This Is Your Time
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Michael W. Smith laid the foundation for his career back in the mid-1980s with a strong appeal and focus on the youth of America. Perhaps it should surprise few that this latest release, This Is Your Time, appears headed in that direction. Whether it's the return to Smitty's keyboard-driven, high-energy pop (thanks to coproducer Bryan Lenox, who also worked on Smith's Go West Young Man) or the lyrical preoccupation with young people finding their way in a troubled world, the release takes a page from some previous glories. The title track is the most gripping, a moving tribute to those students slain at the Columbine High School tragedy. Some of Smitty's best work here comes in the quieter pieces, such as "I Will Be Your Friend," "She Walks with Me," and "Anna." And again, he can rev it up with the anthemic "Hey You It's Me" and "I Still Have the Dream." But other than the pensive "Everybody Free," we see few signs of the mature and seasoned songwriting from the magnificent Live the Life release. One has to wonder why Smitty broke off the path to brilliance. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

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Reviews (100)

Highly Recommended!
From start to finish, this CD is very enjoyable and worthwhile!It opens with "Rince De" (meaning "God's Dance"), a wonderful Celtic cut, which goes right into "Hey You It's Me", a very happy and romantic song.From there on out, the album is nothing but creative, inspiring music!"This Is Your Time" is a deep and touching song with that Scottish/Irish sound in the backdrop, and this and "I Will Be Your Friend" (another of Michael's wonderful friendship songs) are my favourites."I Will Carry You", "I Still Have the Dream", "I'm Gone", and "Everybody Free" are unique but they grow on you!"Reach Out to Me" is also one of the very best.MWS's music has usually be very easy for the average Christian to identify with, and "This Is Your Time" is no exception.Try it out!You won't be let down!

This is Your Time
Michael W. Smith is one of the most known Christian contemporary artists of this time.In April of 1997, Cassie Bernall was your average student at Columbine High School, until the untimely day of her death on April 20th.By saying "yes" she reached many people's hearts in so many different ways.When she had the choice of life or death staring her in the face, she had a great deal of courage.Cassie was considered a martyr.When Michael heard of this tragedy, he instantly illustrated her faith through a wonderful song."This is Your Time" became his album name, as well as a song dedicated to Cassie.Michael did not know Cassie but he had to show America who she was.A devout Christian such as he, went the extra mile for someone he didn't even know.This song will always be one that I cherish because I know that God has a time for all of us, and that was Cassie's.I believe that Michael is the true faith and he proves this time and time again through his music.Michael has such commitment in his music and his word.

Michael did good!
Not his best album in my opinion (but I like his love ballads more so then his other stuff) Which is why I rated it a four and not a five.The almost...salsa urban feel on the second or third track kinda threw me, and some of his lyrics seemed a little more shallow then in previous albums.

Theres a good 4 or 5 songs on here that I love to death.The rest well...maybe if I need to get happy.Buy this cd if your a hardcore fan. If your new to MWS, grab his "Decade" albums. ... Read more

Asin: B00002SWMT
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. CCM    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Live the Life
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 April, 1998)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

This is the one, the album Michael W. Smith has always wanted to make. Put simply, Live the Life is a masterpiece. The Christian music star has finally meshed his impressive songwriting skills and limited but effective singing with a tasteful producer's ear. The anthemic "Missing Person" sets the tone: Smith is playing for keeps. Guitars, not keyboards, play a large role on this release, as evidenced by Smith's cowriting with the vastly underrated Brent Bourgeois on "Live the Life," "Don't Give Up," and "Matter of Time." On the rest, Smith shares songwriting duties with master musician Wayne Kirkpatrick. Each number carries a depth unparalleled and showcases Smith's maturation. Fast, slow, happy, sad, quiet, and loud: you have it all on Live the Life. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (135)

Definitely one of Smitty's better efforts
I love this album!The opener "Missing Person" is the best opening for a Michael W. Smith album I've ever heard (with the possible exception of "Sonata in D Major" from the album PROJECT, but that was less than a minute and completely instrumental, so I don't think that counts).But the best song on here is "Never Been Unloved", penned by Wayne Kirkpatrick.It's a gentle and simple ballad that reminds us (sometimes very explicitly) of just how much God loves us and how unlovely we are.

