Carried Along
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 March, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (34)

The Neil Young of Christian Music
If Neil Young and John Prine were mixed together and made Christian music, this is what you would get.Powerful stuff, thoughtful, no cheap tricks.

Christian Folk music.
This CD is filled with great music.

Peterson could easily be called a balladeer or poet.Mellow is a great word to describe the feel of this music, but the lyrics are deep and moving.He's very expressive.The music is a fine brush and the lyrics beautiful, vivid colors.

Each song is solid and biblically based.Several of the songs have associated scripture references listed with the title.They will definitely cause you to think about your relationship with God and his creative majesty.

Coral Castle (#6) is the one exception.It is a wonderful song and exhibits qualities that resemble fruit of the spirit, but it is more a love song.This song highlights the creative ability of Andrew to work with multiple themes, in this case a beautiful love song.

Thought Provoking Music
Andrew Peterson writes music with a depth of spiritual understanding... yet he is unafraid to question at the same time.
All the Way Home is the first song of the album.This song has a rootsy feel.Peterson is a story teller in his songs.He has a good understanding of the importance of his own family history and how it builds his own spiritual heritage.Several times during this album he touches on themes such as these.
The Chasing Song is a very clever song. It explores the way that we think we are pursuing God, when in reality we are only chasing ourselves.Peterson uses many biblical heros in this song and references them cleverly and effectively.The chorus is wonderful,"Cause Job he chased an answer.The wise man chased the child.Jacob chased for fourteen years and he captured Rachel's smile.And Moses chased the promised land.Joseph chased a dream.David, he chased God's own heart.All I ever seem to chase is me."
Nothing to Say is also a wonderfully written song.It explores the way in which we grow closer to God within the daily chores and adventures we experience.It happens in a subtle way and is very hard to explain.Peterson says, "And I don't believe that I believed in you as deeply as today.I reckon what I'm saying is there's nothing more to say."
I have to say that this album is one of my most favorite albums.It is made up of well written and challenging music.Challenging in the fact that it expands our understanding of what it is like to live a life in faith.Andrew Peterson challenge us to expand our expectations of a life lived in faith.He pushes us to explore our attitudes and behaviors.
Spiritually, this is a very rewarding listening experience!
I loved it...I hope you will too! ... Read more

Asin: B00004RD6U
Sales Rank: 61612
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 September, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (37)

Caedmon's Call
I recently went to a Caedmon's Call/Jars of Clay concert with my youth group and absolutely loved them. When I got home, I bought all the cds that they had played songs off of. This cd is awesome & truly captures their words and their meaning.

Awesome CD
This is an awesome cd it may not seem that way at first but just listen closly to the lyrics and let the grace of the music flow. Third Day, Sonicflood, and Passion along with Caedmon's Call are the best christian groups I have found so get them and enjoy!

Awesome Worship
I had one of these songs on here, Praise the God Who Saves, sung at Easter time last year its an awesome song and also Thy Mercy was sung as well. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NNK8
Sales Rank: 26051
Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

The Way I Am
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 2001)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Jennifer Knapp's third major-label release is filled with moments of agony and wisdom, as Knapp find ways to describe the daily struggles of everyday life with clarity and insight. The music ranges from the guitar-based, folk-rock writing style of her previous work on such tracks as the beautiful "Say Won't You Say" and the confessional "In Two (The Lament)," but she also shakes the walls a bit with the rocking "The Way I Am." As Knapp's muse matures, so does her confidence in trying different sounds, thanks in part to producer Tony McAnany. Several tracks here are heavily orchestrated (by the London Symphony Orchestra, no less), including the poignant closer, "No Regrets." As her many song-stories of faith testify, Knapp knows that the human condition is one of longing for something more. On The Way I Am, she shares that desire in the most personal manner yet. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (62)

The Melissa Etheridge of Christian Music
Jennifer Knapp is an excellent musician, somehow managing to spin folk, rock, and Christian into one musical category.She has a distinct voice that is just gritty enough to grab your attention and soft enough to make it oh-so pleasant.I haven't heard a song by this artist that has fallen short yet.

