Fee - Hope Is Rising

FEE
Hope Rising
Release Date: October 6, 2009

This is the type of CD where you just press play and literally every song on the album is solid.  It’s upbeat with solid rock anthems (that you can’t get out of your head) and a couple of sincere ballads, all prayerful and powerful.  I first heard the songs played at a local contemporary worship service. But it’s also on heavy rotation where I workout.  It was as if the album was following me around, so I felt I had to add it to my playlist.

TobyMac - Tonight

TOBYMAC
Tonight
Release Date: February 9, 2010

TobyMac’s style and talent is unparalleled in the Christian market.  It’s hard to imagine a band as creative as DC Talk was and an artist as prolific as TobyMac has proven himself to be over his long career.  Like U2, TobyMac is always current and never seems to disappoint.  His latest album offers new anthems, straight forward messages and contemporary stylizing that is exactly what listeners of his music are looking for.

Santus Real - Pieces Of A Real Heart

SANCTUS REAL
Pieces of a Real Heart
Release Date: March 9, 2010

‘Pieces Of A Real Heart’ is the next chapter in Sanctus Real’s songbook.  With each Sanctus Real album you feel like you’ve entered the next phase of the band’s thought life.  This album is no different.  It’s sincere, contemplative and yes, still rockin’.  Sanctus Real know how to assemble infectious melodies.  What they have to say is always interesting and true to life, and that is precisely what sets them apart.

THE GOLDEN RULE
Above The Golden State
EMI CMG
Release Date: January 26, 2010

Above The Golden State - The Golden Rule

Track Listing

1. The Golden Rule
2. Chance To Love
3. I Am Loved
4. Real You
5. Teach Us
6. Tragedy

Score: 85%/B

Above The Golden State’s (ATGS) The Golden Rule is a solid, 6-track album made of energetic West Coast-style rock songs with challenging Christian content.

“I Am Loved” is the first song off the album released to radio and contains lyrics that remind us that God is with us and that we are not alone.  The message is conveyed in similar manner as David Crowder Band’s “We Are Loved” from their recent album, Church Music.  Musically, ATGS swings into a melodic mid-range ballad quite reminiscent in meter of the band’s popular hit, “Sound of Your Name” though with a bit more of a rocky edge.

The title track, “The Golden Rule” stands out from other songs on the album with its classic approach.  The sound is reminiscent of a 90′s Weezer and includes a solid helping of vocal echoes.  The song’s delivery is quite clever and nonchalant, while the message is both, universal and poignant (in typical ATGS form).

ATGS debut album helped define the band’s style by combining a variety of old and new sounds that kept the listener intrigued and off balance, giving the album its dimension.  In comparison, The Golden Rule is more direct and engaging in approach.  Though I found myself sometimes feeling nostalgic for those 50′s style beats and vocal “whoah-ooh, whoah-ooo’s” (remember “I’ll Love You So”), the edgier distortions and modern sonics in The Golden Rule are equally attractive in their own way.

My favorite song on the new album by far is a reflective ballad entitled “Chance To Love.”  Listen as the lyrics begin: ” Why would I bother speaking if my words weren’t meant to share?  Why would I bother breathing if my lungs don’t need the air?  Why would my heart keep drumming on if there’s no will here to live? I don’t want to give up ’cause today’s a chance to love.”  Musically, the song is reminiscent of a Christian Blink 182 and the lyrics are as convicting as any other on the album.  Michael Watson, the band’s lead singer and guitarist summarizes the sentiment of the song when he describes the song’s core message as “Don’t give up! Love right now like there’s no tomorrow.”

I found the album, The Golden Rule to be more serious and passion-driven than the first.  While it can be said that the latest release lacks some of the fun and quirkiness of the band’s first album, The Golden Rule instead delivers a more mature ATGS and a sound that is sonically more modern in approach.

In the end, The Golden Rule represents the next step for Above The Golden State and delivers on the promise of their unique style and incredible talent.  With just 6 songs, this album is an abbreviated offering which may disappointment some listeners.  But I believe that when given a chance, the 6 tracks on the album are strong enough to win over fans and make up for any initial disappointment.

