Christian music reviews

... you will find yourself driving down the road singing along so loudly other drivers will notice. My husband gets embarrassed when we're at red lights with windows down and others hear these wonderful hymns playing with such enthusiasm, but you won't be able to contain yourself. It has uplifted me personally and spiritually on several days, and I wouldn't go on a road trip without it.

Creates within the listener a sense of praise and worship unlike most modern music. The power of Glad's vocalization coupled with the intense expression of worship, can't help but affect ones sense of closeness to God. In my case, as a 44 year old explosives engineer and children's minister (figure that one out- who says HE doesn't have a sense of humor), my road time can be excessive, but the music of Glad elevates me in my praise time behind the wheel unlike anything I've ever experienced. Although this album isn't their finest, it ranks in the top three. Megafame hasn't found them, but then that's not their priority, is it?

This music will touch your heart as well as your appreciation for voice. Each piece is expertly performed, harmonized, rhythms, everything brings a smile to your face and a song to your heart. I listen to it over and over and over, practicing singing each part. I give it 100 stars if I could.

Although, I like quite a bit of Glad's later material and their vocal skills have never diminished, it was earlier Glad that made an impact on me. Captured in Time represents their best effort in my opinion. Everything worked. The musicianship was first rate, the production very professional, the writing was powerful and every song is saturated with scripture. At first listen, this music is enjoyable just for the music's sake; however, repeated listens and attention to the lyrics will reveal substance beyond the aural.

I highly recommend this CD while it is still in stock and available. I went many years listening to a worn out cassette but this digital version is so much better.

I would also recommend Beyond a Star but it is almost impossible to find as I think it never made it to CD (if anyone knows otherwise PLEASE let me know). Romans is another title that ministers but again, extremely hard to find.

Find what early titles you can, listen and Be Ye Glad!

- Rick

I was surprised to learn that this CD was first recorded by Glad in 1982. The vocal skills of this group have wide appeal because of their timeless musicianship and the message they are conveying. Their style features impeccable harmony and pleasing arrangements which show their love of the Lord in a wonderful way. The mood of the music is upbeat and uplifting and has a message for Christians in any stage of their walk. The songs on the album are not widely known, so they have a fresh appeal and each one is a delightful surprise. This is the first Glad CD I have bought, but it won't be the last!

This is what I consider to be one of GLAD's best band albums. Not only in musicianship but lyrically as well. This album may have been released in 1982, but the songs are still relevant today. And their listening styles are easy as ever, with light jazz to a 80's pop feel, they have it all. I have loved listening to this album for so many years, it's been such a blessing to me. And just to let you know...if I was stuck on an island with only one GLAD band album to choose, this would be one of my top picks!!!

I love this album, but on my copy track one is silent.
It took 2 months for amazon to ship it to me. Maybe I just had bad luck?
Either way, the CD is excellent.

There have been three totally different bands that fall uner the Christian Death umbrella. The first was Rozz William's punk band that made only one record (theatre of pain) an okay record. The second band is the one that made this marvelous disk, and it's even better live version "The Decomposition of Violets". Once Rozz left, Valor called his band Cristian Death, and everything released after the mid 80's has been c-grade Goth drivel.

A painted mosaic filled with twilight essence and ghostly somberness. Catastophe Ballet is truly a hallmark for the band where refinement and craftmanship come together. Feel the beautiful chill of Gitone Demone's siren-like voice complete this masterpiece. This is a great CD to curl up with. Bury yourself with everything else Christian Death has to offer...

This is a very precious commodity--this cd is very hard to come by. I recommend that all fans keep all their recordings by this talented young artist. They are very hard to find. I was fortunate to have been able to order through the internet. The way he communicates his relationship with Jesus Christ is very simplistic to the point as to where a child can understand Jon's
love for Jesus Christ. I will treasure this dynamic,priceless classic forever!!!!!!