While I haven't done any research on Knapp, I would have to guess she has studied music for a while.She seems to know how to write music and lyrics that stir the soul.Her songs flow quite well, and she seems at ease performing with some of the top artists in the Christian music industry.

Ya can't go wrong with this CD.It's a keeper!

See ya next review.

The Way I Am
I've decided to review Jennifer Knapp's third album "The Way I Am." I understand that album is not her latest anymore, but I feel it is the most underrated of all her efforts.

Knapp fans who loved Kansas and Lay It Down, generally frown upon her third album due to its less-folky nature. Some Jennifer Knapp fans even labeled it as 'mediocre.' I believe that accusation is quite far from the truth. The lyrics are as powerful as ever and the music is magnified 100%. True, the raw folk sound of a pure acoustic guitar is gone for the most part, but the London Symphony Orchestra and the heavy guitar riffs more than make up for it.

If you're a lover of music, you must check this CD out! This album brings out every emotion imaginable. From guilt and regret in "The Way I Am," to unbridled joy in "Breathe On Me," to straight-up sorrow in "In Two (The Lament)."

Is this my favorite Jennifer Knapp album? No, but it is definitely a close second!

For all those who have this album, but shoveled it away somewhere, I implore you to dig it out and listen to it witout bias. I, too, felt it wasn't as good as her previous two albums when I first got it. Yet, after a few more listens, it suddenly rose to the top of the heap! As for those who never listened to it, give it a chance--you just might like what you hear!

Best C.D. to date
I recently got this c.d. and it has to be the best c.d. I've ever listened to from beginning to end and ABSOLUTELY love. Her music is beautiful and such a refreshing pace from anything else I've heard in a long time. God's definetely blessed Jennifer and all of us with her music.Highly reccomended! ... Read more

Asin: B00005RGFI
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Inspirational    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Come Together
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 November, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

These Georgia rockers rode a tidal wave of fame after their superb Offerings release in 2000 netted a ton of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations. The ensuing whirlwind found them clinging tighter than ever to the foundation of their faith as well as to their music. The aptly titled Come Together melds the group's immense talent into a compelling must-have release. Mac Powell's growling vocals have always been a signature for the band and that hasn't changed. But thanks to producer Monroe Jones, Come Together also illuminates the fine guitar work of Brad Avery and Mark Lee, all the while supported by the skin-tight rhythm of bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr. The driving rocker "Get On" is balanced by the gorgeous balladry of "It's Alright." In between the two, Third Day beautifully rock our world, and for that we should be grateful. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Where good music & lyrics Come Together
Come Together is a great album that combines great music and great lyrics.My personal favorites are Come Together and 40 days.Those are the first two tracks on the disc but don't think that it goes downhill from there.The disc is full of southern rock treats and a ballad or two.Overall this disc doesn't disappoint.Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.

This Is Christian Music That Degrades Us
This is stuff I would hear all the time when I would go to a youth group gathering. Uggh...so degrading. I have nothing against God, whatsoever, but this music is horrible and leaves a bitter taste to the mouth.

Listen to Zao, Training For Utopia, Living Sacrifice, Norma Jean, UnderOath, Dead Poetic, Further Seems Forever, Project 86, Blindside, Emery, Chevelle (yes, they're Christian), Extol, Figure Four or even P.O.D. I have more that I can't think of right now. These guys are Christian, but they don't sing about Jesus all the time.

Third Day, Newsboys, dc Talk and the rest of them considered "gospel" aren't worth listening.

