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Barlowgirl are the three sisters who have a passion to write songs about the journey that God has taken them on in their lives. Their main song topics include trusting God, purity, and their stand on not dating. Indeed, there's a massive Barlowgirl movement in the States now, all taking similar stance. The album itself is very much in the Avril Lavigne mould. "Pedestal" rocks like "Skater Boi", while the more melodic "Never Alone" is more like "I'm With You". "She Walked Away" is a prayer from a family who's child has left home without a word. They're left, hurt, grieving, and not knowing why. It's a brilliantly intense song and my favourite overall. The girls write the songs themselves and also play drums and guitar, therefore creating a simple rock sound. But, the producers seem to have used string pads at every opportunity and it works well. It's an album made by teenagers for teenagers, but older folks like myself will still find food for thought. 8/10 (March 2004)
Produced by none other than Martin Smith, this album blends rhythmic praise and ethnic overtones with passionate worship towards the "Holy One of Israel". For those of you who don't know, Barry & Batya live in Jerusalme and are at the forefront of what God is doing in the present day nation of Israel. Following two tracks of introduction, the Segal's move into full flow with "Baruch Haba" and the bouncy "Hallelu Et Adonai". Mixing English and Hebrew languages, worship is of the essence as "Hineh Lo Yanum" and "Kadosh" gently minister. The latter actually had me thinking I was listening to Joanne Hogg, Batya's vocals being so smooth. Someone once joked to me that listening to Barry & Batya was like been locked in a room with the worst entries of the Eurovision song contest. Thankfully, I can assure you that this is not the case, as this album has many winners. 8/10. (March 2000)
Barry and Batya Segal were one of the first Messianic artists that I ever reviewed, way back in 1995. since then, I have come to know and respect their music that brings a contemporary ethnic sound that speaks insightfully to the prophetic times in which we live today. This latest album shows the sprit of worship rising up out of the Land of Israel and encourages believers everywhere during these perilous and uncertain times. "On Your Walls O Jerusalem" is a typical uptempo piece that conjures visions of dancing and laughter, it's a very uplifiting song. "We Delight in Your Shabbat" is so full of happieness and praise, as it proclaims "We delight"…in God. "Shimcha Kadosh" finds Batya singinig to just an acoustic backing, joined mid-song by an angelic choir - it's quite beautiful. "Go Through The Gates" will draw the listener into the peace and presence of the Lord, whatever your cultural background. 8/10. (October 2002)
BBC Radio 4's Daily Service programme is the longest running daily radio programme in the world. The current crop of singers are all experienced worship leaders who not only have the skills to sing the widest range of Christian music, but an ability to communicate the faith itself. On this, first, commercial release, 14 songs are featured. Beginning with "Praise My Soul", the track listing then runs through Stuart Townend's "How Deep the Father's Love", Paul Leddington's "O Lord of Every Shining Constellation", and back to Townend once more for "From the Sqaulor". Each are given timeless classic renditions in the style and quality that The Daily Service produce. Other songs featured include "From Heaven You Came", "Be Still" and "When I Survey" in what can only be called a top album of it's kind. 9/10. (NOvember 2001)
Signed to the Newsboy's Inpop label, fellow Australians, Beanbag are going to raise quite a few eyebrows with this release. Mixing rap, funk and rock with crunching guitars, it's an album that is sure to appeal to fans of Prodigy and the like. However, for your average music fan, both your head and your ears are going to take a severe pounding. For me, personally, the meaning of lyrics on such tracks as "Bite the Hand" were completely lost due to the barking vocals. Even reading the lyrics whilst listening failed to help, although I did manage to stay with "Face I Paint"."Disturbed", "Why?", and "Stale" are all very much the same and, although the band were a big hit at last year's Cornerstone Festival in America, I simply couldn't play this more than twice. Perhaps I just don't understand. 2/10. (April 2000)
I like this album. That's it, end of review! But it's too good for me to leave it there. Bebo Norman is an American who's been making a name for himself throughout Europe ever since his previous album 'Ten Thousand Days' grabbed our attention in 1999. Not just another acoustic guitar based singer/songwriter, Bebo has a real depth in his songs, and manages to combine well thought out lyrics with memorable tunes and good structures. In short, his songs are 'complete' and work well. This album sees him at his most mature yet, with a departure into full arrangements with a more commercial feel. A classy production brings out the best in his voice, which is lovely and husky with a great laid back tone. The title track 'Big Blue Sky' shows this, along with others such as 'I Am', 'Underneath' and 'Cover Me'. But this album also shows Bebo Norman unplugged, the real McCoy, in such beautiful tracks as 'All That I Have Sown' and 'Where You Are'. So we have the best of both worlds, and the good thing is that he's still maturing and progressing so we've got a lot of goodies to look forward to. Yes, I like this album. 9/10 Julie Lord. (July 2001)