For more of the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://christianmusicreview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS
As creative and original as their first album.  Narrowing to 6 tracks for The Golden Rule means you’re listening to only the best stuff they have to offer.  Listen to the creative evolution of Above The Golden State.  The guys from Oregon are back and in full form!

NEED
Todd Agnew
Integrity Music
Release Date: October 6, 2009

Todd Agnew - Need

Track Listing

1. Joy Unspeakable
2. Written On The Wall
3. I Need No Other
4. Give Me Jesus
5. Higher Ground
6. Tell Me The Story
7. Did You Mean Me
8. Gloria
9. The Love Of God
10. Breakable
11. Deep Love Of Jesus
12. Jesus, The Hope Of Glory

Score: 85%/B

For many, Todd Agnew is an acquired taste.  While his past albums have had their moments, it’s also fair to say that they’ve had their challenges as well.  Listening to the paradox that exists in Todd’s deep grunge vocals set upon tracks reciting Bible stories and old church hymns is strange to some and sometimes difficult to relate to.  Often plagued by slow, wordy ballads sung in a deep baritone, Todd’s recent releases fell flat and had difficulty connecting.

Need, however, is quite different.  This time around, Todd Agnew achieves balance.  On Need, the best qualities of his signature lyricism and heartfelt vocals are captured within a myriad of listener-friendly hooks and infectious sounds.  Much of the unwanted wordiness of past albums has been toned down and replaced with more syncopated rhyme.  Todd returns once again to using his full vocal register, allowing choruses to build and reach their true intended climax.  As a consequence, much of the music on Need feels natural, less embellished and far more appealing than before.

What’s more, Need offers a clever combination of styles from church hymns to southern gospel and both, classic and modern rock.  This spectrum of influences helps keep the album interesting and the anticipation going from one song to the next.  Several tracks on the album stand out for me as they remind us again of Todd’s gifts.

First off, tapping into the magic of past hits like “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath,” are the tracks “Written On The Wall” and “The Love of God.” The song, “Written On The Wall” is an up-beat, piano-driven piece that includes the highly identifiable sentiment: ”I wish you still spoke through burning bushes…and I wish you still wrote on blocks of stone…‘cause the sound of this world is deafening and I wish your will was still written on the wall.”  The song, “The Love of God” is a pacing and haunting alternative rock version of a timeless church hymn based on an old Jewish poem that expresses the endless depth of God’s Love.  Dramatic and humble, Todd delivers what may be one of his most timeless covers yet.  There is power in the chords as Todd delicately sings: “Oh, the Love of God – how rich and how pure, how measureless and strong.  The Love of God – it shall evermore endure, the saints and angels song.”

Not to be outdone, the tracks “Did You Mean Me” and “Gloria” also soar to great heights.  In “Did You Mean Me” Todd relates his personal struggle with sin and his own humanity in contrast to God’s eternal promises.  Todd’s willingness to expose his own self-doubt in the lyric, “You said all sins can be forgiven, but when You said that, did You mean me?  Did You mean me?“ is quite powerful.  Also demanding attention, the radio-friendly first track on the album, “Joy Unspeakable” is both lively and sweet, and stylistically reminiscent of the hit song, “Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys.  Dynamic as well, are the rocky “Breakable” and the classical hymn “I Need No Other,” which includes the title lyric: “I need no other argument, I need no other plea.  It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.”

Unlike recent attempts, Need is an album from Todd Agnew that has greater commercial appeal and is far easier to consume.  In addition to loyal Todd Agnew fans, I expect general audiences to respond favorably to this solid release.  Congratulations to Todd for his superb work!

For more of the latest Christian music reviews, visit: http://www.ChristianMusicReview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS
If, for whatever reason, you’ve drifted away from Todd Agnew’s music in recent years, it’s time to come back and listen again.  In Need, Todd reclaims so much of what originally attracted audiences to his music.  His new album, Need offers listeners Todd’s signature depth and power, but more importantly, it recaptures his original artistry in a format that is highly consumable and extremely infectious.