This CD is a must have!
Some of the songs take a few listens to grow on you, but when they do, they stick with you! This is a kicking album from the first to last song! ... Read more

Asin: B00005OKUS
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian Rock    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian    5. United States of America   

Big Blue Sky
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 May, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Even though he has a long independent release history, Bebo Norman is quickly establishing himself in the larger Christian music arena as a songwriter extraordinaire. In his latest, Big Blue Sky, Norman writes and sings of a God never more alive and ever-present than in the rich lyrical imagery this burgeoning talent presents. In the catchy opener, "I Am," we're reassured that the Creator is "in the center of your storm / I am in the fire / I am in the flood / I am in the marrow and the blood / When you cannot stand, I am." Both "Cover Me" and "Underneath" also stand out with jangly, airy guitars that massage Norman's messages of hope and restoration. And you can't miss the moving tribute to mothers everywhere on the ending track, "Where You Are." Big Blue Sky is an impressive release full of reflection and resonance. Much credit for this should go to producer Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call), who puts Norman's earthy vocals and brilliant songwriting in a tasteful wrapper. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (19)

He's awesome
I can't get enough of Bebo.I have all of his CD's.

I'm not disappointed...
Usually when musicians have an amazing first album such as Bebo did with "Ten Thousand Days," it's hard to follow it up with another one up to par.Bebo however does not have this problem."Big Blue Sky" is great CD with some really great songs on it.My personal favorites are "Cover Me","Underneath", "Tip of My Heart" and "All That I Have Sown."This CD encompasses many different styles of music.Bebo brings it all together with his awesome lyrics and melodies.I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

An evolving sound, an absolute delight!
I definitely saw a noticeable difference from "Ten Thousand Days" to "Big Blue Sky," but it's not a bad change at all.In the earlier album, Bebo's sound is much more natural and acoustic, the lyrics more poetic and soulful.On this CD, there are still strong traces of the acoustic balladeer in several songs, like "Sons & Daughters" or "Perhaps She'll Wait" (my personal favorite on this album), but also a bit stronger showing of the more pop sound that peeked out in "Stand."This is most evident in the opening few tracks, with lively tunes like "I Am" and "Cover Me," and the very witty and spritely "Underneath."

I can't say that Bebo's sound really changes, so much as his balance or emphasis tends to tip more in favor of the more "rockish" style that I already knew was lurking in him, just waiting to come out.Still, I think the balance on "Big Blue Sky" is a bit of an improvement over the nearly unbroken folk sound of "Ten Thousand Days."Either way, this guy has an awesome talent and a great heart for the Lord, and I doubt there will be many listeners who aren't delighted by what they hear. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ABMZ
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Transform
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Let's start with the adjectives: energetic, powerful, creative,refreshing, excellent. That pretty much captures the essence of "Transform," thelatest and--yes--greatest from Rebecca St. James, who never ceases to amaze.With more songwriting input than ever before, this blessed young Aussie gatherssounds from today's pop world and meshes them together oh-so-well. It would havebeen easy for RSJ to build on the groove that was established with her previousGrammy-winning release,Pray, but she's never oneto sit still. And she playfully reminds us, in the Euro-disco sounding "Reborn,"singing, "if you see a change in me and wonder." The riveting rocker "All AroundMe" takes a page or two from the Garbage catalog, yet RSJ gives enough mojo tomake it her own. The powerfully majestic "Stand" is another tour de force forRSJ, who showcases her mighty vocal talents in this pop masterpiece. ProducersMatt Bronlewee and Dan Huff also should be commended for blending a lot ofenergy into a tightly focused and great-sounding release. --MichaelLyttle ... Read more

Reviews (75)

RSJ: Beautiful inside and out!
Rebecca is uniquely beautiful and my role model, a wonderful one, too! 'Transform' is her best album. Euro-pop tracks with excellent strings performed by The London Sessions Orchestra. When I was 10 I listened to this CD in a music store and after the stringed intrument intro, I decided that I'd try something else. But later, I matured beyond cheesy songs about nothing, and realized this is great music, and bubble gum poppy isn't really the only good style (And I don't listen to it anymore, exept I think Rose Falcon is great! she isn't really bubble gum though. Check her out!)My fave tracks out "Universe" (Based on some verses from the Psalms) and "Reborn", a great track to dance to and lipsynce around to. "For the love of God" Is about 1 Corninthians 13 (The love chapter) and is pretty good. "Don't worry" is a reminder a lot fo us need to hear, and keeps the tempo up. "Merciful" isn't really that great, but Rebecca is always fantastic. Some people complian "One" sounds too much like Britney's "Oops, I did it again" but of course "One" is Christian with a great message and is great to dance too. Nothing wrong with it! "Wait for me" is a another great reminder, it's for teens and singles. I don't love "In me" and "Stand" is just Okay. But the albums a winner. Go Rebecca you rock!

