Heaven & Earth (Bonus Track Version)
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Phil Poet, worship leader, musician, genius, all words used to describe worship leader Phil Wickham. But the best words to describe his newest album "Heaven & Earth" would be: Heavenly, ethereal, worshipful,...
Church Music
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David Crowder*Band As much as it pains me to say this, chances are very good that you will not like this CD on your first listen, if ever. However this worship album, is possibly one of the best worship albums ever put together!...
Light Up The World Deluxe Edition
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Desperation Band Desperation Band heralds from Colorado's New Life Church. With multiple live recordings behind them, and a relatively avid fan base, the band now releases "Light Up The World", a studio project that is...
"Peace" Does A Belly Flop | Posted December-16-2008
Peace On Earth, the newest release by Mega Band, Casting Crowns, is sure to do well on the store shelves, and perhaps that is where it should remain, on the shelves.
The band kicks off the festivities with a rather origional take on "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" which starts off golden, it fails at the end however, as the song builds in strength, it wells up emotions inside of you, and it fails to pay off when the time comes. It fizzles and in my humble opinion, does not regain the ground untill the very last song, A very Moving rendition of "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel". The Solo Violin treatment serves the song and the album well.
If I had to describe the Album in terms that everyone would understand, It is like a Sandwich, Two good slices of bread on the outside, but an old Bologna sandwich inside.
Get "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" on iTunes, but dont waste your time with the rest.
Near Perfect | Posted October-28-2008
I am not new to Michael W. Smith's Music... but I am fairly new to liking it however. Ever since his Christmas album released last year, I realised his true artisitc genius. Being an indifferent fan to other recent projects like "Healing Rain", and the "Worship" series, I was immediatley catapulted into fan-land when the INTRO started on this new offering "A New Hallelujah". This epic and beautiful album is sure to be the crowning acheivment in his worship franchise.
From the intense drum beats on the opening track "Prepare Ye The Way", to the touching duet "Help Is On The Way", with Israel Houghton, you will be held captive by, should be instant classics like, "A New Hallelujah" and the afore mentioned song "Prepare Ye The Way", as well as modern classics "Mighty To Save", "Shout Unto God", and "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", and classic classics like, "I Surrender All".
Lyrically "Smitty" is in prime form, keeping most songs simple but insightful. "When I Think Of You" is a fantastic exploration of how we relate to God and how He relates back to us. "Help Is On The Way" is an emotional and touching song that is sure to encourage you at all times.
Its gonna be tough for Smitty to beat himself at his own game... but if he keeps up his good work and continues to rely on God for inspiration, I will highly anticipate his next album!
They're Back and In Prime Form! | Posted October-22-2008
Mary Mary's back and they aren't wasting time proving that they have improved during their 2 year break!
The Sound opens with a few words explaining the definition of the word Sound, courtesy of special guest Joy Winans, but quickly gets down to business with the title track "The Sound", a funky 50's & 60's style romp that will make you wan to get up and dance... and it doesnt slow down with the radio friendly "Get Up", a modern fun pop song with decent lyrics.
David Banner makes a visit on the track "Superfriend", a seemingly cheesey prerequisate Hip-Hop/Rap interlude, but it doesn't quite fall flat on its face. "God In Me" with Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, opens with the lyrics "I just wanna tell the truth now" and the song lives up to that statement.
"Boom" is a fun R&B tune as is the following "I'm Running" and "Forgiven Me". The mildly akward "Dirt", a song about just that, Dirt, has good intentions and succeeds on a small level... but not enough to cause me to re-visit it on repeat plays. Same deal with "Seattle" where the ladies plead for the "Holy Spirit rain, like Seattle" akward, but effective... to a point.
"I Worship You", and "It Will All Be Woth It" are perfect closing ballads for a suitable album.
The recurring Radio theme where a male announcer chimes in between songs announcing, "Your listening to, The Sound" is entertaining and fun.
Overall... Mary Mary proves that they aren't going anywhere!
Haunting and Beautiful | Posted October-22-2008
Fernando Ortega's first venture into the wonderful sonic world of Christmas music, certainly makes me hope that it isn't His last! His delightful voice and memorable melodies are sure to make you an instant fan. The balance of pure instrumental arrangments and solid vocals is sure to put you at peace during the turbulant holiday season!
I was pleasantly surprised as I was not formerly a fan of his music.
The mix of songs both familliar and un-failliar is pleasant to say the least. The opening song "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" showcases Ortega's dazzling vocals, while the following "Carol of the Birds" (not to be confused with Carol of the Bells) displays his enchanting melodies.
The album continues with traditional songs such as "Joy To The World", "Go Tell It On The Mountain", "What Child Is This", O Little Town Of Bethlehem", and "Angels We Have Heard On High", as well as Ancient classics like "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" and the new "Jesus, King of Angels".
If you buy any one CD this Christmas Season, let this be on your top 5 list!
A Decent Effort | Posted October-22-2008
Mandisa..... Vocally Gifted, Genre Challenged. Her first album "True Beauty" was an eclectic mix of music that was fun... experimental... unique. So with her second full length album "It's Christmas" the bar was raised higher. But rather than the thought "Musical Genius" coming to mind, the term "Sophmore Slump" does. And better to get it over with on a Christmas album than on an all Original album.