LIVE FROM MY CHURCH
Jared Anderson
Integrity Music
Release Date: September 22, 2009

Track Listing

1. Lift The Name
2. Never Be Shaken
3. Prepare The Way
4. Fill Me Up
5. How He Loves
6. God Be In My Head
7. Inside
8. Glory Of God
9. Carrier
10. Glorified
11. We Will Be Changed

Score: 88%/B+

I must be honest in saying that this album was my first exposure to Jared Anderson and that reviewing live albums always gives me pause.  Pause because live albums are (by nature) less refined than studio albums, more spontaneous, and key aspects of the actual performance are inherently absent on the album: stage and crowd dynamics.  It’s highly difficult, if not near impossible to truly capture the raw energy of a live performance on record.  In fact, I’d liken it to trying to retell a great joke delivered by a comedian – somehow it’s never as funny as it was the first time.  This explanation often describes the difference between a studio version and a live version of a song.

But sometimes, live albums can go right, and when they do, they can represent one of the more significant records in the artist’s catalog.  Hearing old songs covered in fresh new ways, or rare performances that convey the sound of primed musicians motivated by a great crowd on a great night, can offer a unique and intimate listening experience.  When a consumer can pick up the record and step back into that kind of special moment again and again, a live record turns into the “must-have” title versus the easily forgotten, “for die hard fans only” release.

For his part, Jared Anderson’s latest release, “Live From My Church” gets it right.  The album captures Jared and the band performing flawlessly with great soul, precision and praise.  Jared’s organic piano style is much akin to the popular group, The Fray and he leads the church audience in “Live From My Church” like a veteran Michael W. Smith.  The worship experience we’re dropped into is ripe with listener-friendly hooks and choruses.  Jared seamlessly mixes popular favorites with new standouts, all the while ensuring that the mood of the album is never compromised and the momentum never lost.

Highlights on the album include Inside containing the lyrics: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard how the glory of God is gonna cover the world.  It will silence the tongues of men; give our children freedom to dance again…they will dance again.  I will be clay in the potter’s hand.  I will be light in a darkened land.  I will be love lit on fire; Holy Spirit burn on the inside.” Glorified, a hit song from Jared’s album “Where Faith Comes From” is even better as it’s performed live with a church choir and crowd echoes.  Finally, I have to stop and take note of Jared’s signature cover of How He Loves.  Next to Jared’s version, this song has been simultaneously released in recent weeks by Jeremy Riddle and the David Crowder Band.  Nevertheless, Jared’s take is very much his own.  While Jeremy Riddle’s soars and David Crowder’s paces, Jared Anderson’s How He Loves is much more subtle, introspective and emotive.  A magnificent take.

Overall, “Live From My Church” is a career triumph for Jared.  Fans (of which I am now one) will love him in the live format.  Go out and buy this one, I highly recommend it!

For more of the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://ChristianMusicReview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
With great inspiration from a hometown crowd, Jared’s talent is forefront and on display on “Live From My Church”.  This record captures Jared at his very best. This is a great live album you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

LOVE IS ON THE MOVE
Leeland
Essential Records
Release Date: August 25, 2009

Leeland - Love Is On The Move

Track Listing

1. The Door
2. Follow You (with special guest Brandon Heath)
3. Via Dolorosa
4. Pure Bride
5. Carry Me On Your Back
6. New Creation
7. Lift Your Eyes Up
8. Weak Man
9. Love Is On the Move
10. Learn to Love
11. Holy Spirit Have Your Way
12. My Jesus

Score: 90%/A-

I personally find listening to Leeland joyful and refreshing.  The band’s third album, Love Is On The Move returns again with all of the elements that have made the band so popular in the CCM industry and so appealing to its fans.  Leeland’s latest work presents new and powerful hooks, rich melodies and dramatic arrangements.  Once more, Leeland’s songs capture moments of honesty expressed by a humble group of believers who are lifting their hearts and instruments toward heaven.  Frontman, Leeland Mooring’s lyrics resonate again with all of the sensitivity and conviction we’ve come to expect.