LIVE THE LIFE is not like THE BIG PICTURE or any of Smitty's other "edgier" sounding albums.With the exceptions of "Missing Person", "Love Me Good" (the only cheesy song on the album), and "Don't Give Up", it's all very mellow music.Sometimes, it gets so soft it almost loses the listener.But it's nice to have a break from the harsh RNR sounds every once in a while, and this CD provides an excellent alternative.

Thumbs Up!
This album really showcases Michael's lyrical, instrumental, and vocal abilities well, and it is very uplifting!"Missing Person" is a soul-searching song I think we all can identify with, and my favourite on this CD.I like all of the songs on here, but other highlights are "Never Been Unloved" (the sweet and simple truth we all need to hear!), "I Know Your Name" (another reminder of God's loving care), and "Song for Rich" (for all you Scottish/Irish pipes fans out there!)The only drawback on this CD is that God's name is only mentioned a couple of times, and two of the songs are love songs ("A Matter of Time" and "In My Arms Again"), though those tracks are beautiful.Also, "Let Me Show You the Way" is one of my absolute favourites, and it is about friendship, but can be taken in another way.If you don't mind "Christian love songs" and so forth, though, you are guaranteed to enjoy this album!Soothing and inspiring!

Mediocre Album Inspires Man To Write Mediocre Review
Discarded titles include "Christian Rock is an Oxymoron" and "Could God Record An Album So Awful That Even He Couldn't Listen To It?"

Much like the rhetorical question just mentioned, this album has left me very much confused.How can my perception be so far off from what everyone else is saying?

Did the record company put the wrong CD in the wrong case by mistake?I read the reviews and I bought the album.I was expecting Christian Rock ecstasy.What I heard was so bad I was actually embarrassed for MWS.

The Amazon reviewer writes: "this album is the one."I, on the other hand, would be hard-pressed to name "one" good song on this album.Is there some profound hidden meaning behind the goofy lyrics of "Love Me Good?" ("On a diet of Mongolian barbecue I conquer the world for a moment / Then the moment is gone")

Which songs are the good ones?Is one of them the Backstreet Boy-ish "Matter of Time?"Should I think that it is a good thing that "Hello-Goodbye" sounds (quite disturbingly) like Enya. And what album wouldn't be complete without a song featuring bagpipes ("Song For Rich")?

Don't fall under the illusion that just because this is a half-way decent effort FOR A CHRISTIAN ROCK ALBUM that it is in any way lyrically or musically inventive.If you are considering buying this album, you would do well to save your money.

Lastly, for those of you who bought the album and did not like it: take heart, you are not alone. ... Read more

Asin: B000005Z0A
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. CCM    3. Christian Rock    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Power
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 July, 1999)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

With prerelease hype reaching a fevered pitch, Raze's Power faces a mountain of great expectations. Billboard and Christian retail outlets promised that this debut release would be the "next big thing" in contemporary Christian music. Is it? Well, let's just say the potential is there for this diversified foursome, especially after the No. 1 single "Always and Forever." Sure-fire hits include the Eurodisco-sounding "All Around the World," the laid-back pop ballads "Place in My Heart" and "My Everything," and the groove-laden "In the Name." But while Raze charts a course virtually new to the CCM genre, one has to wonder how distinct they'll sound in the CD bins next to the Backstreet Boys and other dance-pop favorites of the day. Yes, Raze's spiritual convictions underlie the nonstop jams on Power, but the jury's out on whether or not the music will matter. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Awesome and powerful!!
Raze started out having more of a gospel-pop-dance sound, but once they came out with power, they switched to more techno-pop-dance. Out of their three albums, this is the most powerful (the album title says it all). They certainly made some of the best Christian dance-pop; they were older, so they sounded more mature, and that made them really good. Let me review the songs...

All Around The World: One of the best songs on the whole album. It has amazing lyrics, amazing vocals, and an amazing sound. I love the keyboards in the intro, and the base is great. Mizzie's vocals sound unusually great. The vocals in the chorus with the special effects on them are great, too. My favorite on the whole album.

