Blue Skies
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 February, 1997)
list price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

Let's get one thing straight: Bryan Duncan sure can belt out a song. On Blue Skies, the soulful and evocative Duncan showcases a powerhouse vocal talent second to none in the contemporary Christian music market. This pleasant album carries a mix of ballads, uptempo boogie, and jazz-fusion pop. "A Whisper Heard Around the World" captures Duncan's footloose and fancy-free style as he breezes through a fun-loving, feel-good romp of a tune. "After This Day Is Gone" and "Dying to Meet You" are quieter offerings, but still give a nod to Duncan's excellent vocal command, something he's exhibited throughout his lengthy career. Kudos to producer Dan Posthuma for arranging a group of fine Nashville session players to support a quality talent like Duncan. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Listening is a singable thing.....
One of the best, and in my opinion most underrated, voices in Christian music is Bryan Duncan. His voice can make even the worst lyrics worth listening to. Luckily for us, the lyrics on this album are outstanding.

This 1997 release works not just because of his voice or the lyrics, but also because you can tell that he has poured his heart into it. Listen to "Dying To Meet You" and "A Whisper Heard Around The World" and you will understand what I mean.

In addition to soulful songs, Bryan Duncan also shows us how much fun he can have singing, as evidenced in "Joy Is A Singable Thing." I have always enjoyed listening to him when he sings songs like this one.

For fans of Christian radio, "After This Day Is Gone" will be instantly recognizable to you, especially since it still receives a decent amount of airplay these days.

Every Bryan Duncan album is one worth getting, and this one is certainly no different.

Absolute brilliance
This CD is music at its best; poetry. I have listened to it countless times (ever since my dad got it 3 or so years ago). Apart from the song Joy is a Singable Thing (which is, by the way, better than some other band's hit single), it is all endlessly relistenable. Buy it if you ever liked good music.

A wonderful mix of lively, contemplative, and mellow tunes.
This CD is definitely a keeper. Bryan's soulful voice is best demonstrated on the mellow tunes. "Dying to Meet You" is a wonderful song that makes you think of the day when we will finally get to meet our Lord, but the play on words makes the song even better. "No Greater Love" is also a great tune with a meaninful message. The final cut, "Take Heart" is a beautiful song of hope and grace for those with a troubled heart. In between the slow songs are a mix of up-tempo tunes and Bryan's rich, clear voice is featured effectively. A beautiful CD--just buy it! ... Read more

Asin: B000002BTM

David Phelps
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 April, 2002)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (23)

The most gifted singer of this century!!!!
This CD is the most outstanding work of vocal talent and song writing I have EVER heard!!! David Phelps has a voice like no other ...beautiful and yet powerful!! Just to hear "No More Night" and "Fly Again" will give you chills!! I look forward to more albums from this extremley talent singer and writer!! God Bless you David Phelps!!

Great CD
I've owned this CD since it was first released and it's still one of my very favorites. I've been a GVB fan for a long time and this CD just goes to show the talent in that group. I have been to 2 of David Phelps' concerts and it's truly just his voice you hear on the CD - nothing enhanced at all. He has a new CD coming out on February 24th and I've already pre-ordered it and I'm hoping it's half as good as this one.

AWESOME!!!!
David Phelps could sing in a trash bag and sound beautiful the man can sing! His voice is so beautiful! The cd is awesome! He has one of the best voices I'ver EVER heard!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000648QX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Free to Fly
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 May, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