I have heard a lot of really good things about Bebo Norman as a songwriter and performer, and the fact that his last album "Big Blue Sky" was named #1 Christian album of 2001 by Amazon.com served only to reinforce those things. It was therefore with a sense of genuine anticipation that I put this new release into my CD player, and (to my great relief) I was not disappointed. Musically there is nothing revolutionary here, and the acoustic guitar-led Nashville influence is obvious, but the musicianship is superb from beginning to end, and the songs are beautifully put together. The lyrics are very much focussed on Bebo's own relationship with God, and a sense that this is a very personal collection of songs stays with you throughout, which only serves to strengthen the album as a whole. For me the highlights are "Beautiful You" and the awesome "Great Light of the World", and unusually there are no obviously weak songs so, in spite of having only an unmastered review copy to go on, this one comes highly recommended. 9/10 David Cooper (October 2002)
I already have Bebo's excellent 2002 CD 'Myself when I am real' in my collection so was pleased when I received this new one for review. If you're wondering about Bebo's name, his real name is Steven but a baby sister who couldn't say 'brother' started calling him 'Bebo' when he was just four years old - and it stuck! He has a really good 'light with a touch of gravel' bang-in-tune voice, and his music is sort of in the Marc Cohn vein, which suits me nicely. Bebo's albums date back to 1999, and this is his fifth. Good songs as usual - Bebo has a talent for lyrics and melody to add to that voice of his. There are probably fewer immediately memorable 'tunes' than on the 2002 offering, but a couple of plays soon had me singing along. The best song lyrically is 'Borrow mine' - a neat idea skilfully put together, but I won't say more in case I spoil it for you! 'Disappear' is also excellent, and others worth special note include 'Nothing without you' and 'Other side of the day' - but there really isn't a weak track here. If your preferences include listening to guitar-based singer-songwriters, Bebo is pretty well as good as it gets. The only down side is the sound, which a good sound system shows up as being a bit over-compressed - probably mixed for (so-called) 'radio play'. Despite this, a definite recommendation - and also worth checking out Bebo's other albums via www.bebonorman.com. 9/10 Dave Deeks (January 2005, February 2005)
Another debut album by one of those American artists who seem to appear at almost alarming regualrity. In the mould of Susan Ashton comes Becca Jackson with her blend of acoustic pop, folk rock and down-to-earth music. Ten songs which embrace God's word and promises to the full. Loved the opening 'Hands Tied' which tells of our constant falls from grace, and the catchy title track with excellent hook. The backing music is superb but does not detract from the sweet voice of Becca. She is, indeed, a talented new singer/songwriter and looks set for greater things. The lovely 'He Will Build A Bridge' rounds things off, telling of Jesus' outstretched hand, calling the lost. A good start. 8/10. (June 1997)
In the world of British Acid Jazz, Jamariqoui lead the rest by some distance. Whilst Capitaan flew the Christian flag last year, Beehive have released an album which collects together, the sound that is making the music press sit up and take note. Singer Kaz Lewis has been praised to soul diva status and it's easy to see why. Her voice is soft and warm , with a power to make a song stand out - the laid back 'Can't Stop the Rain' being a prime example. The track which is getting most radio play is 'Get Busy' a funky tune that I thought was awful - it takes all sorts. 'Hype' has a Latin feel to it and the summer feeling 'Father's Eyes' has 'hit' written all over. The music is tight and Rob May's keyboard work gives a good feel throughout. It's not a stunning debut but Beehive look set to be the Buzz-band this year. 7/10. (June 1997)
22 year old singer songwriter Ben Glover comes from a small town on the edge of the Rockies. He loves music and loves the Lord even more. His new album tackles issues of faith, community, and culture with fearless questioning and unswerving faith. Great sentiments but the album is, sadly, filled with too many average songs. He's a little bit like Stephen Curtis Chapman in style but neither the vocals or songs come up to scratch. The title track is, probably, the best on offer, while "The Man I Want to Be" would run it a close second. Apart from that, it was one of those albums that I played through without there really being one memorable song. "Hope Will Be My Song" is quite nice but the quality just isn't there. 2/10. (June 2001)