I've been listening to Jon Gibson since I discovered him on the radio in 1989. I've owned all of his recordings at one time or another. You've got Body and Soul listed as one CD with Change of Heart, but actually they are two separate CD's. I have them both and enjoy listening to them as well as all of his other ones. It's very hard to choose a favorite, since I love them all of them and have seen Jon in concert several times and have have talked to him and think of him as family. Overall I would say "Forever Friends" is my favorite. My copy ended up getting scratched and I've tried to order it, finding out it's no longer in print. If anyone has information on how I can obtain another copy please, please let me know. Jon is an awesome brother in the Lord and his music speaks from the heart. He writes the kind of songs that I would write if I had his talent for songwriting. He doesnt get enough time on Christian radio stations, but once you listen to him one time, you will be hooked on his style. He's very relaxing to listen to and I know after talking with him how much he truely loves the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell everyone you know about Jon so that more people can be blessed by him.

These were among the first of a great series of Gospel CDs by Jon Gibson. While the music industry has never given him his due, artists have. Body and Soul is probably his best work, and one of the definitive Gospel CDs of the decade.

The Kingdom Heirs are one of my favorite Southern Gospel Groups. I've never heard of one person who listened to this group and didn't like at least one thing about them. Arthur Rice is one of the most talented lead singers I have ever heard. He is also one of my favorite lead singers. David Sutton has extrodinary talent at singing the Tenor. I have never heard anybody like him. Eric Bennet is another one of these talented guys. His Bass style is absolutly beautiful. Steve French holds the group together with a great baritone voice. This CD is excellent and well worth the price. Below is my comments on the songs.
1. We Seek Your Face-The whole group- 6/10- They could have started with a better tempo and song but this is a fine beginng.
2. He Lifted Me-David Sutton- 10/10 Awesome song that you can dance to
3. Common Little Things-Eric Bennet- 10/10 One of the best songs on here. Also one of the coolest songs on here
4. Jesus Cares For You-David Sutton-9/10 This song is really sweet
5. God Made It- David Sutton 10/10 As another reviewer stated forget about the science books!!!
6. City of Lights-Arthur Rice-10/10 This song proves it's good,otherwise how did it get the title?!
7. The King Is Back Home-Arthur Rice-10/10 Amazing vocal performance
8. That's Why I Love To Call His Name-Eric Bennet-10/10 One of the perfect things to see
9. Do You Know What It Means-Group-10/10 No Comment
10. Little Bitty Mustard Seed-Steve French-10/10 One of Steve's funner songs
11. Salvation Is The Miracle To Me-5/10 It's okay

All in all, this CD should have something that everybody can enjoy. So, go out there and call their names!!!

Simply the best album ever recorded in recent history. THey all have great vocal talents. each of the singers are the best in their respective feilds...You cant like gospel music and not own this album.

The talent of these guys is out of this world. The tape starts out with "We Seek Your Face" which is a great song that shows how well they sound together. "He Lifted Me" is upbeat as well as uplifting. "Jesus Cares for You" brings a tear to my eyes. It is a very touching song that will surely touch your spirits. "God Made It" is a quirky song that has a powerful message behind it! Forget about those science theories when David sings this one! Eric does an outstanding job with "I Love To Call His Name". He has a great range as a bass singer. Did you know that Eric is an ordained minister? Don't forget the title track "City of Light". Let the Kingdom Heirs tell you what we all, as christians, have to look forward to! The Kingdom Heir Band also has a CD out called Impressions. The band is in a class of their own!

The stories on CD are well written and very entertaining. I listened through all 3 CDs in one sitting when I got them! What's more, its sound quality is very good. I have other classical music CDs for kids and almost always I'm disappointed with the sound quality. (Violines sound like they have flu!)

This is a great buy for kids of all ages!!!

My two children, ages 7 and 5 received the Classical Kids Music Box, volumes 1 & 2 for Christmas this year and they can't seem to get enough of it! Each box contains 3 CD's, each on a different composer. Some are narrated by children and tell a story of the particular composer. Their popular compositions play in the background - this way the listener hears a partial biography of the composer as well as some music. Volume 1 contains stories of Handel, Beethoven and Vivaldi, and Volume 2 contains stories of Mozart, Bach and Tchaikovsky. I highly recommend this for all children who listed to music CD's, whether they're musically inclined or not.