The Album opens with the Promising "What Christmas Means To Me" with an upbeat traditional Pop sound that is fun and energetic, but is followed by "Feliz Navidad (with Joy to the World)" which is akward at best. The album quickly takes a turn for the better on "Christmas Makes Me Cry" a moving duet with co-writer Matthew West. But again turns back to bland, with a medley of "Silver Bells, Carol of the Bells and Caroling, Caroling". With Painful transitions between the songs and renditions that pale in comparison with fellow female artists like BarlowGirl and Amy Grant. The album stays on this track until Michael W. Smith steps in and saves the day with a track from His Christmas album released last year. The song is titled "Christmas Day" and is a lovely song full of memories and sounds of Christmas past and the hope of more to come.
The eclectic mix of styles ranging from Pop to Funk to traditional Gospel, sometimes in the same song, isn't experimental this time around... but annoying and frustrating.
Now we all root for everyones favorite Mandisa... but dont be suprised if this album causes your inner Simon to emerge.
Intense and Inspiring | Posted October-22-2008
If you were to ask any Skillet fan how their show is... you'll probably hear the response, "They Have The Best Live Show In The Buisiness!". And if you dont beleive them... just check out this album! The shows power and energy is radiated through your TV screen and it transports you to the show (especially if its viewed on a large screen TV). Skillet retools classic favorites as well as new hits both using their traditional instruments, but also the addition of a Celloist and Violinist for the tour! Songs like "Comatose" and "Collide" really come alive in a new and dynamic way. The Bands addition of new drummer Jen Ledger also gives a fresh new perspective on the songs. Pianist/Guitarist/Programmer Corey Coopers voice is the only mild downer on the entire album. Her pitchy and at times weak voice pales in comparison to similarly talented femme rockers as Plumb's Tiffany Arbuckle-Lee and Flyleafs Lacey Moseley.
But this album is sure to impress fans and newcomers alike! You wont be let down by Christian Musics most intense live show!
Good Project For Fans | Posted October-22-2008
The newest Live project from international superstars the Newsboys is a decent effort that is sure to be nostalgic for anyone that ever attended a Newsboys concert over the past 16 months and is sure to wow long time fans, with the theatrics of the show. It includes Newsboys classics sucha as "Entertaining Angels", "Shine", and "Breakfast", while including new fan faves like "Wherever We Go", "The Mission", "Something Beautiful", and "Your Love is Better Than Life". The DVD is flashy and cool but lacks the energy of the Live show... Frontman Peter Fruller must have been having a blah day because he doesn't seem to have put his all into the Show. The leaving of former guitarist/genuis, Phil Joel, is sure to be a contributing factor to the lack of energy.
Overall this is a good project with a few new tricks (a drum battle complete with sideways rotating drum sets) and classic songs. But dont base your Newsboys Live Experience on this project alone.
Soothing and Encouraging | Posted September-27-2008
Moya Brennan is a shining gem among christian artists among the ranks of Sara Groves in lyrical beatuy and conviction... and also inspiration. Her Irish roots shine through her ethereal pop sound making this album a treasure that is sweet to the ears. Moya shows transparency in songs such as "Hear My Prayer" and "Hidden Stories" while encouraging on "I Will Find You" and "Tapestry".
Moya started in the ground breaking Irish band "Clannad" with her sisters including the Grammy Award winner Enya. Her roots are solid and clear in songs such as "Merry-Go-Round" and "Pill a Run O" where she employs the beauty and coplexity of her native Irish tounge. Her voice is soothing and poignant (in a good way).
This album is perfect to listen to if you want to relax or pray or spend time in reflective worship or meditation on God's word. If your a fan of Irish or New Age style music, Signature is a must have.
Different, But Good None the Less | Posted October-22-2008
BarlowGirl, the great all girl rock band of our generation, impresses with this new release, "Home For Christmas". This is a compilation of the Girls favorite Christmas songs, as well as a new song penned by the ladies. The girls take a break from their signature Alt Rock sound, and replace it with Jazzy/Bluesey arrangments featuring the Girls themselves on their respective instruments, long time producer Otto Price, and the City of Prauge Philharmonic. With a traditional christmas sound as their foundation, the Girls transform each song and infuse it with emotion and glee and their favorite christmas memories. This is sure to spend time on everyone's iPod or radio this christmas season, and many more to come.
Some of the CD's Highlights include "Carol of the Bells/Sing we now of Christmas" this showcases the girls tremendous vocals and seamless harmonies, "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)" the origional song for this album is an emotional song that really delivers towrds the end, "What Child is This?" features Rebecca Barlow's debut on lead vocals on a CD (she had lead for a verse on a song titled "Image" that could be downloaded with the purchase of their first album) and she is AMAZING! She adds a very different dynamic to the ladies sound with her astounding Alto voice and Elvis like guitar playing. And the album closer "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a beautiful song that thie girls shine on vocally.
While their rock sound is missed, this is certainly a welcome addition to any BarlowGirl fans collection... or any Music fans collection.
lordrings87's Music and Book Reviews 
