Jesus Freak
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (21 November, 1995)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (228)

Great Lyrics...Awesome Harmonies...Moving Music
One of the strongest recordings in the last ten years. period. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when my son introduced my to dc talk. Being a passionate music fan and collector of music for my entire 40 years I didnt think a contemporary Christion recording could grab hold of me like secular recordings. WOW was I wrong!! The two most amazing things about DC Talks "Jesus Freak' for me are...their awesome harmonies and their "grab at your heart" lyrics. Who cannot be moved by the scenarios drawn up in "What Have We Become"? And since we all fall short of Jesus' perfection we can all relate to the struggles conveyed in the moving songs "What If I Stumble" and "In The Light".

As mentioned before the harmonies are awesome. Their vocals compliment each other wonderfully and are truly a perfect blend.

As for those critical of this group or this recording I am in total amazement. How anyone could find fault in such a gripping faith filled praise of God is beyond my comprehension.

All i can say to those close minded critics....listen to the first 14 seconds of "What If I Stumble"...enough said!

Most original Album of all time -Christian and NonChristian
If you are tired of mainstream rap/rock or copycats who play the same thing over and over, and are looking for something with a lot of edge and originality, this is the album for you. DC talk single handedly created a whole genre of music in this album back in 95 that has since been copied a thousand times over by mainstream secular bands.

Their unique blend of R&B vocals with rhythm and rap all fused together with driving electric guitars is unparralleled in the entire music world.

Their lyrics are a whole other story. They tapped into loads of raw emotion, when they analyzed and brought into light all the fears and self doubt that everyone goes through. Especially in high school. Captivating an entire generation of frustrated, scared, timid boys and girls and motivating them into on fire Christians totally sold out for Jesus. If you have heard the album and are not a Christian, all you can do is sit back and wonder in amazement. Who is this Jesus, really? Why not try then and find out who he says that he is in his written word in the Gospels in the Bible? God is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. If you will let him in, he will totally
change your life for better than you could ever imagine. His blessings are so rich: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, and Kindness. And don't be satisfied with just a little of these, he's got way more of them than you know.

Not Your Average Christian Album
I don't listen to Christian music. The majority of it is horrid and textbook. But I recieved this album as a gift several years ago and it's one of the best in my vast collection. Christian or not, alot of rock fans will love this one. They sound alot like Nirvana, but with Christian lyrics. And it's not sappy, corny stuff like you'd think. I know alot of people won't listen to this review and will just pass this over since it's a Christian album, but you'll really be missing out. "Jesus Freak" was one of the best albums to come out of the 90's. And if you decide to pick this one up and enjoy it, also check out their live album, "Welcome to the Freak Show". They're really great live. ... Read more

Asin: B000000V0J
Sales Rank: 407538

Jars of Clay
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 1995)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Touted by some as Christian music's answer to The Rembrandts, this Nashville four-piece delivers artful, acoustic-based rock. Shipped in to produce two tracks, Adrian Belew captures the band's sweet intensity and clean melodies on "Flood and Liquid," which features a jaw-dropping Gregorian chant sample. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (210)

Superb
This was one of my favorite records for the longest time. Sad to say, I overplayed it and am now rather sick of it, but the music is so good that I still listen to it occasionally. The songs are all excellently written (especially Love Song for a Savior, which is a true modern classic even more so than the others). I love every one except for Like A Child, which is too cheery and major-key for my taste. The production is skillful and unique, combining strong layered rhythms with echoing atmospheres, rich, almost neo-classical acoustic texturing, and of course Dan Haseltine's warm voice (well-supported by strangely modulated background vocals). In addition, the lyrics are very well-written (a rarity among "Christian" bands), and manage to deliver their spiritual themes, without a preachy tone, in elegant yet simple language. Jars of Clay has produced four studio albums, all of which I highly recommend. I'm not sure this is their best work musically (that crown belongs to "If I Left the Zoo", I think), but lyrically they have never been better, and whether you're a Christian or not, it is an absolute must for any CD collection.

