Christian music reviews

Ok, here's the thing. Honestly, I don't even own this cd (YET)I'm in the process of ordering it. But just by listening to the samples, I already want it. I already luv Gary Mayes and Nu Era, and this group is on the same level with a twist. I applaud Raymond and Co for doin their "thang" and bringin somethin real to the US, which we seem to lack in from time to time! I didn't even know they were from London at 1st, I didn't realize gospel's impact on the other side of the world. Another reason why I am and you should buy this able (Hinting BUY not BURN) is because Isaiah R. Dyer is one the most down to earth people I've met with status so high. I've had the pleasure to conversate with him, and not no 2 sec one but a real long one. He encourages and gives advice. He spoke blessings to me and my choir and he and Chris (Tenor/Member of Ray and Co.)both said a prayer for my choir and EVERYTHING! Also he is one of the funniest people to ever talk to. I have never laughed so hard in a long time, and each day he gets crazier and crazier! Ray Ray (He hates that name! :D )if you read this, just know that you are inspiring and a blessing and especially ANOINTED! Can't wait to finally meet in person one day, can't wait to hear the album from start to finish. Raymond and Co are "DA FIZZ" (You already know!)

this album is so good u'll listen to it over and over again.the songs i love in the album are playing games,since i found you,crazy faith,give him all da praise,changed,he can do it,and song in the midnight.the album has dance tracks and soulful songs that touch your spirit and takes u to another level.this is their first album i've heard and i don't know if they have other albums,but this one is really good.

We live in a world where many people think that Christianity is "boring" and that you cannot have fun and enjoy life as a Christian. When it comes to Christian music the same false impression continues. But ever since the days when the Winans (Marvin, Carvin, Mike, and Ron) ruled the Gospel scene (and Commissioned, of course!), this has been changing. I ran into Raymond & Co in a Christian bookstore and listened to a few songs, and I immediately fell in love with their unique style and harmony.

I did finally buy the CD a few days ago, and even though almost all the songs are very good, I am particularly loving the songs "No Limits," "Everything," and "Miracles." One of the major criticisms of this kind of Gospel is that it is "too worldly."

However, there is nothing inherently wrong with certain beats or melodies. I don't see any Scripture which says "Thou shalt not use a 50 Cent beat to praise God." Besides, half the time many of those in the "hip-hop" community "steal" beats and melodies from the Church, not the reverse. These guys are so good that I plan to recommend them to "Club Yahweh," a Christian "club" (that's right, I said Christian CLUB) located in Oakland, CA where Christians can go to praise God in song and the dance (if they don't already play Ray & Co.).

But my main point would be that even though groups like Raymond & Co use more contemporary music in their praise of God, we can be sure that it is GOD they are praising because their lyrics are clearly in praise and worship of God. How much more can anyone praise God than by saying: "Lord, You are my everything...Shepherd, Master and my King. Without You I am nothing, no. I love You so, ooohh"? So let's stand up and support these brothers and sisters from the UK and praise God with them!

I absolutely love this cd. It is my all time favorite praise cd. It envokes the feeling of being in church. I'm actually very finicky about gospel music, but I love this one. If you see a copy, buy it as soon as you can. It's hard to find. I lost my copy on a plane trip a few months ago and I've missed it ever since.

I listen to a lot of gospel music but this CD has been my favorite for several years. It has a nice mix of praise songs and worship songs. My very favorite is "I Will Celebrate". It makes me want to get up and dance, and I always find myself singing along.

This CD is one of the best if not the best praise and worship CD out there. It is a classic that will minister to you for years to come. It will usher you into the presence of the Lord. "He is worthy to be praised and adored"!