When artists can't bank on recording their own material, song selection and performance are crucial. Point of Grace, with their angelic four-part harmonies, have built a decade-long successful career in this style, tallying numerous No. 1 singles and inspiring a number of sound-alikes in the process. The four gals from Arkansas return with their first regular studio release in three years with Free to Fly, perhaps their finest effort to date. They sing their way through a most diverse collection of songs, the high point of which is clearly "Praise Forevermore," a soaring and majestical praise-and-worship tune penned by the brilliant Darlene Zschech (Hillsongs Australia). "Begin with Me," a punchy and muscular anthem, showcases the girls' five-star harmonies, as does "Blue Skies" and the rocking "Something So Good." For a different spin, the group includes the urban R&B-infused "Free Indeed" and the quiet and lilting ballad "La La La." Free to Fly should keep old fans happy and make some new ones in the process. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Five stars is way too little amount of credit for this album
I am a mad Point Of Grace fan and for me, the album Free To Fly has been theyre best yet. This CD has been a great assistance to me spiritually and mentally. There are some really beautiful songs on this unique album, and there are no let downs on this album whatsoever! This CD I think sees Point Of Grace also exploring news sounds and styles, as I have never heard a song quite like Blue Skies, the chorus is massive and the supreme vocals of Denise on this song are beautiful and a complete blowaway. Another excellent song is Praise Forevermore, which is great as I dont know very many praise songs that have an upbeat and groovy kick to them! This song is anothe rexample of Terry, Denise, Heather and Shelley's harmonies! The production is peak, and even that is an understatement. Free Indeed has to be the best song I have heard in my life. This song made me cry a lot, and upbeat songs hardly ever make me cry, this shows how brilliant these girls are at choosing songs! Something So Good is another brilliant groovy song with raw production and feeling in the girls performance, and as my Dad says, a great eye opening and thought prevoking album. Words fall short of the overall power of this album! YOU MUST HAVE THIS ALBUM IN YA COLLECTION OTHERWISE THE COLLECTION YOU HAVE WONT BE A COLLECTION!!!

Without This CD You are at a significant loss!!
Wow, here I am writing my first review ever and what can I say about this tremendous, soul wrenching, uplifting album?? Let me see, no words can really describe the brilliance of this album.
I loved every single song on this unique album!

By Heart- this song has a great ending. The accapella bit at the end is so well performed by all the POG girls! The message too is one of the biggies on this album.

You Will Never Walk Alone- A beautiful ballad, amazing vocals from Heather especially. Another excellently produced song and great sound achieved although it is all programmed!

He Sends His Love- This song is amazing and the chorus is really singable! I love the vocals by Terry as she really knows how to sing for a soft song like this one!

Praise Forevermore- A masterpiece. Great harmonies and a brilliant sound quality, again the girls are giving us a sample of theyre firey voices!

Blue Skies- The chorus of this song is amazing and was one of the songs I cried to when I first heard it. Denise is in wonderful form.

Begin With Me- You can tell when Brown Bannister has produced a song as this song is excellent. The guitar work is fab and funky and even more so the song has a huge meaning to it. One of my favourite songs ever!

Free Indeed- Best song in the universe!

All That I Need- I love Terry's lovely and tender vocal performance on this song. It really does add to the feel of the song.

Something So Good- Yet another gem marvellous pproduced by David Tyson, the guitar wrk is raw and loud but this still doesnt drown out the girls, especially Shelley.

Yes, I Believe- this song is amazing and Shelley is in the prime of her singing performance, another song I cried to!

La La La- A beautiful end to the album. Denise and Terry are marvellous on the choruses!

From this you can gather that if you dont have this album you are at a massive loss and you need to get your hands on it before they all disappear!

A MUST for every Christian
This is a powerful CD that will move and inspire. What else can be said? I true gift from God. ... Read more

Asin: B00005CC4J

Mark Schultz
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 March, 2000)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Good music comes from the heart, and Mark Schultz's debut album has plenty of thatt. His original attempts to jump-start a musical career by moving to Nashville were to no avail, so instead he took a position as youth pastor in a local church. Inspired by his newfound ministry, he began writing songs about experiences he had with his youth group. A cloud of eager fans soon surrounded him. Only then did he receive the industry attention he had once sought out. Drawing on the producing talent of Monroe Jones, Schultz's musical journey has embarked on a new path. This self-titled project combines energized showmanship and heart-wrenching ballads. His voice is like the white-water crest of a wave. Its unique intensity is the force that leads the music onward. As well, his buoyant piano style brings a welcome flavor to the straight-up pop sound of this album. Drum loops, layered vocals, and soaring guitars add to the intrigue. His first single, "I Am the Way," was written as a theme song to kick off a new year of youth meetings. No doubt that year opened with a bang. --Israel Button ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Experience
Experience a new kind of music...take time to experience Mark Schultz's personal experiences.