Today, Leeland Mooring is considered by many to be one of the best young lyricists in the business.  His talent is evident on the new album and supported by his body of work which includes hits like “Yes You Have” from the band’s debut album, Sound of Melodies; songs he’s written for artists Michael W. Smith and Paramore; and contributions made on the projects, CompassionArt and Your Name.  Explaining his inspiration as a songwriter, the Wikipedia.org website quotes Leeland Mooring as stating: “A lot of my songs are birthed out of prayer. The ones that we’ve received the best response from have been the ones God just kind of dropped in my lap while I was spending time in His presence. That’s my main inspiration.”  The lyrics found on the new album are not only intrinsically pure, but also biblically based.

New tracks including “Weak Man” reflect Jesus’ call for service in Matthew 20:26 when it exclaims: “Jesus give me Your heart. Let there be a death in me.  I’m making room for all that You are. Give me Your heart. My Creator….Oh, my Creator.  May I be low, low, low so You’re made higher. I’ll be weak for You are strong…Weak for you are strong in the weak man.” Another song, “Pure Bride” (based on Revelation 21:2) reminds us, “He’s coming for a pure bride. See Him riding in the sky.  See the fire inside His eyes.  Through the darkness His light will shine.  In His glory, He’s lifted high. He’s coming for a pure bride.” These songs and others offer timely reminders for Christians regarding the quality and focus of their faith.

In the end, Leeland’s third album continues where the critically acclaimed Sound of Melodies left off.  Love Is On The Move injects this band back into prominence by way of its original and worshipful sound.  The album successfully elicits a range of emotion from listeners, from introspection to exhilaration.  Current fans will appreciate Love Is On The Move, and those not yet familiar with Leeland will now have a new opportunity to discover them.

Closing Thoughts:
Leeland does it again!  Love Is On The Move offers refreshing music, light sounding and humble in spirit.  Its prayerful lyrics are riveting, reverent and adept.  The new album captures the imagination with brilliant new hooks and sweet sounding, original melodies.  Love Is On The Move should appeal to both old and prospective fans alike.  Next to Jeremy Riddle’s The Now And Not Yet and Aaron Shust’s Take Over, Leeland’s Love Is On The Move is among my top 5 favorite albums so far this year.

For the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://www.ChristianMusicReview.org

TAKE OVER
Aaron Shust
Brash Music
Release Date; August 4, 2009

Aaron Shust - Take Over

Track Listing

1. To God Alone
2. Come And Save Us
3. Forevermore
4. Take Over
5. Stars Will Fall
6. Rest In The Arms
7. Live To Lose
8. Ever After
9. Still You Love Me
10. Breathe Me In
11. When Everything Is Beautiful
12. Carry Me Home

Score 91%/A-

Aaron Shust’s latest release, Take Over is a solid compilation of prayerful lyrics with gentle hooks on a backdrop of mid-range contemporary acoustic rhythms. The album is less moody than the last, but stays true to the introspective depth of expression and worship you expect from Aaron Shust. This is not an album of one or two standout hits. Rather, it’s a full album where the more you listen to it, the more it draws you in and you appreciate the music. Take Over very much plays like one man’s prayer and petition to the Lord. There’s gratefulness and beauty in Aaron’s expressions of adoration.

For younger fans there are a few up-tempo tracks like “Come Save Us” and “Still You Love Me”, but as is consistent with Aaron’s style, listeners should expect arrangements that keep a moderate-to-slow pace. For those of us that appreciate the power of slow builds resonant with praise, Aaron delivers again and again. Songs like “Rest In The Arms” which declares, “You can rest in the arms of The One who holds you. Rest in the arms of The One who knows you. Rest in the arms of The One who won’t let go…” and “Forevermore”, with lyrics, “There is no other God before You. No one can replace You. You are forevermore…” (inspired by Isaiah 46:9-10) are vehicles for you to sing out to the Lord.