I am somewhat new in my walk with God. Music has always been a major part of my life (until a year ago, it was mostly just heavy metal music I listened to) and when I experienced a life changing event (being baptised in the name of Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Ghost), I wasn't sure what I would have a desire to listen to. I found many great Christian CDs and love to worship God with something playing in the background to help me enter into a deeper worship. Now, don't take this wrong. This CD of John Tesh's "Pure Hymns" is not merely background music. It is a terific statement of the power of worship music and John's personal gift of translating, writing, and performing. I am so happy I purchased this CD (my first but not the last of John's music). We have Home Friendship Group every week and often spend time just praying and worshipping. I am going to use this the next time we get together. It is sure to bring everyone closer to God as we worship and pray. I like listening to is during my own personal prayer and worship. I highly recommend this to everyone. Thank you Mr. Tesh. Your gift of music is truly God given.

I think that this is the most soothing music ever! I makes me feel at peace and relaxed, it is perfect to unwind and fall asleep after a long day.

I have listened to this CD over and over, it helps me get started in the morning. It is very uplifting and gives you a great peace. God has truly blessed John and all of the musicians to make this possible. I am a vocalist, and find these pieces easy to sing with and enjoy. Thank you John for all your hard work and for blessing my life with your music. GOD BLESS YOU!! Your Deeper Faith CD is wonderful.

This Cd is just awsome in my eyes! The guy's are so intertaining to watch live and have a real heart for god. It is hard to find good talented christian music on the heavy side and this is it! Heavy but still able to worship in my own way. Can you believe the guitar player was like 15 when they recorded this? Dave if your out their felecia and eric from jesus freaks say god bless

Okay, I love this band. LOVE!! I heard them on a comp. bought this cd and then I saw them live. I got to chill with them and they are true to life awesome guys. I can't wait to see them again in a couple weeks! go check out their site... www.redlineplanet.com woo!

A friend of mine said this group sounded just like Creed, so I bought the CD and was blown away! Creed wish's they sounded like Redline! Then I saw Redline in concert.......I can't find the words to describe how incredible this band is! I can't wait for the next CD to come out!

This CD has really helped me get through tough times with my boyfriend. I listen to it every night before I go to sleep. I listen to it so much, that it's starting to skip (well track one is anyways). I recommend this CD to people who like pop/r&b sounding music. Christian Davis has a soulful sounding voice. If you like NSYNC, you'll definately wanna check out Christian!

I think this single is very good and i would recmend you to listen to it. my fav song on this cd is body rock time. this song makes me fell good inside.

Track Listing:

1. Safe In The Arms Of Love
2. Body Rockin' Time
3. Aiming For The Heart

After listening to a few new country women act, I came across Suan..she has a beautiful voice and her choice of song material is outstanding and thoughtful,,Yeah! I think she could be a big cross over star.

Susan Ashton is a contemporary Christian vocalist who is writing and singing songs that are as good as (or better than) any pop artist in today's Top 40.

This greatest hits album is a perfect introduction to Susan Ashton's music. One of the most immediate things you'll hear is her magnaminous voice: God gave Susan Ashton some impeccable pipes, and she knows how to use them. This singer has one of the most pristine and herculean voices in popular music today (think Martina McBride, a good comparison). Moreover, Susan sings with passion, knowing instinctively how to convey the personal feelings associated with her songs.

Of course, a central dimension to these songs is the unmistakable Christian themes. Whether she's encouraging us to "reach out beyond justice to mercy, going more than halfway to forgive," or acknowledging that "no one knows my heart better than [God]," or proclaiming she'll "stand...for what I believe," you can expect to hear messages to which all believing people relate.

This album contains some of the finest songs in contemporary Christian music. I highly recommend it!

Many may not know that Susan Ashton was one of the most popular and respected contemporary Christian vocalists for most of the 1990s before her crossover to country music. This compilation highlights some of her greatest work in that genre and includes selections from her first three albums (Wakened by the Wind, Angels of Mercy, Susan Ashton) and two additional cuts.

Susan Ashton possesses a pure, gorgeous voice that immediately captivates. It is an incredible, expressive gift honed by a passion for her craft and a commitment to her calling -- it is a precise, masterful vocal presence. "So Far" is a testament to an amazing voice and an even more amazing partnership with songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick. His intelligent, thoughtful lyrics and gorgeous melodies go straight to the heart of the Christian walk. Together they create some of the most honest testimonies of living faith you may ever hear.