"Arms nailed down
Are you dying for nothing
Flesh and blood
Is it so elemental"

A treasure in Jars of Clay
I can not count the number of times I have been listening to this cd and feel as if God is whispering some message into my ear through these beautiful lyrics. This cd is truly God-breathed, and I never can stop wondering with awe that these songs were written by 19 and 20 year olds! These songs are unbelievable in their content, with the amazing voice of Dan Hasletine singing these lyricaly simplistic songs, but deeply moving with their subtle messages, all with imaginative and unique melodies (I absolutely love the Gregorian chant in Liquid, and the string solo in Flood!) Jars of Clay will never cease to amaze me with their philisophical approach to human frailties, perspective of religion as a precious relationhip with God, and of course their awesome music! Their creative appraoch to using strings, and Dan's wonderful, wonderful voice have certainly made me find a treasure in Jars of Clay.

Boom, Boom, Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom, SNAP!
How long can a synth drum beat boom if a boom could chick chick boom? Unable to afford a $100 drum kit, Jars of Clay decided that it'd be best to self-produce all but 2 of the songs on this album and I can't say I agree with that decision. "Liquid" and "Flood" reflect the social atmosphere of the world with bands like Nine Inch Nails (same producer) and Pearl Jam at their prime. Well mixed, well played and well performed, these two songs are what attracted me to Jars' sound and have made me a fan since '96. But the other lyrically AMAZING and HORRIBLY produced songs on this album leave a bad taste in the mouth. After listening to "Like a Child", "Art in Me", "He" and "Boy on a String" you are going to despise two things. First, the idea of over-dubbing inaudible little children's voices and that stupid crappy synth beat. As a Jars fan, it makes me cry to think of the potential these four songs could have if decently recorded. When the drum beat kicks in on "He", you just pretty much give up. It's not until "Worlds Apart" do you hear the chance that this band is more than just special. As one of the all time best songs in my life, "Worlds Apart" sneaks in and Stairway to Heavens us to death, it's breath taking. In all, this is a debut album that marks an important journey for Jars. If you don't mind a good old bumpin while listening to an album, I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000053E

Step Up To The Microphone
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 June, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Good news for 'Boys fans. Two years after Take Me to Your Leader comes Step Up to the Microphone. Indeed a step up, the contemporary Christian group's seventh updates and augments their sound with splashes of Britpop (albeit after the wave has crested) and a more current, modern rock feel. There are fewer bouncy dance-pop tunes here, but rhythm has by no means been forsaken for accent. What they have gained is a passion for the irresistible hook. Listen to opening track "WooHoo," with its grungy intro giving way to a tight groove and an infectious chorus. Or the soaring melodies of "Entertaining Angels" and "Hallelujah." If you weren't a fan before, do yourself a favor: step up and listen to the News. --Jerry Chamberlain ... Read more

Reviews (148)

SHOULD BE TALKED ABOUT AS THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC STANDARD!!!
Just how did i become such a Chrisitan rock fanatic. Don't get me wrong, I was raised in a Christian home, but this is the CD that started it all. Honestly, I heard "Entertaining Angels" on a WOW & really liked it. Being the little kid I was, I bought the CD, but my dad, not a Christain music fanatic at the time, thought it wasn't the best decision. But looking back at my collection, and all of the Newsboys, I can surely say, I think I made the right decision. If you're new to Christian music, get this or Thrive, the Newsboys' latest release. If you are a veteran of Christian music & don't have this CD, I would quickly move that little pointer over to the "Buy This" button.

Now, which should be the first purchase that new Chrisitan music listeners purchase, this, or Thrive. I would personally say, let me talk about this a little bit more. "...Microphone," even though the Newsboys were a manstream band at the time, sounds like it was made in lead singer Peter Furler's garage. "Thrive," however is perfectly procduced, and you can easily tell that all 10 of the songs were spent a looong time on. This is a mix of soft rock, and CCM-type-stuff. Or really calm. Thrive never really slows down, but never really gets too hard. On "The TIde" & "Always" its so calm you can almost fall asleep to it. Given that dilema to new Christain music listeners, I will come to this conclusion. If you're a fan of rock/soft rock, get both. If you're a fan of the semi-harder stuff, get: Earthsuit, The Benjamin Gate, Audio Adrenaline (but "Lift" is kindof like these two), Skillet, and just about anything related to them. Hawd rockers. You're waay of course. POD, MXPX, Justifide, Beanbag, PAX217, Pillar, or TobyMac would probably be of your liking. I may not advise becoming a total Christian rock freak (hence the name) like moi. That list of EVERYTHING NEWSBOYS on the side is also mine.