It was payday that day, and it's always been my treat to myself to buy a new Christian CD. Tired of buying follow-up albums of my favourite gospel singers, I suddenly thought of trying CDs of new artists. While browsing at the store racks, I finally saw Mark's CD. Good thing I was a regular ... visitor...that Mark's background was not new to me. Good previews convinced me to buy a copy...and boy...his album is cool! At first you would compare his songs with Steve Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith a bit similar but when you get used to it...you'll discover a different style that's uniquely Mark Schultz. He composed all the songs...inspired by his different and wonderful experiences during some of his missions. I can say, he's a real observant person. He can't ignore the beauty of God's presence around him.

Among his eleven (11) songs, the following nine (9) songs are my favourites (in order):

1st "Fall In Love Again" - a beautiful, hopeful love song...I like how the duet and BGVs blend in...dudu da yeah!

2nd "When You Come Home" - a moving song about a mother's love to her child...a real tear-jerker.

3rd "When You Give" - let's you praise and dance all the way.

4th "I Am The Way" - very nice and cool...a good opening song;

5th "I Saw The Light" - I enjoy this song a lot...great beat;

6th "He's My Son" - A touching song about healing of a dying son. This is a real account of Mark's friend.

7th "Cloud Of Witnesses" - awesome message...about older people as guardians of youth today;

8th "Let's Go" - great piano! Message circles on decisions.

9th "Remember Me" - nice melody and duet with Ginny.

In general, all songs are so moving...so touching. Mark shows his versatility on changing styles like from slow to upbeat songs...from worship to praise songs. Not bad for a debut album. To Mark...continue exploring and sharing God's love through your music.

* Check the criteria on how I decide to select stars for albums at my profile. I hope my review helps you a lot. Thanks.

An Awesome Ride For Your Soul, Discover Mark Schultz.
WOW! I liked every song on this CD! There is a song for everyone on this CD. Mark Schultz takes you on a wonderful fulfilling ride for your soul. It was like a book you couldn't put down, each song with a new message and you want to sing along. There's rock you songs like "I Am The Way", and "Let It Go", and songs that speak to your heart like "He's My Son", "When You Come Home", and "Remember". If you like Steven Curtis Chapman, you will love Mark Schultz. Thanks Mark for a very special and well produced CD.

Breathtaking
This is one of the finest albums I've ever purchased (and I have just short of 1000 in my collection). From start to finish it will take you from heartwrenching pain to jubilant praise, with some just plain fun (e.g. Legend of McBride) along the way. Mark's vocals are nothing short of inhuman and his delivery sublime. There are few albums that are truly "must have". This is one. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S53K

Something More
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 March, 2002)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Producer Monroe Jones gives Ginny Owens plenty of sonic latitude on her sophomore effort, Something More, showcasing the strength of her songwriting. With tasteful touches here and there, Owens lays down a simple yet rich vibe throughout this wonderful release. "I Am" and "Simply Love You" are two tracks that carry a steady yet subtle rhythm, all while allowing Owens's accessible pop voice to bring forth catchy choruses. "This Road" is another example in which less is better, enabling Owens to deliver a moving tribute to the author of her faith. While trying on some rhythm & blues for the title track, Owens gets the soulful message across without sounding trite. Indeed, producer Jones knows how to complement and supplement the music of this gifted artist. And once again, Owens gives us hopeful song-stories that chronicle how God moves in the lives of those around her. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Ginny Does Not Disappoint on Her Second CD
Ginny Owens first burst onto the scene in 1999 with "Without Condition." The depth and honesty of her lyrics combined with her voice and music earned her the Dove for New Artist of the Year and quickly made her one of my favorite artists. This is her first CD since her debut, and it was well worth the wait.