To say this series of music is "CAPTIVATING" is a total understatement. We have enjoyed these immensely for 2 years now and are hoping they will continue to release more composers. These well-told stories will hold the interest of everyone at any age while introducing them to these brilliant composers. My son is a 12 year old AAA travel hockey player and listens to these CD's while going to sleep, every night, without fail! Last week he asked if he could go online to find music and I thought he was looking for something along the line of latest hits. What a surprise to find him looking for more of the Music Box Series. These collections are as valuable to classical music as Harry Potter has become to children's reading! The story of Beethoven is especially poignant, when you realize what he accomplished with his gift in spite of his many challenges. I won't give away the plots of these wonderful stories told in this series, however I will say they will be listened to over and over again! And just like Harry Potter, you can't wait for the next one!

The Lord has anointed Daryl to spread the Gospel message in a manner of power. This CD comprises of some of Daryl's most inspiring compositions. It is a five star item-- not because of Daryl's performance, but because the name of Jesus is exalted in a manner of excellence and with songs of praise & worship!

Coley truly ministers to your soul. This is a must buy!!

Coley's voice is so versital it will amaze you. The songs on this CD are his best and will give you a spiritual uplift no matter when or how many times you listen to it. From fast paced gospel hits to soul stirring hymms you will be revived! First time listeners will definately want to buy more!

Jeni Varnadeau's style can best be described as... "Sassy, Bold, In Your Face with the Truth! ". With a voice that catches your attention and words that capture your soul, this is by far one of the best and most encouraging CD's I have ever purchased. "Father Knows Best" gave me chills and "For My Good" really hit home.

Jeni Varnadeau's lyrics, instrumentation, voice and arrangements complement each other in making this a really inspiring CD. I listen to alot of Contemporary Christian music, and this disk has been my favorite for the past couple of years. "For My Good" has been especially meaningful to me in tough times where I couldn't understand why God was allowing certain events to come to pass in my life (of course He knew what He was doing). If you like Alanis Morrisette, you'll love Jeni Varnadeau...a little edge with a POWERFUL, POSITIVE message.

Okay, real quick (unlike most of my reviews), here's the deal: Jeni V. is something rare in today's alt-pop music scene: she's a genuine poet, lyrically. Sure, I love Rebecca St. James, who has broader appeal, as much as the next person. But RSJ's lyrics are about catchiness, not content; her music is more on the Amy Grant level. And while Jewel may have a book of poetry out on Amazon and in bookstores, her thoughtflow is usually disjointed at best. Not so with Jeni V and her debut album, COLORS OF TRUTH. The track "Between You and Me" carries both emotional power and lyrical depth and is typical of the quality of her freshman outing. Here's hoping there's a market beyond...well, me...for an artist this talented and creative with words as well as music.