I really enjoyed listening to this CD. It's one of those albums that doesn't sound like a Christian CD, if you know what I mean. The Benjamin gate have had two number one singles, both from their last CD, I reckon that they could have more if there is a single release from this one. A lot of the songs reminded me of delerious in their King of fools era, although this band has a female vocalist. Some of the more quiet tracks have a similar feel to The Alarm. There is a definate raw edge to the music, something sadly lacking in a lot of material that is produced nowadays. Unfortunatly there is no contact information supplied for this country, but there is a website which contains loads of stuff about the band, and it seems to be regularly updated. It could be hard to obtain this CD over here, (the band come from South Africa) but if you like that raw edge to your music then it would be worth your while trying to chase a copy down. The web address is www.thebenjamingate.com or you could try www.forefrontrecords.com. 10/10 Andy Sayner. (October 2002)
A new name, I'm sure, to most readers but this is actually the band's second album release. Sometimes they sound like Bon Jovi, other times The Beatles, and - then again - Chris Rea! There's a great track called 'Letting Go', which tells of doing just that with a selfish life, which has become an instant favourite of mine. Most songs are quite short and, like the previous number, 'If Loving God Was a Crime' and 'You Are' don't last long enough. The latter track has one of those deep, echo, Duanne Eddy guitar sounds, that I can only dream about producing. Some really good stuff here, and I like it. 8/10. (November 1996)
One look at the front cover of this album had me wondering if BTR had undergone major surgery! Gone are the jeans, leather jackets, and long hair, and in come shorter cuts and designer wear. So, what of the music? Thankfully, the band have not changed their musical style and produce am rock steady, tight album. Every BTR album I've heard has always had one song that has really stood out from the rest and this one is no exception. "Fill Me With Your Spirit" has already become a favourite on my radio spot, and I can see it being played quite regualrly in the months to come. Acoustic guitar and strings are the mainstay of the delightful "The Word of God", while the wonderful ballad "One More Song" shows Steve Wiggins vocals at their very best. It's a rock ballad, it's a praise song, it's great. "Live For You" finds the band in a heavier mood and not quite as tight. The album finishes with "What I Want For Christmas", a sort of throwaway rock-boogie that really should be thrown away! Despite that, a good album. 8/10. (January 2000)
For those of you who don't know, Bill Drake is the International Music Minister of Operation Mobilisation. He ministers all over the over the world encouraging people to find fulfilment in investing their lives into the Kingdom of God. Despite it's bright opening, the album doesn't particularly flow well. "Toward the Mark" is a song of personal witness that moves a long nicely, but all too soon we're into the worst kind of cringe-filled praise & worship of "Shout For Joy". The following piano led worship doesn't get much better, and then it's 'spandex time'. Yes, tonight, Bill Drake IS Michael Sweet!. Joking aside, it's a very powerful track that was written in 10 minutes. A good rocking sound, great lyrics and superb instrumentation. The last two tracks had me thinking "Iona" and, when I looked closely at the sleeve notes, there's Mike Haughton providing his usual experience on saxophones and whistles. A bitty release that needs a few listens to appreciate. 6/10. (September 1999)
Being a country singer, or being perceived as a country singer, is something that arouses mixed emotions in the minds and hearts of music lovers. I've listened to loads of country music in my time both secular and sacred, and although I'm not a great country music enthusiast, there's some that I like to listen to and can appreciate - Randy Travis, Susan Ashton, Buddy Greene, Paul Overstreet, and now, albeit in a slightly grittier, bluesier, rockier vein, Billy Ray Cyrus - yep, the guy with 14 million unit career sales, and six US Top ten Radio singles, and who still holds the record for the longest time spent at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Album chart with a debut release, an amazing 17 weeks. Although loads of country singers, whether Christian or not, feel that they have to do at least one "gospel" album, Billy Ray has gospel music in his DNA - his dad sang in a gospel quartet, his grandfather was a preacher, and Billy Ray's own strong faith comes over well in his first Christian release for Word, 'The Other Side'. Eleven songs, a mix of old and new, with standouts being the Bebo Norman song "Tip Of My Heart", receiving airplay on UCB Europe; a gritty twelve bar blues arrangement of "Amazing Grace"; and in new country vein, "Holding On To A Dream", which will be the next song on the UCB Europe playlist. Whilst Billy Ray doesn't do much songwriting, he penned the title track, and it's a good gentle country ballad, with plenty of slide guitar. If you only know him for "Achy Breaky Heart", then investigate this, you might be surprised. 7/10 Trevor Kirk (April 2004)