It opens with "Prelude." I was expecting a nice soft piano piece or maybe a hymn intro like her last CD. But instead it's a quick little song that sets the stage for the rest of the CD. She shares that she set out to share her faith, but life forced her to step back and recommit to God. The rest of the CD flows out of this premise.

"With Me" is a fun, upbeat track focusing on the fact that God is with us no matter what is going on in the world around us. It's simple, but there are days when I need to remember the simple things.

"I Am" takes the stories of Moses, David, and Mary to remind us that God is the one that works through us in spite of our weakness.

"Simply Love You" really hit me hard. It's a prayer to return to our first love for God, something that I need to be constantly reminded to seek. Along those lines, "All I Want to Do" is a simple prayer of rededication to God.

Style wise, this album is a bit more pop oriented then her first one was, but it has really lost none of the flavor of the first and still includes some soft piano ballads. It took a listen or two for me to get used to the new sound on a couple songs, but now I'm thoroughly enjoying them.

I have been listening to this CD almost constantly since I got it, and I'm still catching new things in the songs. There isn't a weak song to be found, and I am sure I will be enjoying it for many years to come. Buy it today and enjoy one of the best female artists in Christian music today.

Promising artist, drowned by production
Ginny Owens has written some very pretty songs for this CD. Some of them have been turned into rock songs with a good groove, and some let be. She is obviously drawn to the melodic, simple, sparse, heartfelt ballads.

The most remarkable thing about Ms. Owens songs are her lyrics, which are sincere, meaningful, and relate directly to her experience with God. They are not all 'nice', and many reveal real struggles which have only been partially overcome. Some are quite inspiring. She uses absolutely no jargon, which unfortunately many Christian artists fall back on. She carefully picks her words and phrases to impart exactly what she means, and will not change them around even if they don't quite fit right in the musical phrasing.

The above positives would warrant this album 3 stars, maybee four.

However, The sad thing is that Ms. Owens has been drowned out by an atrocious job by the producer. A producer should compliment and build-up the artists strentghts, not draw attention to himself, or worse, completely change that character of the songs. The producer here has a completely drowned out Ms. Owens' delicate, heartfelt songs with all sorts of intrusive, incongrous, loud and out-of place sound effects, rap-style drum loops, beats, and other noise that borders on the bizarre, as if to say "look at ME! Look what I can do on this mixing board!!". As an example, the strongest song, "I am" has running loudly in the background a typewriter, which periodically will return loudly. On other songs there are Crickets chirping, and the producer must have picked up at a garage sale whatever machine it was that played the melody in the theme from the Star Trek tv show, because that's in there too. At times he tries to make her Janet Jackson, and at times Allanis Morriset (sp?). Some of the arrangements are just laughable. One cannot help but think what could have been had say, Sting, lent her his producer...

Amazing!!
Others have already said this, but it is true: if you are in the midst of a battle? get this CD and then really listen to it. Admittedly, this is not some spunky, hanging around the house CD. This CD will change the direction of your thoughts that day and turn them towards God and how your relationship is with Him. I absolutely love this album. "I Am" is what I first heard and I had to hunt the album down because no one knew who did the song. The rest follows suit. Thought provoking and engaging. You will find yourself singing the songs long after the CD player is turned off. She really grabs you with her lyrics. The music does take a bit getting used to. It's quirky and sometimes unexpected. Still, it all fits together really well and once you get past it? You'll never imagine the song sounding any other way. ... Read more

Asin: B0000634FY
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Religious / Contemp. Christian