Perfect job, Furler & crew, you rule!

Great CD top-to-bottom, A MUST-MUST-MUST-MUST-MUST HAVE FOR ANY CHRISTIAN LISTENER!!!

Totally Awesome
I strongly suggest this CD to any Christian rock fan, or just about anybody! Newsboys deliver their classic music with some new ideas, from the guitar driven beat on, "Woohoo" to the techno sounding, "Truth be known, everybody gets a shot" to the heartfelt ,"Always". Newsboys, from Australia , once again deliver an album that doesn't have a bad song at all. The smash hit ",Entertaning Angels" is definately their most popular song, although my favorite is either the bassy "Hallalujah" or "Woohoo". CDs like this? Newsboys previous albums "Not Ashamed","Going Public", and "Take me to your leader" are all great and so is the likes of Third day,The Waiting, and of course, DC talk

EASILY THE BEST!
WOW! This album is PURE GOLD! It's SOOOOO fun, and also kind of comforting to me. I don't really like to pick "favorites" when it comes to the Newsboys, but if I had to pick a favorite album they've done, this would probably be it. If I had to pick favorite songs on it, they would be Woohoo, Entertaining Angels, Believe, Truth Be Known-Everybody Gets A Shot (WAY awesomer when live!), Deep End, and especially Hallelujah; It's probably my favorite song of all time. If you read the lyrics, then you'll know what I'm like, hopeful when all seems hopeless. Anyway, EVERY SINGLE Newsboys freak must have this album. When I say freak, I mean CRAZY ABOUT THE NEWSBOYS. Go out and get it!! ROCK ON, NEWSBOYS!! PLEEEASE come to Virginia again!! ... Read more

Asin: B000007Q74

Go West Young Man
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 March, 1993)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Outside of Michael W. Smith's masterpiece, Live the Life, only 1990's Go West Young Man has brought him his deserved commercial success. "Place in This World" was one of the year's top recordings and reached No. 5 on the pop charts, yielding Smitty's first crossover hit. More importantly, it was one of the few contemporary Christian music songs to reach such heights in the secular market. Smitty shows signs of diversity with the gospel-tinged "How Long Will Be Too Long" and the beautiful balladry in "Cross My Heart." "Seed to Sow" showcases an anthemic hook that's hard to ignore. Throughout the release, Smith enhances his signature keyboard sound with horns, choral groups, and hot guitar licks. Once again, he sets the standard for others to follow. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A melodic Christian pop album
I honestly haven't read what others have written about this CD yet. But I'd have to say that this is definitely Michael W Smith's best album. I have his greatest hits, but I don't feel that the songs for that CD were especially well selected. This album reveals all of Smith's talents; his ability to create contemporary pop with a message ("Place in This World," "Seed to Sow," "For You"); his ability to make stirring pop gospel ("How Long Will Be Too Long," "Agnus Dei") and his ability to extend his musical reach into hip hop (the sometimes silly "Love Crusade"). Wait on the greatest hits album and buy this first.

This is about Michael W. Smith's album go West Young Man
This is one of his best albums yet. He has 10 great songs on one album. Such examples are Go West Young Man, Seed to Sow, Place in this World, and Angus Dei. If you like Michael W. Smith than you should buy this CD.

Agnus Dei worth the price alone
I could listen to the first two minutes of Agnus Dei all day and not get tired of it. I usually feel that Michael is a better songwriter than performer; inevitably I like other people's versions of his songs better than his. And I do love the Charlie Hall version of this song on Worship Together V. 1. But, as with Smitty's version of Sing We Now of Christmas that opens with a child's voice, this is gorgeous stuff. How can you beat the sweet, pure voices of children singing praises?

The synth sounds are a little outdated now (in 2004), but little matter when the singing is so beautiful. And Agnus Dei in and of itself is a wonderful song, one of his best IMHO. ... Read more

Asin: B0000004QW

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)

Excellent Lyrics, Truth in the Songs, Awesome Voice.
I was most impressed with the Lyrics and of course the Great Awesome Voice of Crystal Lewis, People Get Ready is an annointed Song. Seasons Change I can Relate to soo much. Beauty of the Cross just a Great song, Crystal Lewis is by far one of the Best Singers I've heard in this Generation. Much better than Most Secular Singers, Thank The Lord we are Blessed to listen to her music from a Christian point of view.

