Christian music reviews

If you've ever seen Ashley Cleveland in concert you know she puts on a passionate, energetic show and always leaves you challenged. I've got all of Ashley's projects and this is the first album that truly captures her live essence. There isn't a filler track on this album. Tracks like LIFE IS WAR and THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE show that Ashley is still not afraid to tackle subjects most in the genre won't even brush upon. This is one of the best projects of 2002 and should be in every music lovers collection.

Ashley Cleveland is one of those rare artists that just keeps getting better and better. She keeps turning our projects that are true to herself and not mainstream radio. The best part is that instead of running out of creative steam she is just getting stronger with every album.
Second skin seems like the strongest project yet. Somehow she has managed to keep her unique voice while experimenting with some new sounds in the studio. When I listen to this CD it is as if she is performing in the studio and I'm sitting in the control booth listening. It sounds so intimate that if you close your eyes its as if she is singing right to you.
If you are tired of weak whispy singers that dont sound as if they are sure of themselves then Ashley Cleveland is the antidote. She writes great songs and has the talent to sing them like she means them.
This is a must have CD....it just gets better with every listen.

Ashley Cleveland creates another musical masterpiece with her first studio album since 1995's "Lesson of Love". Although loved by many, there were complaints that "Lesson" didn't rock hard enough. Well, "Second Skin" definitely takes care of that. The hard-edged guitar work and production of Kenny Greenberg contribute to Ashley's hardest album since "Big Town". Combine that with the more faith-based lyrics of "Lesson Of Love", and you get a little glimpse of what "Second Skin" is like. Tracks that are not to be missed: the rocking "Power Of Love", excellent cover of "Riding With The King", "Broken Places" featuring guest vocals by Jennifer Knapp, the bluesy "What It Takes", and superb "Life Is War".

This is one of those projects that gets better with every listen. There is plenty of variety to be had from song to song, and the good ones are REALLY good. I won't name any favorites here, because what hits me may not be what hits you...but it's all good, this you can believe.

I'm looking forward to this talented young group's next release!

This is one CD that will stay in your collection for years. If you have no other gospel music in your collection or if you think you wouldn't like gospel music, give this one a try. It will send you into another realm. This choir truly deserved an award for this one.

I am a member of UMGC (ALTO)...although I wasn't in the choir when the CD was made, it is an honor to sing in the choir now...I have been in there for the past 3 1/2 yrs. We try to minister not only to our audience, but also to ourselves. Buy the CD and you will be in for a treat AND a BLESSING.

RDVinson
UMGC member '04

The Late Rev. C.L. Franklin,pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church of Detroit,Michigan and father of the GREATEST SINGER IN THE WORLD THE QUEEN OF SOUL ARETHA FRANKLIN is truly the GREATEST PREACHER THAT GOD HAS EVER PLACED IN HIS PULPIT. Long live the memory & recordings of the MAN WITH THE MILLION DOLLAR VOICE.

YES, I'M VERY INTERESTED IN COLLECTING ALL SERMONS BY EITHER ONE OF THE ABOVE ARTISTS. IT WOULD BE A BLESSING IF YOU HELP ME LOCATE A GREAT DEAL OF THESE SERMONS BECAUSE I REALLY DO GET INSPIRED BY LISTENING ESPECIALLY TO THE ABOVE ARTISTS.

I'VE ALWAYS LOVED REV.CL FRANKLIN AND HIS EXCELLENT AND POWERFUL SERMONS. THEY REALLY DO INSPIRE ME WHENEVER I'M IN NEED FOR A WORD OR TWO. I'M HOPING BY SHARING THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU, I CAN POSSIBILY RECEIVE SOME INFORMATION ON TRYING TO GET THE ENTIRE COLLECTIONS OF HIS SERMONS. I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE COLLECTIONS,BUT I DO HAVE MOST OF HIS SERMONS. EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN OBTAIN THESE SERMONS IF POSSIBLE.

Gary's album Shelter is incredible. It is like coming home to a warm place. The name Shelter should describe it well. It is that feeling when God is there to protect you. To provide you that safe place. Gary's music moves your soul and takes you to the foot of God's throne.