I'm not very fond of gospel music.This repertoire,sung by choirs always bored me.Even Mahalia Jackson doesn't interest me very much.But I love sacred songs sung and played by Louis Armstrong,or Fats Waller,or New Orleans Brass Bands;and I go crazy when I listen to these tunes sung by Aretha Franklin (her "gospel" album on Chess,recorded at her father's church when she was 14),or by Blind Willie Johnson,Blind Willie McTell,Reverend Gary Davis,Mississippi John Hurt,Fred McDowell.In fact,I love the blues,down-to-earth way of playing this music.Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) belongs to this category of extraordinary singers and guitar players.Her very expressive voice reminds of Dinah Washington.And she was a very talented guitar player.Using a dobro,her playing offers reminiscences of Big Bill Broonzy and Bukka White.Sister Rosetta is alone on 21 of the 26 tracks of this CD (tracks 1-17 and 23-26).ON tracks 18-22,she sings with Lucky Millinder and his orchestra,a band which was very popular in NYC at the end of the thirties.Among the musicians,Panama Francis,Bill Doggett,Francis Webster,Eli Robinson,Buster Bailey,George Duvivier.THis first volume of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's complete recorded works offers a good opportunity to discover her incredibly swinging guitar playing,and her very beautiful and moving voice.In the following years,she was to record maybe the greatest masterpieces (with Blind Willie Johnson's tunes) in the gospel idiom,with the support of the immense Sammy Price on piano,and the young Kenny Clarke on drums.I think that the three volumes issuedby this label are equally important and interesting.In this one,there is a special country blues flavor that delights me.Hope you'll feel the same.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an exciting performer and one of the first singers to bring the power of gospel music into the secular world, predating Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin by quite a few years. Unlike those two, Tharpe's main loyalty remained religious music, although her acoustic guitar playing was jazz-oriented, and she spent 1941-43 being featured regularly with Lucky Millinder's Orchestra before returning to work as a solo performer. This Document CD has Tharpe's first 26 recordings. The first 14 numbers are from her unaccompanied solo dates of 1938-41, and despite the similar message of most of the selections, they do hold one's interest due to her exciting delivery. Highlights include her earliest versions of "Rock Me," "That's All," "The Lonesome Road" and "This Train." Next up are eight songs cut with Millinder's big band: five studio numbers (including "Trouble in Mind," "Rock Daniel," "Shout Sister Shout" and "That's All") and three selections taken from the soundtracks of their filmed "Soundies." The CD wraps up with four solo performances from December 1, 1941, including a spirited "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Precious Lord Hold My Hand." This CD and Volume 2 (which finds the singer-guitarist finishing her Millinder period and resuming her solo career during 1943-44) are highly recommended and contain most of the finest work of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's career.

There's a new 3-CD release from Vanguard Records called 'From Spirituals to Swing'. These were a legendary series of concerts in '38 and '39 at Carnegie Hall, introducing swing jazz hounds and society folk alike to the joys of American pop. John Hammond, Sr., who recorded everyone from Bessie Smith to Bob Dylan, put the programs together. It's got the A list of great American pop artists of the time: Count Basie, Benny Goodman. James P. Johnson, Albert Ammons, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Terry. Hammond wanted to have blues guitar genius Robert Johnson on the bill, but Johnson had been killed not long before.

There's a short track, 'That's All', about a minute in length, in which this guitar intro shocks the audience into nervous laughter. The intro is a rapid-fire riff ending with a twang. The audience gasps, then laughs. Even the hardcore swing hipsters got all shook up.

This is from a '38 concert. The fast, tough, sexy, gutbucket guitar riff is rock and roll, about 15 years before Elvis broke rock wide open. And it's played by an African-American woman, Rosetta Tharpe.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A spirituals performer making her secular debut.

So, if someone tells you that an African-American woman of the church invented rock and roll in about 1938, it's no lie.

Buy the Sister Rosetta Tharpe audio CDs and find out for yourself.

As one of The Williams Brothers biggest fans, if not the biggest I found "The Concert" to be by far the best of thier 36 recordings that I own by the Williams Brothers. The Williams Brothers just get better with time and the addition of Bishop Carlton Pearson and Prophetess Juanita Bynum was a blessing. This recording is one that can be enjoyed and a blessing to all. It is a recording that everyone should have so if you don't have it, get it; and you will see as I do...The Williams Brothers are getting better with time.

Great release from a great musical family. This is an absolutely wonderful live recording. Seeing it on video is even better. The Williams Brothers have never disappointed me from the time I became a fan back in 1984. "The Concert" is a must have for any Williams Brothers fan...and if you're not a fan, buying this will make you one.

Kirk Franklin, move aside! This is the way the gospel music should be presented, sincere and spiritually illuminating. The Williams Brothers have released a "live" recording that captures the essence of faith with an ecletic blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Featuring some of their most popular songs (the smooth and subtle "Never Seen Your Face," the truly uplifting "Living Testimony," as well as the praiseworthy "For All You've Done"), these gifted gospels artisans have crafted one of the best concert albums in recent years. An outstanding cut is the almost fifteen minute "Medley!" If this one doesn't get one "spirited," then there is no remedy for one's ills. I am so grateful to the church "sister" who introduced me to these talented musicians several years ago. My music library has been elevated since the induction of this and other releases by the premier gospel group today. The Lord will indeed make a way!