R&B gospel comes to NFN and a welcome change in style it is too. Sounding a little like Nu Colours, this duo (husband & wife?) have teamed up with co-writer Michael Omartian and musicians of the quality of Dan Huff. Track 6 is my favourite, which puts a slightly different slant on the old chestnut of how your walk with God is doing? "If everyone was just like me, what kind of world would it be?" Think about it. Programmed instruments provide most of the music but Huff's guitar is at it's best throughout. There's romantic sounds, and there's danceable sounds to. It's a good release and well worth your time. 7/10. (November 1996)
Seattle praise & worship? You'd better believe it! With touches of Smashing Pumpkins, smatterings of Nirvana, and a little REM, Bleach turn p&w on it's head with their debut offering. Simple, oh so simple, lyrics that literally leap from your speakers. You may look good on the outside, but what's inside? So, asks the opening song "Eleven". "Perfect Family" speaks of God at the centre of the marriage while "Wonderful" takes the same stance in a boy and girl relationship. The latter track is just out of this world, with it's grungey guitar chorus but laid back verse. These five guys sing of meeting God for the first time and about being a friend to your brother/sister in a style that you just wouldn't expect. I dare you to listen to this album without loving it. 10/10. (April 1997, Album of the Month)
This is the follow up to the hugely successful 'Butterfly Kisses' which knocked the Spice Girls off the top of the US album charts. As we would expect, it's an album full of big, polished production, with the man himself in charge. It opens with the current single, 'We All Fall Down', complete with orchestral arrangements and children's choir, but I have to say that I feel the album has too many slow ballads, with lyrics bordering on the slushy. 'Lately (Dreaming About Babies) is a good example. Bob Carlisle's voice is a lower pitich than Michael Bolton and he really comes into his own on the faster numbers. 'International' is excellent, and the inclusion of the Big Motor Horns on 'Power of Love' is superb. The album closes wih an orchestral version of a previous track, which I felt coould have been omitted leaving the gospel choir on 'In the Hands of Jesus' to bring it to a rightful close. Nice album, but a bit too sentimental in parts. 7/10. Julie Lord. (January 1999)
Bob Fitts is a new name to me but he's the man who, in 1990, pioneered the School of Worship with the University of the Nations as a training ground for worship leaders. This collection features 13 songs from his collection, dating back to the 1992 opener "Draw Near". It's a MOR pop song with the careful type of vocals associated with the likes of Michael Card, and it's really nice. The easy going "Over All" continues a similar feel and "I'll Never Leave You Or Forsake You" has some beautiful backing music. Mid-album, Bob decides to take things a little slower and produces some worship ballads. Of these, "Behold the Man" and the title track have a tender and thoughtful style. It's not an earth shattering album but, with another great song called "He Will come & Save You", would grace any praise and worship fan's collection. 9/10. (August 2000, Album of the Month)
Sometimes, when you review as many albums as I do, you have to discern between those which have full record label backing, and those which are independently released on a miniscule budget. This, then, falls into the latter category. Steve Gardner writes the lyrics, and Bob Fordham puts them to music and sings. Now, Steve isn't trying to become the next "big thing" but is anxious to share his writing with church groups, or even individuals who could write a suitable melody. Indeed, many of his songs have already been taken up by churches as far away as Canada, so there's plenty of potential. All the songs on this CD are in easy listening style, and written by using gospel truths and passages as a base. Therefore, they do tend to sound a little alike but, there are a few gems. "It Only Took A Moment" has Bob's voice sounding very much like Lou Reed, and his delivery works very well. He's not blessed with the greatest of vocal ranges, but his work is consistent and reminiscent of 70's duo Gallagher & Lyle. Take, "The Jailbreaker" or the title track, both well sung. Sometimes the music is a little samey, or a song finishes too soon. "All of You" is one such piece where a promising melody seems to run out of steam and ends with a whimper. No, you're not getting the glossy record production of a big name, but what you are getting is good, honest, truth from two guys who are trying their very best to share the good news in the only way they know how. 6/10. (May 2003)