Lead Me: This one is really cool. I'd have to say, I was disappointed that they only sang the chorus once ("After the rain falls, the sun will shine again, and after my voice calls, You'll take me by the hand"). Otherwise, this was a cool pop groove, and there's a great guitar lick later in the song. A favorite.

Place In My Heart: This one is ok, not sure what to say about it. Later, My Everything will "forgive" this one.

Say The Word: This one is cool. It's a good techno power groove with good lyrics and good vocals. I sort of got "burnt out" on it because I listened to it to much, but I still like it.

Shoulder Shake: Ok, the only downside of this song is the lyrics. The message is fine, but strikes me as a little bit "cheesy". Otherwise...Awesome sound! love it. It's really fun to dance to, and the beat is cool. A favorite.

My Everything: This sort of "forgives" the downsides of Place In My Heart. Raze's vocals sound really good with the acoustic-pop sound. Great sound, great vocals, great lyrics. Love it! A favorite.

In The Name: Pretty good. It's the farthest from Raze's techno-dance sound you can get. It's more of a pop-gospel-hip-hop-rock type, with real drums. I still like it, but I almost got "burnt out" on it. A favorite.

Can You Hear Me Now: This one is really good. At first you think it's going to be a ballad, but then it turns into heavy techno-dance. Sad lyrics. Awesome! A favorite.

Change: Pretty good, but a little hypnotic sounding. Otherwise a like it a lot and it's really cool! Good vocals and lyrics. A favorite.

Brighter Day: This is the other best song on the whole album. It has an awesome, awesome sound. I love the vocals, lyrics, beat, piano, sound effects, and the overall sound. It has a great line, "You will always find a new tomorrow, I can show you the eternal way". My other favorite on the whole album.

Shouldn't It Be Me: Really cool! It's got that '90's pop-dance sound but it's really cool and fun! The lyrics are kinda sad because it's about the crusifiction but they're really good! Love it. A favorite.

UBU: Not my favorite. Cool sounding, though.

Always & Forever: Very good! Raze's signature song, everybody loves it. It's almost like a ballad but it's still got that power-pop thing going on. A favorite.

GREAT
I love this cd!!! It's all I ever listen to. I give it five stars, and I WOULD give it 100,000,000,000...

Keeps me young!
I love Raze for the upbeat totally "today" techno-dance sounds and God centered lyrics. Perfect for exercise, dance and praise. Raze helps keeps me young: spirit, soul and body! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JJIR
Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Steven Curtis Chapman: Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 October, 1997)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

In 10 years, Steven Curtis Chapman has charted 26 No. 1 hits, three Grammy Awards, and 32 Dove Awards (Christian music's equivalent of the Grammys). This release offers some of Chapman's best work in addition to two newer singles, "Not Home Yet" and "I Am Found in You," and rerecordings of "Lord of the Dance" and "The Walk," from the brilliant Signs of Life release. The latter two, labeled "Abbey Road versions," sound live, with soulful harmonica and additional guitar work not heard on the originals. Chapman's catalog of hits traces a developing and masterful artist who gains confidence and quality with each new release. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (32)

the best of the early years
This collection contains some of the strongest songs of Steven Curtis Chapman's early career, and serves as a launching pad for all the albums to come.He has grown in strength and confidence over the years, and this album singles out those tracks that have captured him at his peak through each stage.

Two brand new tracks, Not Home Yet and I Am Found In You, give us a glimpse of the Steven Curtis Chapman to come - a much more audibly passionate and uninhibited artist than when he first started out.New versions of Lord of the Dance and The Walk (recorded at Abbey Road Studios) start to capture some of the energy found in Chapman's live performances.

With so many excellent songs to choose from, it must have been difficult to narrow it down to these 14 tracks.You may be surprised at some of the songs that are missing, but you definitely won't be disappointed with any of the ones that made the cut.

Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

Good Man
While, I'm not a "marching in line" conventional, conservative type Christian, I can appreciate Steven's heartfelt melodies and searching lyrics.In some of his lyrics I find an innocence that is refreshing, refreshing in this day and age when a lot of people assume they KNOW all the answers.He is less arrogant than some of the other contemporary Christian singers.