This is a great cd. Gary Chapman does the BEST rendition of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" I have ever heard and I will ever hear. HONESTLY! It is amazing. HE also has a song I like called, "Don't Be A Stranger." It has a great message. I also loved his song of "One of Two." It is a consistenty good album. Definitely worth the money!

I love listening to Gary Chapman's music. I own both of your cd's Gary! I love to watch you on Prime Time Country when I'm at my grandma's house...=) you are very funny. Shelter is one of my all time favorite cd's that I have ever owned. Thanks for playing such wonderful music. =) May God Bless you and your family.

I purchased this CD for my 9-year-old daughter, who begged for it because she was taught the songs in our children's church services. This CD is not at all what I was expecting of "Gospel". The songs are up beat and lifting. Adults sing with the children, but the children steal the show. They are so precious and talented. I enjoy it so much that I play it for myself all the time. Children of all ages will enjoy this CD.

Our favorite tracks are: "When The Spirit of Lord", "Shout to the Lord", "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High", "He knows my name".

Before you know it, you'll be dancing and lifting your hands in praise.

THIS CD IS SO AMAZING, I BROUGHT IT FOR MY CHILDREN WHO ARE, 5 AND 10 AND I HAVE BEEN WORSHIPPING TO IT MYSELF, THESE CHILDREN ARE TRULY GIFTED AND I PRAISE GOD FOR THERE WONDERFUL TALENTS, PLEASE BUY THIS CD. IT'S TRULY WORTH EVERY PENNY

this album is truly amazing!
i realy engaged with God and the sound and kids singing is just so so beautiful. hearing how kids my age can worship God in that way is just amazing. funky music, funky lyrics, a fantastic cd! u'd be crazy to miss out this opportunity to worship God in this unique and fun way!!!!

This artist suprised me. Noting that she looks about ten years old, I expected a childish album. I was suprised to hear on the album, thatwhile there was a child-like quality, Amber sings so well she will soon have your attention. God's zoo is the best song on the album and I keep checking for her next album.

I love it. Amber has another CD it is called: Amber Thompson & Friends. I cant find it on this site though. It is great � :).

I met amber right after her first aulbum came out my dad played at a concert with her parents while amber and I played ball out side . Any way she has an amazing voice and shes a great person.

Chris Rice is one of those musicians that make you think, and this cd is the best example. I think if someone fell asleep listening to it lor listened to it for hours i think it might change how they dream or think. AWESOME CD!!!!

This is the second album I bought from one of my favorite artist - I it did not dissappoint! Chris Rice keeps up the good lyrics and catchy melodies. I must say that I liked "Deep enough to dream" a little bit better, but this is absolutely worth 5 stars(maybe 4,8 - but it's 5). The songs I remember the best is the two first, "questions to heaven" and "smell the color 9".

Run to the store... (or press, "add to cart") - you have nothing to loose!

This is a cleverly written album. Thought-provoking questions asked in wonderfully off-beat ways. There is nothing to fault in the music or performance either.

Mrs. Allen did a wonderful job! From beginning to end, she held those vocals up. I thought "And That's The Way It Is" was a good c.d., but I heard this one, and found that she had kicked it up another notch. You'll find that she does two songs that are accompanied by Marcus Cole of Commissioned...that was a great idea, whoever thought of it. Their voices sound well together. If you want good quality music, purchase this c.d., because that's exactly what you'll get.

THIS CD IS FOR ALL MUSIC LOVERS,NOT JUST GOSPEL MUSIC LOVERS.LEXI IS DOING IN HER MUSIC WHAT ALL GOSPEL SINGERS SHOULD DO,AND THAT IS,TO REACH THE SECULAR WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL AND INSPIRE THEM TO LISTEN TO JAMMING MUSIC,BUT HOLY LYRICS.THIS CD CONTAINS MUSIC THAT CAN OUT DO TODAYS R&B/POP MUSIC ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.BUT STILL KEEPS IT HOLY.RIGHT NOW,LEXI IS THE BEST FEMALE GOSPEL ARTIST OUT.IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS CD.GET IT,AND THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.I DON'T KNOW IF LEXI CAN OUT DO THIS ONE.BUT I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER NEXT PROJECT TO COME OUT.