US Christian stand-up comedy albums are, thankfully, few and far between. Of the few that I have had the unfortunate pleasure of hearing, none are memorable. I'll say that, right away, Bob Smiley's effort falls into the same category. He has, apparently, opened for such groups as Newsboys, and Third Day, and "revels in the real-life stories and the not-so-everyday situations that he constantly finds himself surrounded by. With sharp wit and gentle humor, he touches on topics that range from lessons learned in grade school to lessons he's learned by being a dad." Thing is, US comedy often fails to travel well across the Atlantic - and vice-versa. He looks at discipline of children; his father's sayings; visiting the supermarket, and the like, and makes comments that just aren't funny. Mind you, the live audience seem to be enjoying it - I can't see it being canned - so maybe it's just not for the English. Over an hour of an annoying American guy talking total rubbish is not my favourite thing. Bob Smiley? Maybe he should be marketed as Bob Irritating. Bless his heart. 1/10 - I did laugh once. (September 2002)
Citing such people as Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann, and Bruce Cockburn as his influences, Booley (aka Peter Wilson) presents an album full of interesting and, sometimes, very deep thinking songs. The whole concept is based around his own life, warts and all, and the song "My Little Glory" says it all. Lost, and then found, it's another declaration of what God can do in anyone's life. Not quite sure where he's coming from on the excellent "Patrick Moore", but it reminded me of those classic Undertones' singles of the late 70's. "Alright" is more of an acoustic sort of thing that tells of a journey, while the tongue in cheek "Tesco Queen" has a sideways look at love. Booley is certainly a very talented writer and not just a run of the mill one, at that. I couldn't listen to the title track as the CD was damaged but for someone who wants to look at everyday life as a Christian, this is one to buy. 8/10. (May 2000)
A debut Cd from a new band that appeared on the bill at Greenbelt this year. The album is rock orientated in the modern style of such bands as Blink182, although the lyrics are less controversial - or more so depending on your outlook. It should appeal to the younger generation and to middle aged teenagers like myself. "One Small Step" starts with the thrashing guitars on "Better Than I do" and ends in the same way with "Cartoon Rumours" - my favourite two songs. The who album is in the same style, with the exception of the more reflective "Goodbye JFK". The vocals are clear throughout making a good all round release. If you like this type of music Bottlerockit are certainly worth listening too. 8/10. Tim Robinson. (October 2001)
My first thoughts on receiving this traditional choral release was "What do I know about this type of music?". The answer being, "Absolutely nothing". 'Praise!' contains 14 tracks, of which 3 are instrumental organ pieces. 'Elegiac Romance' lasts for some 10 minutes, whilst 'Saraband in modo elegiaco' sounds as if it's been culled from a 1930's horror movie. Both tracks are quite dreadful. However, the choristers themselves are the main thrust and they do come over very well. Being the average Mr Sunday Churchgoer, I found that, although one track quickly melted into another, there was a distinct quality and relaxing feeling about the songs. Well known ditties such as 'There is a Green Hill' are complimented by 'Magnificat in G' - not to be confused with 'Magnificat in D'. Traditionalists will love this album and, quite rightly, sing it's praises. For the rest of us, it's still quite enjoyable. 7/10. (November 1997)
For those who missed God TV's Braveheart II Conference last October, or indeed for those who did attend, this album release captures some of the dramatic praise and worship that was witnessed. Revival in the UK is what it's all about and Jean Darnell's challenging prophecy is something a little different to the norm. The music? Well, it's provided by the Morning Star Band and brings a mixture of songs old and new. Take, for instance, the opening "Awake O sleeper" - it's just full of praise and anointing! The worship during "Amazing grace" is so spontaneous and encompassing, that you do really feel that you're there with everyone. My favourite track has to be the closing "Hey, Won't You Come Around". It sounds as if proceedings has been interupted by some classy rock band, as the whole style of praise changes and becomes out of this world. If you're used to the normal style of praise and worship, then there's plenty for you to get your teeth into. However, just be ready for one or two surprises. 8/10. (April 2003)
I get the feeling of deja' vu this month, as this reminds me exactly of last month's Paul Baloche review. Why? Well, Brian is another worship leader who's songs rate highly on various compilation albums. Now there's a chance to listen to a whole album of his own material, and it's a bit of a none event really. Not that it doesn't start off well. The title track, plus "Hallelujah" shows that everyone at this live recording were really getting into things, with some enthusiastic praise. And, later on, that feeling is mirrored during "With All My Affection". But, as for the middle running order? Well, it just, sort of, happens. "Your Faithfulness" gives gentle assurance of a loving, constant Father in Heaven but the rest fail to inspire. Perhaps it's due to the various duets included, I'm not sure, but there's little energy or feeling to the remainder of songs. A big disappointment in my book. 4/10 (April 2004)