Buy and Enjoy!
Anyone who even mildly likes Steven Curtis Chapman will not be disappointed with his best hits collection.

While my personal favorite is The Great Adventure, the other songs in the cd are great also.Among the other hits are:For The Sake of the Call, Heaven in the Real World, I Will Be Here, and More to This Life.

All in all, a highly recommended cd containing an excellent collection of songs! ... Read more

Asin: B000000V5V
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. CCM    3. Country Gospel    4. Inspirational    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Religious / Contemp. Christian    8. Soft Rock   

Listen
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 July, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Michelle Tumes's airy and ethereal-sounding Listen draws the inevitable comparisons to Enya and Sarah McLachlan. But while the title track and "My Constant One" pay homage to these secular sisters, Tumes carves her own aural niche with a densely layered mix of piano, strings, and programmed rhythms. At times, the dreamlike quality of the music enhances Tumes's unique style, although at other moments it nearly suffocates her beautiful voice, as well as a handful of well-crafted songs. Qualms aside, Listen is a formidable debut release from one of contemporary Christian music's most interesting artists. "Heaven Will Be Near Me," "Healing Waters," and the superb "Please Come Back" are the release's shining moments. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Michelle Tumes.. Not quite my style.
I bought this album because I had read great reviews on her music. However, I did not personally like her style of singing. It is very hard to actually hear the words of her songs and the background music is very repetitive. I know that this will not be a popular review.. but it is an honest one.

Although I am in my sixties I have a huge variety of female vocalists which include Twila Paris, Kathy Troccoli, Susan Ashton, Margaret Becker, Sandi Patty and Point of Grace, just to mention a few. So I have a really varied taste in music. My taste in male singers is even more varied... from the lovely ballads of Michael Card and Dallas Holms, to Charlie Peacock, Steven Curtis Chapman, Ray Boltz, and many more. So I do not feel that I am being unfair to Michelle in writing this review.

Perhaps, if I got one of her later albums, I might have a totally different view of it.

Beautiful
This first album of Michelle Tumes is one of the best musical albums out there in the world. Her music is soothing, inspiring, full of messages of Christ, and excellently done. My favorite track is "Untame Lion", a great one to listen to, and shows just how much Christ loves us, and though he might not be a safe God, he is a God of love. "Healing Waters" and "Listen" are among my other favorite tracks and have great messages as well. Get this album now!

Ethereal
Oh God is the right thing to say here. I love her words and her voice. "Healing Waters" and"Heaven Will Be Near Me" made me cry the first time I heard them. Her voice is beyond words and the music the ethereal. A recommend this to any music lover. Truely blessed woman with a great gift. ... Read more

Asin: B000007TF0
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Beauty for Ashes
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 April, 1997)
list price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

If there's such a thing as a contemporary Christian music diva, Crystal Lewis is it. Lewis always tailors her formidable vocals for the task--whether it be for an uptempo groove or for a soft and tender ballad. She shines on Beauty for Ashes, a 1996 release that features uplifting anthems such as "People Get Ready... Jesus Is Comin,'" a number one CCM hit, ballads such as "Lion and the Lamb" and "Seasons Change," and the funky groove of "God's Been Good to Me.""Healing Oil," the release's final track, is a pleasing testimonial that showcases the silken vocals of Lewis over a heavily programmed and keyboard-layered aural backdrop. It is no doubt Lewis's graceful mastering of diversity that explains her garnering a 1998 Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (26)

You can tell she really loves Christ
Wow, Crystal Lewis did a great job on this cd. You can tell that she really loves The Lord Jesus .
I remeber listening to Healing oil on a human video and really loving the song before I got this cd. People get ready is a really awesome song also. God bless her.

Emotinal
Well, I first heard this song at our church Vacation Bible School in our chorus class.At first I thought this song would [sound bad]...but it didn't.It helped me understand a very important lesson!I give it 5 stars, and 2 thumbs up!It is one of my favorite songs, now!What's your opinion?

Beauty for Ashes
This is Crystal Lewis' pinnacle album.On the albums before this one, Lewis had been attempting to be an R&B diva.Through no fault of her own, that was not a successful endeavor.She certainly had the voice for it, but she was not surrounded with music people who were well-versed in that musical genre (it wasn't until Out of Eden dropped LOVIN' THE DAY that a Christian artist treated R&B properly).