Aaron’s God-given ability to capture heartfelt, honest moments and express them in psalmist fashion is not only captivating, but award-worthy. Now on his third studio album, Aaron has already garnered the Song Of The Year award for the song “My Savior My God. For those that follow Aaron’s music, there is no doubt that his lyrics are one of the central elements that sets him apart from other artists. Among my favorites on this album include lyrics from the title track, “Take Over” which exclaim, “I tried to run. I tried to fight you, I’m done. I’m giving up. I’ve learned to trust You, Your love…Can you take over, take over – can you take over me? I’ve been here over and over again, here on my knees. I’m only closer and closer to where I wanna be. When you take over, take over – can you take over me?” This album is special as well because so many of the lyrics explore the depths of the soul of the believer.

There was a great deal of anticipation for Aaron Shust’s third album after the breakout successes of Anything Worth Saying (2005) and Whispered And Shouted (2007). In the end, I find Take Over to be even more hopeful and upbeat than Whispered And Shouted, though similarly compelling. With Take Over, Aaron Shust continues on with his signature artistry, putting forth a solid effort that is certain to be well received by both fans and critics alike.

Closing Thoughts:
Aaron’s latest album, Take Over is a vehicle of praise. If you’ll replay this album again and again and let it soak into your soul, you’ll find it not only to be inspired, but inspiring. The great thing about Aaron’s music is its depth of message. Believers in their daily walks can easily identify with Aaron’s sentiments. This is a good album to take on a car trip, to play in the office, to listen to during a morning jog, or during a commute. You’ll want to have this one in your collection – I am so glad to have it in mine.

For more of the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://www.ChristianMusicReview.org

LIVE REVELATIONS
Third Day
Essential Records
Release Date: April 7, 2009

Third Day - Live Revelations

Track Listing

1. Run To You
2. This Is Who I Am
3. Slow Down
4. I Will Always Be True
5. Cry Out To Jesus
6. Call My Name
7. Otherside
8. When Love Comes To Town
9. Revelation/Honeysuckle Blue

Score 87%/B

It’s amazing how much of an influence Third Day has had in its nearly two decade ministry/career. Dove Award winner. Grammy winner. You name it, this band has done it. Last year saw the release of the highly anticipated release, Revelation. The album was fantastic. April 7, 2009 brings the release of Live Revelations. It’s your typical live album, but unlike others before it, this one offers a little more to the Gomer (that’s a Third Day fan for all of you who are unfamiliar)…

Read the rest of the review right now at Christian Music Review

THE NOW AND NOT YET
Jeremy Riddle
Varietal Records
Release Date: March 3, 2009

Jeremy Riddle - The Now and Not Yet

Track Listing

1. Christ Is Risen
2. Prepare The Way Of The Lord
3. Prayer For The Church
4. Bless His Name
5. As Above, So Below
6. Among The Poor
7. One Thing
8. To Be Like You
9. Surrendered In Praise
10. The One, The Only
11. Joyful Noise
12. I Am Redeemer

Score 95%/A

I’m not sure if you’ve heard the song by Jeremy Riddle’s called “Sweetly Broken” from his debut album, Full Attention, but it’s pretty amazing and has been on regular rotation on my iPod for a while. That was the case at the time I was asked to review Jeremy’s latest release, The Now and Not Yet (due in stores March 3rd).

Jeremy’s voice and message on this album are powerful. He’s a former pastor and with that comes a real heartfelt passion for the Word. The gospel message is driven in every song I’ve ever heard from him. To me, Jeremy’s style echoes qualities of some of the great alternative acts like Aaron Shust, U2, Bush, INXS and Cold Play. In his latest release, Jeremy is again true to form. The Now and Not Yet is raw, soulful and heavy on the salvation message. Passion is carried forth with piercing vocals and clever phrasing. The music is selective, timely and monumental.

Jeremy’s classic, authentic and alternative sound make him unique amongst Christian artists today. Like other well-crafted albums, this one is designed to provide you with a listening experience from beginning to end. The songs add layers to the story as they go along, ending the album in a way that makes you want to start the journey all over again. As Jeremy focused on delivering serious biblical messages, light and upbeat songs are mixed in with the more slow, serious ballads to maintain a balance as the tracks progress. Listeners should be aware however that like Aaron Shust, many songs play out in the mid-range (sometimes disappointing to a younger crowd). The great thing about this album though is that Jeremy never fails to provide a successful praise hook and that creates expectation for what’s next.