Not the greatest . . .
This CD was OK . . . I mean I can't give it 5 stars because I didn't like most of the songs.My only favorites were . . .

- Reborn
- Wait for Me
- Stand

Those were the only good ones . . . if you like songs that are not boring and have wonderful tunes.The rest of the songs weren't that great.I LOVE Rebecca St. James' music, but I didn't find most of these tracks enjoyable.But you could have a different "music outlook" than I, and may instead actually enjoy this CD.Though in my opinion, I think there are better RSJ CDs.I would suggest "Wait For Me" (the best of) CD - it's absolutely her very best (I'm sure you would agree if you bought it)!So if you just want to collect every RSJ CD there is - just ignore my complaining and get this one.But if you would like to get just one of her CDs . . . this shouldn't be the one!Check out WAIT FOR ME!!

Good for a New Christian
I bought this CD when I was a brand new Christian and moving from secular music to Christian music. There are so many "pop-like" songs that really amazed me. There were a few that were slow and/or a little on the cheesy side. For the Love of God and, of course, Wait for Me are among some of her best on this album. I highly recommend it for those who are new seekers to the Christian music industry. ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZDMO
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Have I Ever Told You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 August, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

FFH built its foundation on an aggressive tour schedule, a commitment to sweet-sounding melodies, and a constant dedication to ministry. All three elements come to play on Have I Ever Told You, the group's third major-label release. They don't venture far into new musical territory, but FFH know what they do best: build concise pop around well-crafted harmonies. The opener, "Watching over Me," and the praise-and-worship anthem "We Sing Alleluia" capture this essence well. Producers Scott Williamson and David Hamilton don't mess with a good thing, though they do employ more keyboards and strings here than on previous FFH releases. The upbeat and playful "Astronaut" and the whimsical "Millionaire" are certainly changes of pace as well. But overall it's the tight singing arrangements and lyrics centered on one's relationship to God that placed FFH on the national stage, and they continue admirably in that vein on this pleasing release. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Great Christian music!
FFH music is very good..especially for new followers of Christ. I am recommending their music to anyone who will listen...first to the words of Christ...then to contemporary Christian music to help them feel Gods presence at all times in their life.

Another great Cd
This CD is amazing.On most CDs there is atleast 1 or two track I have to skip because they are songs I don't like, but not with this CD.Song number 8 "Millionaire"really has inspired me and a friend of mine while we were having problems with what to do for the rest of our lives.Number 3 is absolutely wonderful, it makes me want to raise my hands every time I hear it.All songs here are beautiful and inspiring.

Great CD
Just a wonderful CD to get you into the Christian groove. I like "Watching over Me" and "Fly Away" ... Read more

Asin: B00005NHMG
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Downhere
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 October, 2001)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (13)

THumbs up from this newcomer!
I am a relative newcomer to the Christian rock scene. I was looking for a cool, contemporary, real sound with a good, solid, not corny message. I listened to a lot of samples. And I made the perfect choice in downhere's self-titled album. Their sound reminds me at times of U2, Counting Crows, Neil Young, Creedence Clearwater, even Springsteen (ok, I have a great imagination...).
The first track, "Larger Than Life," is from the movie Joshua, which is where I heard these guys. Other great tracks are Protest to Praise, Raincoat and Making Me. I can listen to this stuff working out, even! The language is very common and natural,not preachy. Just right for me.

downhere was downright awsome!!
I saw these guys at R.Y.O.T in Indiana last summer.They gave us a awsome night of worship.I got to meet them before worship and after and they are truly all men of GOD.They signed CDs and shirts and fellowshipped with the kids.My son bought the CD and we listen to it all the time.A must have for all.