Simply Amazing
Crystal never ceases to amaze me with her unending talent. Her voice is so versatile. She can sing slow, mellow songs as well as upbeat ones. She sounds great in any and all styles of music! Probably the best thing about her is that she doesn't sing to impress people. She sings to praise God, and that is quite clear in her music. Just by listening to the songs on her albums, you can tell that she puts all of herself into her music. It is these qualities that make her the best female vocalist I've ever heard and make her music an absolute pleasure to listen to.

good CD
I`m not a christian and dont ordinarily listen to christian singers,but I heard Crystal`s voice and I was in love! Shes pretty too. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BRH

Free at Last
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 January, 1995)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (49)

Great!!!
I've been a dc Talk fan since before I can even remember. It's impossible for me to dislike anything of dc Talk's!!! I don't know what it is about me, but no matter what style dc Talk has, they are still (to me) the most talened guys on the face of this earth. And I know they started out as a rap/pop band, but they do get better the older and more mature they get. This cd is a little too rowdy sometimes, (in the rap sense), but I still love it and listen to it a lot. My favorite up-beat songs on the album are: "Time Is" "Luv is a Verb" and "Jesus is Still Alright", my favorite slow songs on the the album are: "The Hard Way" and "Say The Words". But the best song on the whole album is "The Hard Way" I LOVE the beat to that song, and the words are really good. It makes you want to be more Godly every time you listen to it, and I think Kevin M. did a WONDERFUL job of singing the song. He's got the most beautiful voice, I just love him!! Get the cd if you like dc Talk, but I wouldn't get it if you're just being introduced to them for the first time. If you've never heard dc Talk's music before, you should buy the cd "Jesus Freak". But this cd is pretty good, you should get it.

dc Talk going free at last
Origionally, I wasn't going to buy this cd, but after hearing SUPERNATURAL and JESUS FREAK and THE FREAK SHOW....well you just can't help it. This cd really shows dc Talk's ability to do three different styles of singing well. Toby raps great in most of the songs, yet he sings for the first time in THE HARDWAY. Mike has a lovely voice, and it shows in songs like SAY THE WORDS. Kevin has maybe the most distinct and beautiful voice out there, and he harmonizes beautifully with Tait. This is a wonderful album for the Lord. They speak out about God and how they feel. This album shows dcTalk's diversity and it's a must have of all dcTalk fans.

FOR ALL YOU "HATERS" ! ! ! !
FIRST THIS ALBUM IS AND WAS AWESOME!!!! SECOND ALL YOU HARD CORE RAP FANS THIS IS A CHRISTIAN ALBUM!!!! "HELLO" THIS ALBUM WAS GREAT FOR CHRISTIAN ARTISTS AND GOD BECAUSE THE GROUP WAS ABLE TO APPEAL TO A LARGER CROWD OF CHRISTIANS WHO APPRECIATED THE HIP HOP GENRE.(I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS IN MY LATE TWENTIES WHEN I FIRST HEARD THIS ALBUM WHILE ENROLLED AT THE UNIV OF MOBILE,AL , A RELIGIOUS SCHOOL) LAST ALL YOU HATERS OF THIS RAP ALBUM WHO SAY THAT IT IS NOT AS GOOD AS THEIR LATER WORKS. "USE YOUR HEADS"!!!! THE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS OF THIS ALBUM MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THEIR LATER ALBUMS TO BE MADE!!! THIS ALBUM PUT THEM ON THE MAP. IF NOT FOR THIS ALBUM THEN THEIR WOULD BE NO "JESUS FREAK ALBUM" ETC. SO ANYONE READING THIS DO NOT BELEIVE THE HATER REVIEWS. THIS ALBUM IS FUNKY IT IS SMART AND THE MESSAGES ARE STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE HATERS OF THIS ALBUM ARE NOT INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO APPRECIATE THIS GROUNBREAKING ALBUM AND HOW IT COMMUNICATED CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES TO A GREATER NUMBER OF THE MASSES!!!! ALL THE PEOPLE IN MY SCHOOL LOVED THIS ALBUM AND YOU WILL TOO. ... Read more

