it contains soft melodic singing, as well as a driving rap pre-chorus, and a harmonic and catchy chorus. Like "Higher Ground", it can be listened to in any mood.

7. State of Mind = 9.6/10 - This is one of my favorite tracks, as it opens with a very soothing guitar pattern and a verse of both vocalists playing off each other, as they do so well. This song's bridge is one of my favorite of all time, with the wonderful violin coinciding with guitars, also done by the band Skillet in their song "Collide".

8. You Are My God = 9.6/10 - This is a beautiful ballad of praise toward God. It is incredibly soothing, relaxing, and comforting to listen to, as the soft singing resonates over heavy guitars. The bridge introduces some aggression to chorus, as Nathan Rippke cries "Show me now" between each measure.

9. Wither = 9.4/10 - "Wither" provides listeners with perhaps the greatest display of the passionate, brilliant lyrics of 38th Parallel, as the bridge contains a mumbling rap about of friend of the band who has been taken by AIDS. This song is brilliantly done, and I love to listen to the powerful chorus.

10. Three Times Denied = 9.2/10 - A great closing to a sensational last four songs of "Turn the Tides". This proves to be the heaviest song on the CD, as the two vocalists combine to make it a heartfelt and emotional anthem, especially during the intense and driving chorus.

There's no denying that NuMetal as it's called (mix of rap/rock) has caught on over the past couple years and that it's very catchy if done right. Like many Christians I listen to many different genres of music. NuMetal is one genre that until I listened to Ames, Iowa's 38th Parallel I really didn't have a Christian option to listen to that was really good. Turn the Tides is flat out a great album from beginning to end. Every song is strong lyrically and musically. I love everything about this album but I there is a very sad ending to this review and the band itself. The band lost their record contract a couple years ago during a reorganization and never resigned. With no record deal the band has disbanded and sadly won't put out any additional albums. I've heard various reasons behind their breakup but the two main are the afore mentioned lack of record deal and the desire for some of the members to complete their education at Iowa State University. Hopefully they'll get back together sometime in the future and begin where they left off!

That looks suspiciously like the cover photo from Queen's "Killer Queen" double live album. Is there a connection?

Imagine a place of life. A place of mystery. A place of answers. A place of joy and a place of rest and peace......Imagine the children of God coming together for one goal, one purpose---to touch the heart of God with our entire lives. With out songs, talents, beauty, gifts, art, dance, fashion, and everything else you can imagine!

Such is the message sported on the back of this Epic Records band's cd. While this message seems innocent enough, the music set off most of the thoughts I had about this 3 guy-1 girl quartet. A few of the tracks are not rock-guitar saturated (Glorify The Son, Your Crown, Open the Gates, We Sing Glory), but the rest are. One song is almost pure rock music, with very few lyrics (The Undiscovered), and on one song, which I can't remember right at this moment, the lead singer screams his lungs out. On a scale of 1-10 this cd would score a 5, or at least for me. This is one CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) cd I wouldn't add to my collection, though.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against rock...in fact, I love it! Just not this cd.

If most contemporary Christian pop puts you to sleep, here is your wake-up call.

The band's name says it all: while there is definitely no shortage of "rock 'n' roll" on this CD, songs that might otherwise be hollow are enriched with deeply devoted lyrics, with musical variety worthy of a three-ring show. There are hard-and-fast songs to keep you awake on a road trip, and meditative songs suitable for prayerful reflection. All with a positive, hopeful, God-centered message.

If I could think of someone to compare this group to, I would. Their unique flavor of Christian rock is simple, old-fashioned, and brand-new all at once.

I love Bethany Dillon!I saw her CD in Borders and listened to a clip. I thought it sounded pretty good so my parents bought it for me for my birthday. I fell in love with the CD! I wrote her management and they sent me an autographed picure. I bought a Bethany Dillon shirt at her concert and she signed the back of it.

She has the most touching lyrics! I was going through a rough time and her song "Hallelujah" from Imagination really touched my heart.

This is one teenager with a truly amazing voice. With a voice like this at 15, it will be a real treat to hear it when it has matured a bit. She may be in a category by herself by the time she is twenty.

Bethany has the best super young voice I've heard since Lean Rimes first started singing professionally at twelve or whatever she was at the time.

This CD has a big advantage over even Rimes. Bethany Dillon has meaningful songs with well written Christian lyrics. With those words added to her sound, she has a truly incredible combination.

One interesting thing to me is the first song 'Revolutionaries.' On that song, her voice sounds a lot like Jennifer Knapp, who is one of my favorites. In the rest of the songs, her sound is quite different, but equally good.

Some of the songs that I think are particularly good are: 'Revolutionaries', 'Beautiful', and 'All I Need'. None of the songs on this album is a dud though.

Although I hadn't heard her before, I will definitely be watching for her recordings in the future.

Not only does Dillon have incredible musical talent, her lyrics are mindblowing. She says what we are thinking. In "Beautiful" it talks about our inner thoughts of wanting to be seen as beautiful, worthy, and lovable. It's amazing that at her young age she is able to express herself so wonderfully to connect with her audience. Her songs can also be very worshipful, as they all recognize God's goodness and point back to Him. I would love to meet this girl someday, no other girl at her age have I seen with such depth.