The Now and Not Yet as a whole has become one of a handful of favorites for me since the release last year of Above the Golden State and the recent release of CompassionArt (note, there is no comparison stylistically between any of these). Every song is good on this album, but here in my opinion are some of the highlights:

Track 1: “Christ Is Risen” begins the journey. “Quickly now, go tell the world that Christ the Lord, He has risen. The power of God forever raised him from the grave!” The high vocals, building chords, stinging guitar solos and marching drums create a dynamic call to modern day Christians.

Track 2: “Prepare The Way of the Lord” is reminiscent of great INXS. The low vocal intro with a backdrop of electric club synthesizers and paced out drums. The guitars kick in…the build-up starts, and then the scream: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!…Yahweh, Yahweh!” It’s very thrilling.

Track 4: “Bless His Name” is U2 sounding on the intro. It starts off slow with heart pulsing drums and a simple lyric that is turned completely upside down when met with faster paced distortion guitars that drive the melody throughout the rest of the song. After the intro the song takes off like a rocket and then slows back down to repeat the heartbeat again on the bridge; then a sudden build-up and you’re off again: “Come…let us sing for joy. Let us shout aloud to our King…” This song demonstrates a great delivery and is radio-friendly.

Track 6: “Among The Poor” is a ballad from Jeremy’s heart and experience. It is a reminder for us of who the Jesus of the bible really was – a man of compassion for the least among us. Listen to this lyric: “Lord I’ve said I want to serve you. I’ve been so eager to love. How I’ve longed so much to find you; just to be where you are. But it seems I’ve forgotten where you are and what you look like. I hear your words speak to me as you remind me again. You’re among the poor. You’re close to the broken…and as I do unto them, I’ve done unto you.” …Powerful!

And I could go on… There are at least two or three more tracks that deserve praise here, but I’ll stop and just recommend that if you want something that will touch your heart for Christ, go ahead and give this one a try. I personally loved it.

Closing Thoughts:
Classic alternative rock with a solid salvation message. A raw, heartfelt and unique sound that stands out in today’s market. You’ll like this if you’re a fan of the style of music played by artists like Aaron Shust, U2, INXS or Bush. One of the best albums so far this year. Don’t miss it.

For more on Jeremy Riddle and to see the full review, visit: http://www.christianmusicreview.org/jeremyriddle_thenowandnotyet.html

Next Step
KOTCH Records
Release Date: March 3, 2009

Melissa Greene - Next Step

Track Listing

1.  Next Step
2.  Imagine
3.  Wonder
4.  Long Road To Forgiveness
5.  Army
6.  Too Far
7.  You Satisfy
8.  Revelation Song
9.  To Trust You (Jody’s Song)
10.  At Your Feet

Score: 75%/C

Avalon fans will have a new album to sink their teeth into as Melissa Greene releases her new solo album, Next Step.  Right out of the gate the album starts off stylistically with a Christina Aguilera sounding track: “Next Step” (the title track for the album).  The music was a bit too familiar for me and I have to say, I was particularly disappointed with the direction of the song after having read the lyrics beforehand.  In my opinion, the lyrics are powerful even if the execution was not.

The next track, “Imagine” seems to fit Melissa Greene stylistically a bit better.  It’s a successful upbeat, pop-rock song suitable for radio(this time more Martina McBride than Christina Aguilera).  “Imagine” transitions pleasantly into a ballad named, “Wonder”.  With a solid rhythm and straightforward lyrics, the song offers a message that is clear and worshipful.  Where previously I couldn’t help but make comparisons, “Wonder” seemed to offer a glimpse of authentic Melissa – it really felt like her heart was in it. “Long Road to Forgiveness” is up next and continues to slow down the pace.  This song boasts a truly solid vocal with a great melody.  After track four though, the album takes a sharp and disappointing detour, in my opinion, with some over-sung, overly dramatic vocals and more stylistic confusion.  It then picks back up again with a solid cover of the popular Praise and Worship song, “Revelation Song”.  Melissa truly demonstrates her
pipes on this one and does the song justice by not over singing it.  A clever addition of pianos and club effects at the beginning of the song and an upbeat pace help to make the song a real standout on the album.