On BEAUTY FOR ASHES however, Crystal Lewis decided to head towards the middle of the road, and it paid great dividends.In 1996, no one in Contemporary Christian Music had a voice that could match Lewis' and combined with simple, yet strong messages of faith, she was able to release a masterpiece."Beauty for Ashes" and "People Get Ready, Jesus is Coming" are probably the best-known tracks, the former combing her siren-like vocals with Ron Kenoly's gospel trained voice.My favorite, however, is probably "God's Been Good to Me" because of its funkier and more upbeat sound.

In my opinion, Crystal Lewis has not been able to match this album with any of her later releases, but that's okay.She's changed and matured to a different sound, but I'll always have BEAUTY FOR ASHES. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BRH
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Fourth from the Last
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 July, 1998)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Mirroring secular counterparts, Christian ska and swing bands continue to infuse the contemporary-Christian-music market. The W's made quite a splash with their debut, Fourth from the Last, winning a 1999 Dove Award for best modern rock/alternative album. While there's an irony about retro-swingers like the W's winning a "modern rock" award, you can't deny that these six young men from Corvallis, Oregon, spin up a spirited and punchy set of horn-driven swing-ska. Singer-guitarist Andrew Schar introduces us to a safe, but colorful array of slackers, skaters, and surfers that populate his world. Bassist Todd Gruener and drummer Brian Morris lay a solid rhythm track throughout and provide a foundation for the jumpin' jive from Valentine Hellman (tenor sax, clarinet), Bret Barker (trumpet), and James Carter (alto sax).--Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (99)

I think im in love...
Wonderful CD... as Mike said up there theyre not ska, they're swing, but they're still very good if you like the style. I went to a DC talk concert, and ended up liking the W's more. The W's broke up in 2000 i think, which was a very very sad day. But good news for all you The W's fans, The lead singer, Andrew Schar, has a new band, called Alpha-Charlie. They're far from famous yet, and their style is a lot different, but they're still awesome. Visit them at www.alpha-charlie.com.

Swing?
i love this CD
the guys in the band are awesome
i went to a concert with DC Talk Jennifer Knapp and The W's and it was an awesome show i got my tix signed by The W's
the cool thing was that some girl kept shoving my brother and i out of the way so she could get her ticket signed but then the lead singer, i forgot his name, said " no hold on they have been waiting for awhile." then he took our ticket stubs and signed em
i will remember that night forever...jk the CD is great i love The Devil is Bad its just an awesome CD
so if u dont have it buy it cuz i dont think you'll b seeing these guys on tour ever again
peace
Monica

I LUV THE W'S
omgosh this is a great cd i first heard the group when i heard the song "The Devil is Bad" and luved it! i also like this cd b/c it has really funny songs like "Dexter"and "Frank" i usually don't like "swing" but this cd could make anyone love it...these r the kind of songs that stick in ur head for years and u never forget the lyrics b/c they're so memorable ... Read more

Asin: B000009CIK
Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Pop    3. Retro Swing    4. Rock    5. Ska    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Jesus Freak
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 November, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Jesus Freak, like the 1970s phrase that it's culled from, is an oddity. Who could have ever imagined such a wonderful blend of grunge rock, rap, melodic pop, and funk? "So Help Me God" sets the tone with a wicked guitar riff that draws boundaries for the trio's magic harmonies. "What If I Stumble?" and the vastly underrated "Between You and Me" allow Michael Tait to showcase his silky smooth vocals, while "Jesus Freak" and "Mind's Eye" prove the band can change speeds and rock as hard as anyone. For good measure, they even improve upon Charlie Peacock's "In the Light." One of the best Christian CDs of the '90s. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (239)

Just a great collection of tunes...
An awesome Christian Rock CD. I originally bought it on the strength of the title track, and now it's one of my least favorite on the disc, (which is just to say it's an absolutely great song amid a collection of unbelievable stuff). But don't be fooled by the driving nature of "Jesus Freak" and "So Help Me God;" so many of the other songs are notable for their soulful melodies rather than their catchy guitar riffs. "Colored People" starts out with a line from The Simpsons, but don't hold that against it. "In The Light" is very moving and is the tale of probably most Christians, but the first among equals is "If I Stumble." It's soaring chorus and musical simplicity is just stunningly beautiful.
If you're looking for something really moving in Christian Rock - and isn't that the point - you need to have this one in your collection.