Brian Houston has toured with and opened for such names as Van Morrison and Dr John, and has a folk/country rock style that blends nicely with either. Oh yes, least I forget, he's also quite Dylanesque in some of his musical delivery, like the opening "Won't Let Go", and the closing "I Love You". His lyrics have great strength and depth, yet Brian uses ordinary words that have appeal easily to your average man in the street. "Every Plan" gets the old feet tapping along with a song about laying everything (good & bad) in front of God. "You took me as I am, you know what I had done", are more of the simple words that are used to form part of "Your Whisper", where Brian, once again, conveys just how much the Lord loves every single person of His creation. Who would have thought that the great hymn "Be Thou My Vision" would ever make an album like this, but it has. Here, powerful drumming and rocky guitar produce a holy sound of praise. If I had to pick a fault (and I usually do) then, there's a slight dip in quality mid-way through the running order but, believe me, add this one to your Christmas list. 9/10. (November 2000)
Combining a hard rock sound with several almost-ballads, Bride has crafted a genuinely fine album of late 20th century popular music. The first time through I found my reaction to be the one from the past - this is Bride and thus it can't be very good. After several additional playings, I came to appreciate most of what is on the album. The faster, louder songs will please the hard music enthusiast, while the slower, more melodic ones will attract an older listening crowd and will appeal to radio programmers. On the whole, I found the album to be extremely fine, with many of the harder tunes to my liking. The slower ones continue to demonstrate Dale Thompson's growth as a songwriter and this, if for no other reason, makes "Oddities" worth your attention. 8/10. The Old Codger, courtesy of The Cutting Edge Magazine. http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/venue/1006/118bride./ html (March 1999)
Well, this review has been a long time coming for which I apologise to The Broken, but it's given me longer to listen again and again to this album! I'm not a great worship album fan, as you know, but this one stands head and shoulders above most of the rest. Featuring Dave and Sue Clemo, things are kept in the family by including their son, Chris on drums. Dave's been in the business a while, and has honed his songwriting skills over the years to produce some excellent songs on this CD. The album is recorded well, with Dave's crystal clear vocals ringing out. Mainly guitar based, there are some great mandolin sounds, and the arrangements work well. I particularly liked 'Salvation Comes To Those Who Believe', 'Such A Mystery' and 'For Such A Time As This' - the theme song for a recent Cross Rhythms festival. The album includes several covers of Matt Redman, Martin Smith, and Janis English's material, but I felt this was one of the few things that let it down. The standard of original songwriting is so good, that I would have liked to have heard more! Check it out on their website: www.thebroken.co.uk 7/10 Julie Lord. (December 2001)
I read the track listing of this Cd, played the album, and my worst fears were born true. Christmas is just around the corner, and the first festive Cd has been released. Taking a closer look at the sleeve notes, you might think that this is just another Christmas album, full of familiar songs that, in the past, have been re-arranged to death. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find a really enjoyable album. There's some great vocals from both the main choir and individuals, including various children. Listening, it had me imagining an old fashioned, traditional Yuletide, complete with everyone gathered around a big log fire, and being led in some great tunes of yesteryear. "Glory to God", "O Holy Night", "Peace on Earth", they're all there. The medley of "Tell Me the Story", "The First Noel", "Angels We Have Heard", and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is particularly good. One of the better Festive albums. 9/10. Judith Wilson. (October 2001, Album of the Month)