Lexi is back and better than ever with her second album on Real Deal Records titled, "Somewhere Different" This urban diva delivers powerful sounds that are sweet. From praise & worship (Thats' right she's lifting her hands), CCM, country pop, and urban sounds on this well-rounded disk. Its quite a musical journey that you will enjoy. Lexi teams up with Commissioned member MARCUS COLE for a duet titled "Don't You (Tell Me What God Won't Do)" They Sing of times of depair and how God brought them through it all. This Song is off the hook!! one of my favorites on here. Buy this album and her first album on Real Deal Records "And Thats The Way It Is" and you will be set.

THis CD was a gift from a very dear patient I cared for. At the time of receiving it , I was begining to personally accepted Jesus CHrist as my savior, because I did not know Him before. I did not know of His love for me, His forgiveness, and His tender Mercies. I wanted to know Him...I was searching for a love that only He could give me. I questioned the gift He gives us of tounges etc. Well, since that wonderful man and his daughtergave this to me, I have listened to it almost daily for over 8 months I believe now. It is so cleansing! God can use anything He wants..I know He used this CD w/me. Freddy Hayler has one of the the most beautiful and powerful voices I have ever heard and since has opened doors for me that I cannot begin to tell in this short message! I recommend it more than anything you have ever purchased! People who have heard even a second of it playing, have asked me to copy it for them!

This is an awsome album which will break you. It reminds us how unworthy we are and how gracious GOD is. It gives us a glimpse of glory.

Freddy Hayler takes worship to a new and exciting level. This is unlike anything I have heard before, and unlike many of the mass-market "praise" CD's available today, this one really set the tone for worship.

Plus, the book that comes with the CD is pretty cool.

John Michael Talbot's music is soulful, relaxing and deeply spiritual. He is clearly a man of prayer, which gives his music resonance and depth. There is some truly beautiful music on this CD, with lyrics adapted from scripture (especially the psalms) or the writings of spiritual giants like St. Teresa of Avila. "God Alone Is Enough," with words taken from one of St. Teresa's prayer, is a simple and moving expression of the certainty of God's plenitude. "This Befell Us," with words from Psalm 44, is also quite moving, expressing confidence in God even in the midst of pain and injustice.

The CD is a bit disappointing, however. Talbot seems to have found a formula for his music: pick a verse out of sacred writings, set it to a simple melody, then repeat for 3-1/2 minutes. Talbot seemingly can do this in his sleep, giving this work a disturbing sense of predictability. Unless he gets himself out of this rut, successful though it may be, I don't predict buying more of his CDs.

Still, "Simple Heart" has many moments of simple beauty, which partly make up for its drawbacks. For sheer musical content, a 3, plus 1 for good use of scriptural sources.

John Michael Talbot is at his best when writing and singing quiet, meditative guitar-based songs. Because so many of his songs are fashioned from Scripture, they are unfettered by denominational confines, and can be enjoyed ecumenically.

Some of the songs, like "God Alone is Enough," are inspired by early Christians. "God Alone..." is attributed to be based on the writing of Teresa of Avila, a Sixteenth Century Spanish nun. Largely, though, the songs are derivations and paraphrasings of Psalms.

Any who enjoyed JMT's 1989 double CD "Quiet Side" will find "Simple Heart" to be a perfect transition. After reading Scripture, or while walking, this can help facilitate meditation and focus on God. When grieving a loss in my life, I found in "Simple Heart," and in "Quiet Side" great solace and a reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

It is good rest. This isn't easy listening or light new age, nor is it background music. Despite the peaceful nature of JMT's voice and style, I believe it was produced to be interactive, to provide spiritual direction.

I fully recommend "Simple Heart" by John Michael Talbot. Companion books worth reading with a similar tone are those by Henri Nouwen, Richard J Foster, Brennan Manning and Oswald Chambers.

Anthony Trendl

I have several Talbot CDs and have listened to him for about 11 years. Besides The Hiding Place, this is the most profoundly simple and moving CD I've heard from him or anyone. Particularly the song "God Alone is Enough." The lyrics meaningfully state: "God alone is enough. Whoever has God, wants for nothing at all." These lyrics have affected me many times and the music is also very fitting. I recommend this CD without hesitation for anyone seeking a simple and true musical ministry experience.