This is the BEST!!!
if you want the best for your money...this cd is it...it's the type of cd you can put in your cd player and let it play through over and over.Wonderful pick me up, they portray God through their music so well..

this is awesommmmme!
this cd is so great it has the best music in town!!!!!!!
it has playful ANDpreachful in a great way! and it has a poem wrote and read by k-max!! buy this c.d if you want to be pleased! ... Read more

Asin: B000000V0I
Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Christian Rap    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Heavenly Place
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 1996)
list price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

It's hard to fathom a 16-year-old singing with the presence that Jaci Velasquez has on Heavenly Place. Then again, she is no ordinary teenager. This 1996 debut by the gifted Christian-pop star landed numerous awards and was the fastest-selling solo debut in Christian-music history. It won't take long to figure out why when you hear "On My Knees," "Shelter," and "Un Lugar Celestial," which showcase Velasquez's voice as being mature beyond her years. There's a depth and richness that emanates from each carefully recorded track, thanks in large part to producer Mark Heimermann. The young Velasquez blends and transcends each aural backdrop provided. You want cool? Check out the mystical "Baptize Me," easily one of the best CCM tracks of 1996. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (76)

She is post to be a christian
I love her songs think she is great. But if you look at her dressing habits. she wares the most tight clothing and she is post to be a christian. And now i found out that she is on a movie called Chasing Papi that looks realy bad.

Rating for every song!
This CD is great, even if it is 7 years old. This is definetely the best Jaci CD.

1. If This World 4:04 Great uptempo pop sort of tune. 10/10
2. Un Lugar Celestial 4:07 This is one AWESOME song. Has any1 seen the video for it, it's kinda boring. 10/10
3. Flower In The Rain 3:36 Kinda midtempo song. 9.5/10
4. On My Knees 3:42 I guess this is like one of the BEST Jaci song of all time. It's one of my favorites. But it's still a slow ballad, but of course I still like it. 10/10
5.Shelter Me 4:18 You get to hear Chris Rodriguez on this song. One of my favorites. 10/10
6. Baptize Me 4:15 Awesome song that starts out slow but gets a midtempo beat to it. 10/10
7. We Can Make A Diffrence 3:51 This is probably the funkiest song on this CD. 10/10
8. I Promise 3:35 A ballad. Not one of my fave songs but still good. 8/10
9. We Will Overcome 3:52 This is kind of upbeat. 9.5/10
10. Thief Of Always Steals Tomorrow 4:27 An AWESOME ballad. 10/10
Overall, my message is, GO BUY THIS CD!!

A GREAT GOSPEL SINGER
AS SAID A GREAT GOSPELS SINGER. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BQ5
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Shine: The Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Eight releases, 14 No. 1 radio hits, top reputation as a live act--notbad work if you can get it. That's what the Newsboys have accomplished in 14 years, and the scope and breadth of their success is documented well on this 17-track hits collection. In songs like "Shine," "Take Me to Your Leader," "Spirit Thing," and "Step Up to the Microphone," the Newsboys magically melded a modern pop beat with a strong, spirit-filled message. The end results were endearing radio hits that sounded fresh, vibrant, and nonapologetic for their religious zeal. And that explains why these lads from Australia garner such a buzz in the Christian pop world. The Newsboys never met a pop hook they didn't like, a fact all too apparent when listening to this collection. But they do it so well. Longtime Newsboys fans will appreciate the remake of "God Is Not a Secret," featuring a blistering rap from DC Talk's Toby McKeehan. Three new tracks--"Joy," "Praises," and "Who?"--give listeners a hint of what's to come. --MichaelLyttle ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Great Album
Shine is a superb collection of Newsboys hits.

It has a variety of previous great hits along with several new songs.'I'm Not Ashamed' is one of the all time classic Christian rock hits.'Shine' is a very upbeat tune with a positive message.'Joy', which was new on this album, is a very energetic, inspiring song.