The choir began recording this album in late September of 2001, just days after the nation's tragic loss of lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Many choir members worked in the towers, and fortunately were able to escape the buildings alive, although other members of the church were lost in the tragedy. "We were all in shock and it took a while for us to get our bearings," Choir leader Carol Cymbala shares. "We start each of our choir practice sessions with prayer - sometimes we might pray for an hour, and sometimes we may end up spending the entire practice in prayer. As we began to come together in September to rehearse for this album, a lot of that time was given over to prayer. Many of our members just needed encouragement, and they needed to get their comfort from the Lord." The finished product, then, is one of great power and deeply personal. As long as I listen to this type of gospel music, I can't see me liking the old fashioned hollering that goes on in some of the songs. It just isn't for me. But, there again, that didn't stop me enjoying the calmer songs such as the title track - a real swinging good feel chorus - and the big production number "He's God". Brilliant harmonies throughout and never bettered than on the slow and powerful "Go Forth". A really good gospel album. 9/10. (June 2002)
There's just something about a Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir release that brings out the best in gospel music. From the moment they begin with "Made It", the amazing voices of the choir ring true throughout. The choir have the most amazing sound, while the soloists really wear their hearts on the sleeves. "Lord I Believe in you" is a big production, and I mean - BIG. It showcases the choir in full flight and the power of it all is just out of this world. Also included on this double CD are testimony's that, somehow, just blend into the rest of the album. The ballad "Holy Are You Lord" shows that there's more to gospel than just energy, although the rendition of "Days of Elijah" would exhaust me - one of the best versions I've ever heard. If you had negative thoughts about this type of gospel music, think again. This is superb. 10/10. (March 2004, Album of the Month) Geoff writes: Wanting to show just how reviews of the same Cd can differ, I secretly reviewed the same album as one of our regular reviewers. You can read my review above as Album of the Month, but let's see how David Cooper sees the same album:
I have nothing against live worship albums in themselves, in fact I quite like them. Unfortunately they are everywhere at the moment, and the ones I have heard share a fundamental flaw: a singular lack of creativity and imagination. This is fine when you are right there at the event, where the simple spontaneity of meeting with God and following the Spirit's lead is all important, but the "sameyness" of the recordings grates on me after a while and I long to hear something genuinely original, or even slightly out of the ordinary. Don't misunderstand me, I am a huge fan of the big choir sound, and BTC do it very well. Magnificent close harmony singing, solid worship songs (including a nice interpretation of Robin Mark's 'Days of Elijah'), uplifting and worshipful feel, these are all here in abundance, but to be honest you could be listening to any live worship album featuring any large American choir. Much is made of the two testimonies included in the double CD set but, whilst they are powerful stories in their own right, they sound like they were recorded in a metal filing cabinet and badly disrupt the flow of the music. Overall … not terrible, not brilliant. But OK. 6/10 David Cooper
Taking over two years in the making, "Cover Me" is the follow up to this band's self-titled 1999 debut. The members of the band are all high school and church group friends who's original album cover photo shoot was set for September 11th last year. As the events of that day unfolded, the guys called off the shoot and prayed. Thankfully, the album has finally made it and what a good one it is too. A little reminiscent of Big Tent Revival in style, it's an album filled with acoustic led edgy pop. "Blonde & Tan" has some added keyboards to the basic sound, which give it a bit of an edge over some of the other tracks. However, neither "Take Me To the Cross" or "Be Like You" suffer - the former being my favourite track. "Out of the Blindness" talks of being blind to God and then, suddenly, seeing the light that has been hidden for so long. It's another good song that's enjoyable to listen to. If the album has a dip in quality, it comes in the second half, where the noisey "Out of This World" sounds like the 'odd one out' in an otherwise excellent track listing. The sounds are fresh, and the time taken to record the album has been well worth it. 9/10. (April 2002)
"Anyone who listens to CCM, likely knows half a dozen of Bruce Carroll's songs off by heart". Well, that's what the press release said. Me? I knew none! The opening title track is a pleasant enough tune, paving the way for nine more m.o.r country/pop songs. "Pray Hard" has a touch of blues about it, with the message of praying hard, rather than just going through the motions. Carroll makes you think about your relationship with God in an easy going style that nice to listen to, without being out of the ordinary. "Memory of Chains" attacks well and is my favourite track of the album. It's more uptempo and raw feel, out-strip the rest. "Boomerang" is a light-weight album that Christians may find most helpful if they are, themselves, asking questions about their religion. 7/10. (April 1998)