Asin: B000005KUU
Sales Rank: 42379

Supernatural
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

How did DC Talk follow up their epic Jesus Freak? Very carefully, if Supernatural is any indication. Where Jesus Freak broke through musical barriers in a genre known for playing it safe, Supernatural builds on the band's momentum with a familiar blend of power pop, beautiful ballads, and power-chord rockers. The opening "It's Killing Me" lays down a riveting foundation, while Toby McKeehan has never sounded more like Seal than on the soft ballads "Consume Me" and "Godsend." But McKeehan (who coproduces) also turns it around by belting out the R&B-tinged "Wanna Be Loved." Not to be outdone, Michael Tait, Kevin Max, and McKeehan team up wonderfully on the radio-ready "Into Jesus." Once again, producer Mark Heimermann blends fascinating vocal arrangements into DC Talk's magical wall of sound. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (360)

This Belongs in any Album Collection!
I bought this album with high expectations. After listening to the album, I knew the album met my expectations perfectly. This is soul-settling music at its best! dc Talk has produced the perfect follow-up to Jesus Freaks. Toby McKeehan, Kevin Max, and Michael Tait are the three big names in all contemporary Christian music in my opinion. The songs on this album include:

1. Supernatural Intro - a three-word song that sets the stage for the real songs

2. It's Killin' Me

3. Dive - One of my personal favorites, contains an awesome message.

4. You Consume Me

5. My Friend (So Long) - Another personal favorite

6. Fearless

7. Godsent

8. Wanna Be Loved

9. Truth

10. Since I Met You

11. Into Jesus

12. Supernatural - The main song on the album, an awesome song that contains a message about supernatural events.

13. Red Letters

14. There is a Treason at Sea

Although I have pointed out some of my favorites, I actually love all the songs. There actually is not a song that is better than or worse than another. This album is definitely worth your money, and I can reccomend this CD wholeheartedly. I can't wait to buy every single album from dc Talk!

dc Talk is a "Godsend."
Ever since "Free At Last" came out, I have been a huge fan of dc Talk. It was nice to hear an awesome group for once that actually sang praises to God to a sound that I liked. But however much I loved, "Free At Last," there next album "Jesus Freak," which abandoned their rap and hip-hop sound for a more alternative feel, I love ten times more. As a Christian growing up in Generation X, I loved the awesome songs in it that reminded me that I had a hope in Jesus. Enter "Supernatural." Nothing could be better than "Jesus Freak," or so I thought. The minute "Supernatural" came on, I was so moved at the songs that I was left spellbounded. If you are a Christian, I urge you to listen to this CD. You will never have a greater worship experience. Well, I haven't, at any rate. "Consume Me" basically defines Christianity, and God's relationship with man. It moved me to tears the first time I heard it. "Red Letters" talks about finding hope and peace in the words of Jesus. It has inspired me in unthinkable ways, to read my bible more and to respect the Words of the Lord in a much deeper way. "Supernatural" is a "Godsend." dc Talk has truly scored a hit with this one. It is the best they have come out with, and, in my opinion, it is the best Christian CD to ever be made. If you love the Lord, get this CD and be moved by it in the same way I was. GOD IS AWESOME! DC TALK.... I AM PRAYING FOR YOUR MINISTRY!

I love this CD.....my favorite by DC Talk
Man, what a great CD. After the smash hit, Jesus Freak, which was also amazing, they came back with Supernatural, and blew me away! I have found the majority of Christian music fans to like Jesus Freak more, but I find this CD even better. The variety of songs is tremendous and the beats are great. This is their best work in my opinion. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AGD9

Love Liberty Disco
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1999)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Those in the pursuit of happiness may well find it in Love Liberty Disco. Following the success of Step Up to the Microphone, Newsboys are spinning out pure pop gold, glamming up their rock with a delicious party vibe. Britpop flavor melds seamlessly with crunchy guitar, soaring string arrangements, and falsetto vocals on "Break" and the roots-pop of "Everyone's Someone." The title track, punctuated by elastic bass, hand claps, and feel-good lyrics, is about the most fun thing going in Christian rock music. Vocal harmonies glide, muscular rock riffs twist against orchestral melody, and the triumphant spirit of celebration courses through each jubilant groove. Love Liberty Disco is some of the best news of 1999. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (115)

Not bad, not bad at all.
I've seen around, people disliking this CD. Why, I have no clue.