Great lyrics rarely seen in the Christian music world...
What I love best about Downhere is that they are not afraid to write honest lyrics that don't try to cover up all the problems of the world. In the Christian music scene, there are way too many songs saying "Jesus makes all things great - so smile and be happy!"

Downhere takes the road less-travelled and comes through with songs like "Protest to Praise" *quotes* "I'm wrestling my thoughts, I'm overcome - would you give me up? I'm asking, Lord, There's nowhere I sense your presence here..." Their songs acknowledge that being a believer in Christ doesn't mean life on Earth will be like a bed of roses.

Not all the songs take such a serious route. Worship songs and praise choruses also abound - my favorites being "Free Me Up" and "Great Are You".

This is a group who doesn't conform to the culturally accepted bubblegum feel-goody Christian songs. Two thumbs up to Downhere - you guys are awesome and I highly respect your decisions to value your art above your "marketability"! Stay true to your messages and you will go far! ... Read more

Asin: B00005QGAK
Sales Rank: 118361
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Disappear
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 July, 2001)
list price: $13.97
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Reviews (10)

Good Album to fall asleep to.
After making "Them," PFR broke up in 1997.This cd could of been better had ithad some killer rocking tunes like "Them".
Remember Pour me out & Daddy never cried.There aren't any great stand out tunes.This album reminds me of pink floyd and beach boys. Its really mellow with good harmonies.Basically if you are hard core PFR then it be a good purchase, but lets say they've done better. Contains some good interesting tunes though. I hope that when these guys come bach they totally rock out... atleast on a few songs. Cause they can really rock and roll!

Missing band
I, like so many others, was disappointed at PFR's split in 97.Of course, this was marked by periodic reunions (the Phoenix benefit concert, "Kingdom Come", etc.).So, finally, the band reunited to do an album.

What to expect?Well, expect PFR...like many bands, people expect an artist to simply redo the previous album.And like the greatest bands, PFR wasn't content to record "Them - Part II".Every PFR album has been totally different from the others, they are a band willing to experiment.But mostly, this album reminds me of a more alive version of Great Lengths.It's the music of a PFR that has aged well.

Problem is, the album is impossible to find.For some reason or another the label, Squint, put this out of print very quickly.If you want this excellent CD, you'll have to check with used places ...

Not so late, but still great
1997 was not a great year for those who like good Christian music.Rich Mullins died in a car accident, and PFR announced that they would soon stop recording together to pursue individual projects.At the time, PFR was possibly the most original, most musically talented band in Christian music, and their decision was heartbreaking for their many fans.

You can imagine the excitement when the new album DISAPPEAR was announced and then released.The original music PFR fans had been longing for was here!

The album itself is very, very good overall.The musical traits that endeared PFR to their fans are here in abundance:achingly tight vocal harmonies, strong pop hooks, ear-crunching electric guitar, and a slow ballad or two to show the emotional connectivity PFR has always had with their listeners.There are some new traits here, though, evidence that in five years the band has done some living and, possibly, some growing in maturity through all the things that life might hold.

"Amsterdam" is a typical PFR rock tune, but a good one - distorted guitar, tight hooks and harmonies, catchy chorus.One of the best songs on the album.Another real gem is the second track, "Gone."This is one of the tracks that makes the listener wonder exactly what's been happening in the time between the last album and DISAPPEAR.Emotionally, this song and track 4, "Missing Love" seem more scarred and yet hopeful than even the most heart-wrenching PFR tunes from the past."Falling" is another worthy offering on this CD, more great PFR sound like their fans have come to expect.

The only complaint many listeners have regarding this album is its length - 35 minutes of music just doesn't seem like enough!And knowing that this album is not a reunion album, per se, makes the listener hunger even more for what may lie ahead for PFR.Hopefully more albums will come in the future, but if not, one can be very happy with DISAPPEAR, since that seems to be exactly what PFR is NOT going to do... ... Read more

Asin: B00005LN7Z
Sales Rank: 119949