Overall, after having listened to the album for more than three weeks(longer than most albums I review), I felt that there were four memorable songs that would appeal to a general audience.  The others though, I fear, may only be suitable for avid Avalon fans (who will undoubtedly see past much more than I was able to).

Closing Thoughts:
Though I enjoy good contemporary Christian albums, I candidly had a hard time catching the vibe on Next Step.  I think it’s because I kept getting thrown off with some of the theatrical vocals and the changing musical styles throughout the album.  The songs, “Imagine”, “Wonder”, “Long Road to Forgiveness” and “Revelation Song” are worth downloading individually, but unless you’re an avid Avalon or Melissa Greene fan, I’m not sure you’ll want to purchase the entire album.

For more on Melissa Greene and to see the full review, visit: http://www.christianmusicreview.org/melissagreene_nextstep.html

COMPASSIONART: CREATING FREEDOM FROM POVERTY
EMI CMG
Release Date: January 27, 2009

CompassionArt

Track Listing

1. Come To The Water
2. Shout Praise
3. Kind Of Wonders
4. Lead Me To The Rock
5. We Won’t Stay Silent
6. Highly Favoured
7. Fill My Cup
8. Friend Of The Poor
9. King Of The Broken
10. You Have Shown Us
11. Until The Day
12. Let It Glow
13. So Great
14. There Is Always A Song
15. Reprise

Score: 100%/A+

When I received this album for review it came to me with the usual press material and a word from Jay Heilman (founder of Christian Music Review) letting me know only that the album was “highly anticipated”.  I, myself, hadn’t actually heard of the project before, and since I make a practice of not reading any background prior to listening to an album I’m reviewing (my way of making sure I remain unbiased toward the music), I simply went ahead, pressed play and dived head first into the music.

So today, after listening to this album for nearly a week, I finally took my first look at the accompanying press material and the album’s website before sitting down to write this review.  Man, I have to tell you how surprised and incredibly impressed I was when what I had assumed was strictly an extraordinary compilation of work, turned out to be something much more special and far more reaching than I had imagined – in reality, a trend setting movement.

Separated from all of the build-up and promotion, and apart from all the surrounding buzz, the CompassionArt release is quite simply a masterpiece of worship.  The genius of the album not only comes from the 19 talented artists who contributed to it and the level of creative synergy that was reached, but the way the styles converged in a unity of cause and belief.  The music presented a dynamic medium for a message which I believe can only be explained by the involvement of the Holy Spirit – the album’s 20th contributor.  I want to tell you unequivocally that the compositions included here are as solid and meaningful as the worthy causes they support.

The CompassionArt initiative is an artist-backed charity founded by Martin Smith of Delirious? that is (to quote the website), “dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor.” The current album is a central component for the launching of the charity.  By releasing all current and future rights and royalties to the music contained in the CompassionArt album, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Joel Houston, Leeland Mooring, Christy Nockels, tobyMac and CeCe Winans have insured that 100% of the proceeds from the sale and reproduction of their work will go directly to helping those in need.

CONCLUSION:
After listening to the 15 inspiring tracks and learning the story behind this incredible album, if you’re not moved by CompassionArt, you’re simply not alive.  Go out and buy this album because one of your favorite artists is on it.  Go out and buy this album because you feel compelled to play a role in carrying out the Lord’s work to help the poor and needy across the globe.  Go buy this album to witness a special moment in the history of Christian Music.  Go buy this album because you long to experience the Holy Spirit at work. Whatever the reason…Go out and buy this album!

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Not often does a Christian album come along that combines music, message and purpose in a way that transcends an album or even an industry.  This one does.  You don’t want to miss it.

For more about CompassionArt and to see the full review, visit:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/various_compassionart.html