The cover is veeery decieving. You'd probably think that this is a high-flying albums, the hardet of the Newsboys to date. Actually, its just the opposite. "Beautiful Sound," "LoveLibertyDisco" & "Good Stuff" are the only upbeat/semi-upbeat songs. The rest is just calm, soothing melodies. Strangely, it doesn't get boring or monotonous.

This proves all of the people who don't think that the Newsbys play worship at all, wrong. This CD's main point is heaven. The Love Liberty Disco. This is great for fans of SONIcFLOOD & all calm, worship music.

Don't think I don't love this CD! Newsboys get 10 stars!
First of all I will say that I am one of those major "#1" fans of the Newsboys. Ever since I got "Step Up" in '98, I've been hooked. I'm giving a review of "Love Liberty Disco" because I want to be able to compare all of their 4 most recent albums, starting with the latest."LLD" is great, but with a lowercase g. The song "Love, Liberty, Disco" is fun, but not the best one on the CD. Don't be fooled into thinking the whole thing is pure disco. My personal favorite- "Forever Man." I love the keyboarding and the riveting beat on this song. My other favorites - "Say You Need Love" & "Break." Both fantastic songs in two different ways. If some of the other songs were more like this, I would have definitely rated "LLD" with 5 stars. Also I am rating this CD in relation to their previous albums which I think are somewhat better. Of all their CD's (in case you're wondering which one to start out with) my vote for best album would be "Step Up to the Microphone." It has the greatest amount of songs that can be listened to over and over again. This was my first CD of theirs and I still LOVE it. It's my favorite CD of all time. The best songs: "Step Up", "Entertaining Angels", "Hallelujah", and "Always." Going back in time... "Take Me to Your Leader" is a definite crowd pleaser. I love "Take Me to Your Leader", "Reality", "Breakfast" & "It's All Who You Know." "Cup O Tea" is the closest you'll get to hard rock with the newsboys."Going Public." This is the one that really woke people up to the Newsboys. "Shine" is absolutely fantastic and if you never heard it. . .well you've got to. "Shine" along with "Real Good Thing" and "Truth & Consequences" make this CD great.If you've heard the Newsboys before you probably already noticed this, but do take into account that I'm not really that into the slow songs but some of them really are good. "The Tide" from "Step Up", "Be Still" from "Going Public" as well as "Breathe" & "Let it Go" from "TMTYL" are really wonderful ballads with inspirational lyrics if your not in the mood for dancing.To bring this all to an end, I'd say all these CDs are fantastic. You have to at least listen to each of them if not own all of them. To pick one, "Step Up to the Microphone" is their best in my eyes. I can't wait for a new album next year. With the Newsboys I don't even have to listen to a CD, I just go and buy it!P.S. If you ever get the chance to see these guys in concert, take it. They are just fantastic the way they use their music to praise God.

5 STAR ALBUMN
This one of the best albumns ever! Many people may be disturbed at the title (love liberty disco) or the fact that some of the boys are wearing make-up but you shouldn't judge a CD by it's cover! The lyrics are solid and the music is smashing! Beautiful Sound is really neat a really great intro track. The title track Love Liberty Disco is funkier but it's alot of fun! Another one of my favorites is Say You Need Love. It's an extremely encouraging song. This CD definitley deserves 5 stars! Keep up the good work boys! ... Read more

Asin: B00002SWQ7

The Message
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 August, 1997)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (12)

Life-changing music for a time-changing world...
This CD is the first album I bought by 4Him. I have a very "thick" personality, but I can honestly say that the first time I heard the song CENTER OF THE MARK, my eyes were far from dry. I would probably buy the CD just for that song, because it has changed my entire life and way of thinking and motivation for life. Every song on this album, yes EVERY SINGLE ONE (unlike their Obvious album, which is OK in my opinion) has a message that is so powerful and a really soft and beautiful melody... Sacred Hideaway, Center of the Mark, The Message, and Measure of a Man are my favorites. I guarantee you that this is one of those CD's that is worth paying the money for simply because the artists did such a phenominal job... I know there are a lot of you out there who will probably just download it as mp3. But think about all the work these 4 guys put into this. OK, I will stop the mp3 music lecture now, hehe. BUT THIS CD IS THEIR BEST EVER, and I will never be swayed from this opinion.