For Bryan's 10th studio album, he and producer Don Posthuma chose to collect a core group of musicians to play on all the tracks instead of relying on computers. The result is a mixture of good and average numbers, sandwiched between one excellent and one downright awful song. The former ("Tell Me Where You Are") is a ballad that includes a searing guitar solo midway that almost make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. The album begins with the happy sounding "Blue Skies" and it bounces along quite nicely. This one leads into "After This Day Is Gone", another chirpy number that gets you singing along quite merrily. Bryan's vocals are nothing out of the
ordinary but, there again, he copes quite admirably throughout. It's an album of MOR pop that you'd expect to hear on the likes of BBC Radio rather than Independent Networks. As albums go, it's quite good, without being anything special. 6/10. (April 1997)
To celebrate his 25th Anniversary of becoming a Christian, Bryn decided to make this album, based around his love for the lyrical and musical content of old hymns. Here, he gives the 'Haworth Treatment' to such classics as "Praise to the Lord" and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus". The former is quite delicately displayed while the latter features some of the slide guitar work that Bryn is renowned for producing. There are some original songs on the album and "The Glory Zone" really stands out as a fine country number, complete with accordion accompaniment. "More Lird" is another Haworth penned number and, at nearly 7minutes in length, really does lead the listener into a great and personal time of worship. Surprisingly, this is the first solo album of Bryn's that I have ever heard and, apart from the slide guitar solo's, it has left a very positive impression upon me. 7/10. (June 1999)
Here's a bunch of US guys who have been making great strides in their native country, especially after the release of the single "Glory Defined". No doubt about it, it's a great song and it's first on the list. The songs mainly take on a worship and evangelistic approach, but in the modern rock style. Whilst Third Day may rule the roost at the moment, I can see Building 429 running them pretty close in that genre. Songs like the title track, plus the rocking "Angeline" show that the band have got a good strength and belief behind their writing. "No One Else Knows" turns into a ballad - the sort every rock outfit sing - but I really enjoyed it. Lots more to come, I think, from this band. 7/10. (September 2004)
Chuck Dennie and Kevin Rhoads are the two founding members of By the Tree, and who both love the Lord. And although their songwriting styles may differ, the two come together with drummer Aaron Blanton to create a new sound for Christian music. Blending modern pop sensibilities and a slight rock edge with their worshipful and vertical lyrics. I picked up on their lyrical content straight away with the song "Reveal", praising the wonder of a personal relationship with a loving an almighty God. "Walk" is the next one to make you sit up. A slower song by comparison to the first two but, nonetheless, every bit as good. "Open My Eyes" gets better with each listen as does the guitar driven title track, and it's hard to know quite where to pigeon hole them. "Wonderful Again" features some Verve like strings, while the modern worship feel of "Fall" had me making comparisons to "The Stone Roses". "Invade My Soul" isn't just another album. It's got some quite refreshing sounds and songs, and I hope that By The Tree will blossom into something big. 8/10. (September 2001)
This is a straightforward rock/pop CD with some catchy tunes, and enough variation to keep you interested. This is the second album from By The Tree, who were apparently voted one of the top ten acts of 2001 by "Soundscan" (No I don't know what it is either). In some places it reminded me of Robbie Williams in his more melodic songs. the production is very good, and this band are obviously quite a talented bunch.(They have already taken two Dove awards for their first CD)There is a nice cover version of Into Your Arms (The Lemonheads), but as there are no songwriting credits anywhere I'm not sure if any of the other songs are original or not. For me the best track on the CD is the last one, entitled When I found you, recorded with piano and strings it's a nice change of pace to what is a CD worth trying to get hold of. 9/10. Andy Sayner. (December 2002)
It's nearly three year's since this Texas trio debuted with their
album "Inside My Soul". I said, then, that I hoped they
would grow into something bigger and better, and judging by this
album, they certainly have. Although primarily a worship album,
it's very contemporary, with a rocky edge that blends well. There
again, at their most melancholy, they sound like Coldplay or Keane,
as shown on the track "Miraculous". Well known songs
like "Beautiful One" and "Your Beloved" both
motor well, with a guitar flavour that's done tastefully well.
I also liked the acoustic led "Jesus Washed", which
shows the band in true worship, quiet, worship mode. At this rate,
the band should add many more sales to their current status of
150,000 units. 8/10 (August 2004)
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