Much of this material would be considered acoustic pop/rock with some country leanings and even a little jazz ("Remember Not"). It's difficult for me to pick a favorite -- the entire album is excellent. I do wish that more material from the third release ("Susan Ashton") had been included -- "Summer Solstice" in particular.

If you are a fan of warm, rich, confident vocals over spare, sophisticated lyrics reflecting a life for Christ, then SO FAR -- and all of Susan Ashton's earlier work -- is for you.

My wife and I we're introduced to this album in 1999 when we attended a CD release party at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston. We think that is so good that we've given the CD as a gift to many or our family and friends. I would like to challenge anyone out there to tell me of a better new Christmas album. First, the artist, musicians and arrangements are first class. Add to that the mix of songs and you have one great album.

I'm fortunate to have seen and heard Ida Zecco perform the songs from this CD in person. Her voice is beautiful; the selections are great and the CD puts you in the holiday spirit. It's on our holiday music short list---which starts the day after Thanksgiving and plays through the New Year. We bought this CD for family and friends last year. You'll really enjoy it!

Christmas is very important to our family. We have collected a large set of Christmas music from many artists and styles. But there is only one Christmas CD that we listen to one to two times a day from Thanksgiving to almost Easter - that's "A Song for Christmas" by Ida Zecco. It makes you feel your heart ... I think I have listened to this CD 300 to 400 times over the past two years. I am thankful for Ida's gift to all of us.

So here's another collection of songs from Christian artists. I originally purchased this because of Amy Grant's song "Nothing is Beyond You." She sings this beautifully. Although it was previously released on another collection, it adds to teh richness of this collection.

A few surprises pop up in this compilation. Amy Grant's "El Shaddai" is remade by Winans Phase 2. Must be another formation of the Winans family siblings. Although Amy Grant sings back-up towards the end of the song, the feel is a bit different. It's more urban. Not quite the powerful force to be reckoned with as the original Amy Grant version. I give them an E for Effort. I will say that they made the right decision to have Amy sing in their version, which I personally feel redeems the song. As they say, if it ain't broke.... (Although, Amy Grant did rerecord "El Shaddai" in the 90's as an acoustic version and it is AMAZING! Available as a "B-Side" on her "Takes a Little Time" CD single).

Another Amy Grant classic is remade by Ginny Owens--"Thy Word." Ginny brings her own qualities to it. But again--if it ain't broke.... It's not bad. I just think that Amy's innocent pure quality in the original cannot be topped. Ginny tried and did make it her own. Just personal taste, perhaps.

Some other highlights on this album: Jaci Velasquez's "God So Loved", "Jesus Is" by Point of Grace, Sandi Patty and BeBe Winan duet on "He Watches Over You", Steven Curtis Chapman's "Sometimes He Comes in the Clouds" and the gorgeous "You are Holy" by 4Him.

Is this CD wroth buying? If you have the money, sure. Try to buy the used ones. Same quality, just not in it's original wrapper. The songs will bless you anyway.

I bought the CD used just so I could finally get my hands on "The Book" by Michael Card (I heard it on the radio once and it's taken me two years- no joke- to track it down). So now I finally have that song, which is incredible, but I was pleasantly suprised to find out that everything else is really good too. A little oln the slow side, perhaps, but good nonetheless. El Shaddai is an interesting remix. Buy the CD- I suggest getting it used because it's so much cheaper. I go mine for 59 cents, which I think was a steal.

I borrowed the cassette from a friend and on listening,it was as if heaven came down, I just couldn't stop listening to its melody and I even refused to return the cassette back to the owner becuase I wouldn't let go and so I decided to dub it but now I wish I have a copy of my own. As of now, I've mastered the whole wordings of all the songs in the album.I reaaly thank God for giving those guys inspiration to accomplis such a thing, I wish there were more stars to rate this thing, I would over-rate it because it's just fantastic.I even listen to the songs every blessed day because it's also a source of inspiration too.God bless.