I will never get sick of these songs!!!!
This is the first 4Him CD I ever bought, and I loved it so much that I got all their others as soon as possible. Lay it All on the Line is musically fun to listen to and lyrically convicting. Measure of a Man reminds us that our worth is defined by what is in our heart, not apperance, inteligence, or riches. Center of the Mark gives a simple, but very powerful reminder that what is most important in life is to love God and love people. Sacred Hideaway, one of my very favorite songs, is an awesome testimony of God's power and protection for His children. This song is sure to comfort you. Greatest Story Ever Told is so awesome. It starts out softly, but this music will have your heart soaring before long. Buy this CD - you will not be disappointed. You might even find yourself buying all the other 4Him CD's like I did.

Good Musicians + Good Producers = a Great Album
If you dont have good musicians and good producers, your album is gonna be a pain to listen to.

First off, Michael Omartian is great. I havent heard much of his other stuff, but The King And I and Message are two great songs as far as feel. Part of that is Tommy Simms, i love this guy. Great bass playing.

Okay, whoever managed to get Pino Palladino in the studio to record for them is the absolute man. Pino is a great bass player (has an amazing studio feel). Hes actually touring with The Who right now. (To save you from ripping open the Linear Notes, Pino Plays on: Lay it all on the Line, Sacred Hideaway, and Greatest Story Ever Told.

None of the other albums come close to this one. And the reason why? Title. Not to say you cant have good worship without that, but seriously, what will music be like in heaven? Good or not so good?

Chris | and having many different producers on an album is great because different people like different feels, so just about everyone can find a song and feel that they like. ... Read more

Asin: B0000005EA
Sales Rank: 99883

I'll Lead You Home
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 August, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (35)

Not his best, but some good ones
Nothing MWS does is bad, and this CD is no exception. However, it isn't one of his better ones. Cry for Love is good, and the Crown Him with Many Crowns is absolutely great. If you don't mind picking up a CD for what (I think) amounts to 2 really good tracks, 3 decent ones, and the rest worth skipping, then by all means get this CD. It, of course, belongs in any serious MWS fan's collection. But if you are really wanting solid MWS quality track after track, then Change Your World and This is Your Time fit that bill better.

UPDATE: Of course, there is no accounting for tastes and I respect RichFL's right to like this album over Change Your World, but I had to correct one erroneous point: Change Your World had much more than RichFL let's on (i.e. only 2 good tracks): in fact, all tracks are solid. Picture Perfect is comparable to Cry For Love -- upbeat and a great message. Add to that Cross of Gold (one of MWS's favorite all time songs he wrote), Love One Another, and Colorblind (among the rest) and you have a truly great CD, which in all honesty is better than I'll Lead You Home. But hey, buy them both and you decide.

So, while I am glad that so many like I'll Lead You Home, my only point is that if you don't have many MWS CDs and you felt a little lukewarm about this CD (like I did), there are many more quality CDs that MWS offers.

The first!
This album was the first MWS CD I ever got. I loved it so much that since then I have boughten nearly all of his works. Personally I don't know how anyone could say his voice is not good. He has amazing talent in that area as well as unbelievable song-writing skills.... I think my all time favorite on the album- and possibly my favorite of all his songs- is I'll Be Around. I not only love the tune... But also the words which encourage me every time I hear it. I have had the sort of life when I was never quite sure of what was around the corner. My parents were missionary's in Thailnad for nine years and then my mom got cancer and we had to come back to America.... so this song really grounded me and kind of told me that no matter what- God is there and someone will 'be around'... All in all this album is the best work of Smitty's besides Live the Life and This is Your Time.... If you don't have it- get it. Its pop at its best- and a wonderful starter if you have never heard any of MWS music before!!!!

One of His Best!
I'll Lead You Home is a nice transition for Michael W. Smith from his more upbeat cds targeted more towards younger listeners. While I have enjoyed his other cds, I particularly enjoyed this one.

The collection contains more reflective songs appropriate for Christian meditation. My personal favorites include: Crown Him With Many Crowns, Calling Heaven, I'll Lead You Home, The Other Side of Me, Breath In Me, Angels Unaware, and I'm Waiting for You.

While the above are my favorites, the other songs are good also. All in all, a highly recommened buy! Buy and enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B0000004TH
Sales Rank: 35397