There are several 'fun' songs included such as:'Breakfast' and 'Spirit Thing'.

All in all, this is a great album.You won't be disappointed.

A Must-Have!
My son actually led me to this album through the "Breakfast" song...one of my all-time favorites, can't get it out of my head -- and don't want to. Even if you can't stand any other song on the album, this song makes it worth the price (and you may find out you do like the rest!).

Not only is it good music -- it is thoughtful music.

And I like it! and I like it yeeeaaaah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
As I stated perfectly in my list (check your local listmania guide), this album is THE premier greatest hits album for probably THE greatest Christian band.Pick it up, that's all I can say really.No matter how long you've been a Christian, "Shine" has been a staple on our listener supported radio stations.Going platinum plus, this album is carried by EVERY POPULAR NEWSBOYS SONG EVER.Shine:Hits doesn't leave out any of there 16 hit singles.But I love quirky reviews, so here enough with the fan crap.Take an Australian band that loves your 80's type music (see Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, INXS, Smiths, Etc.), give them bad/thick accents, grow the hair out and you have an ample example of pop.As you listen to "Joy" and "Take me to your leader" you can't help but feel the cheesy and corny virus move throughout your body.It's these happy feelings that let you know the Newsboys are good at what they do.Some songs almost sound too Erasure-esque, particularly "I'm Not Ashamed".I gave this album five stars for representing a band perfectly in a greatest hits album.But be warned, if you don't like happy pop songs, you will laugh this album off. ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZDML
Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Christian Rock    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Streams
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 June, 1999)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Based on the concept of healing in times of crisis, Streams combines the talents of contemporary Christian music heavy hitters and the Irish Film Orchestra (who contribute a lavish orchestral suite) in an anthem of comfort for the weary, the hurting, and the spiritually impoverished. From Cindy Morgan's broken-voiced lamentation on "Job" to Chris Rodriguez's plea on "Sanctuary," Streams speaks directly to Christians in times of need, a subject not oft explored in CCM. Brighter territory is surveyed on Sixpence None the Richer's inspirational pop gem "Breathe" and on Jaci Velasquez's breathily angelic rendering of the Michelle Tumes-penned "I Will Rest in You." Intriguing pairings include Jon Anderson of Yes with modern-day soldiers of faith 4Him, Amy Grant's supporting tour of duty on the Delirious-led "Find Me in the River," and a slightly revised version of Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up," which features a duet by Irish songbird Maire Brennan and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (40)

A song for every mood...Essential Christian listening!
An awesome album. One of my all time favourites. It's hard to pick an out and out best track - "The only thing I need" is outstanding simply because of Jon Anderson's incredible vocals. To hear the lead singer of my favourite group when growing up in the 1970's (ie. Yes, all of whose album's I still have) laying down his voice on a Christian compilation completely blew me away...
The most special track on the album for me though, has to "I will rest in You" by Jaci Velasquez (though Michelle Tumes' penwriting skills are obvious throughout - I'd have love to have heard her sing it). I had this song played at my father's funeral after I had read from John 14:1-6 and paid tribute to him. It melted the congregation and will always have a very, very special place in my heart because of that. A truly amazing complilation that can speak to your soul. Don't miss it....

Thank you, God!
I bought this CD for "I Will Rest in You" by Jaci Velasques and I am glad I did! There are so many meaningful songs on this CD. Not only are the words great, but the music is, too! You could sit and listen to these songs for hours. I was happy to see that Point of Grace had recorded a song for this CD, too, and it is great! Please check this out. It's a great way to just relax and be with God.

Not too great
I bought this c.d. because my favourite singer, Maire Brennan sings a duet on it and I like Michelle Tumes, too. Drop Michael McDonald and the song would have been perfect for Maire's voice and her life (read her autobiography, you'd understand) but this c.d. is not great. They get old (especially that Jaci Valesquez song). The ones I love the best are the last four performed by the Irish Film Orchestra with vocals by Michelle Tumes and Maire Brennan. If the whole c.d. could have been like that, it would have been pure Heaven. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J7SE
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Religious / Contemp. Christian