Spiritual Pieces may be one of the most slept-on groups in the entire gospel genre...from the moment this album entered my hand this has been in regular rotation. Effortlessly they bring gospel, jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop together with a spiritual message that cannot be denied. This album is perfect for one who normally would not listen to the more traditional sounds of gospel. One could put this album on without skipping tracks, but beware: you might get stuck on "Holy Spirit"...I know I did. If you don't have this album in your collection, please don't delay; order it, go to your record stores, but GET THIS ALBUM! This one is must have! Fatima, Terry and Fons, I appreciate this album and can't wait for the next one!

an incredible compilation of pieces that have you involved from the first to the last track. very soothing, very deep, very defining. they keep it real!

Shout out to the members of Spiritual Pieces. This is my second album of theirs and it got even better. I was into some of the stuff on the other album but this Soul Food bangs! The first track "praise on" is for real and so is "imperfection". The CD has been in my player since I got it. 5 stars, two thumbs up, and a Hallelujah!

I was very impressed with the way that this album came together combining rock & punk stylings to produce enjoyable, upbeat and fun music. There are no 5 star songs on this album, but there are 9 3 and 4 star songs.. in other words, its loaded. In that regard mthis album reminds me of Audio Adrenalines Underdog, not stylistically, but rather the fact that the album in full of good and very good songs, but no 5 star WOW songs and very few or no 1 or 2 star songs.

At the beginning of the opening track, you hear a voice in the distance state 'This is for your enjoyment', and how right he is! With their first release, Bleach introduced me to Rock Pop at its finest, and is an absolute blast to listen to. With vocals at times reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and heavy on the guitars, the band's freshman release is a winner.

From the guitars and distorted vocals on the opening track, you know you're in for a good time. Eleven keeps you going and sets a rapid pace for the album. Perfect Family shows the fun is in the lyrics as well as the sound, as we are introduced to Jerry and Sally and their mini-bus. Pretty much states a blueprint for my marriage, except for the part where Jerry loses his hair. Any red blooded guy can relate to Epidermis Girl, as the band belts out what we all try for in this Cosmo-girl age, to see past the Epidermis Girl to a deeper love.

Tea For Two asks a question we all ask, why can't we all just get along? 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or a cup of tea for two'? I'll take the tea, thanks. Cold & Turning Blue shows a quality the band excels in, hard yet introspective and serious as we are presented with the predicament of Balloon Boy and Galactic Dust Girl. Probably my favorite song of the album, the vocals on Child of Sod really say Smashing Pumpkins all over. There are times when we all feel like a Child Of Sod, and man, it's times like those when it feels good to crank this one and bleed the ears and sooth the soul.

Crystals and Cash picks up the pace a bit as it makes you look at what's important. 'Have you ever thought just possibly that your ideals are a twisted philosophy?' Well, have you? Having an almost balled-esk sound, Wonderful is a great teen love song without sacrificing the edgy sound. Cannonball goes slow through the verse, but really belts it out in the chorus to 'let His love break down these walls like a cannonball'. Things lighten up again with Sugarcoated Ways, with almost lounge style backing guitars in the chorus. At a minute before the end of the track, a Pink Floyd-ish bridge ends the song nicely. The album is wrapped up with a bow with the title track, Space. I can't count the number of times I've thought the lyrics of the track, 'I don't want to be your priest, I just want to be your friend, I'm not here to laugh at you, or condemn.'.

Heavy guitars and vocals that set the band apart make this debut a great 'good time listen'. Having heard the band's later albums, Space captures a roughness that can only be captured once in a band's career. The album is harder, grungier almost than the later releases, and well worth the investment in a new set of speakers and the hearing aid upgrade.

--Chad
--The Edge On-Line

I thought that this albumb was great~ It had everything that I was looking for in it. It's not too much you see such great artists. They are one of my favorite alternative christian bands. You definently should see them in concert. I want to be a butterfly is my fav. song! ha ha