Editorial Review

If you know anything about Kirk Franklin, you'll know he's not one to sit still. With an emphasis on his early career classic Gospel leanings, Franklin rang the bell with his magnificent Read more

Reviews (150)

Gospel veteran and Gospecentric recording artist
Gospel veteran and Gospecentric recording artist Kirk Franklin releases his long awaited studio album entitled `HERO'
HERO
WOW! This cd is one of the best! I really love artist who put what they have been through in their work. I'am sure for KIRK FRANKLIN, that was not very easy to do, being that he put all he did out their.Sometimes you have to do that in order for other people to get their break through. You have to tell your testimony, and it takes heart to do that,heart that KIRK FRANKLIN showed in this cd.To the man him self, KIRK FRANKLIN dog you did your thing on this cd,your song imagine me ,helped me to see my self the way GOD see's me!BIG UPS TO KIRK FRANKLIN!

Kirk Franklin- Heroic Message and Heroic Effort!
If you are looking for some inspiration in your life, whether it be for your personal troubles or from seeing the way the world is going, look no further than Kirk Franklin's most recent CD "Hero."I had gotten away from gospel music since I was a little kid, so I really start to look back into it recently and find a couple of CDs that could get my mind right.A CD that had something true to say other than the regular mainstream genres that we hear that more than not have nothing to say at all.I had heard some of Hero before I had bought it, but I did not know it was this special until hearing by myself on my own.Totally blown away and had my spirit aroused and lifted up as if I was in church on a Sunday listening to a live choir!A couple of the songs are tied to songs that came out in a favorite time musical time period of mine which is old school 70s R&B.He also mixes in a little hip hop feel to connect with today's generation as he has always tried to do, which is great on his part.Anyway you can reach today's kids and young people like myself and pull them up is worth it if you are not compromising yourself and stand firm in what you believe.Looking For You was the track you would hear on BET when they played videos and I loved it from the start as it sampled from Patrice Rushen's Looking For You!Hero, Let It Go and Imagine Me are excellent songs.Could've Been is one of those tracks that will have you ready to shout, clap, sing along and praise the Man!Better follows that it keeps the CD moving hard.Afterwhile w/ Yolanda Adams and Brokenhearted w/ Marvin Winans are great combos and collabos.The CD really takes flight to me with tracks 13 and 14.Keep Your Head samples from an old Earth, Wind and Fire track and they really pulled off something genuine and special with this one!And Why with Stevie Wonder is a blessing as they discuss problems with the world in not building people as we build churches and pastors tried to be seen and not heard in giving the Word, building bombs, sleeping around and asking the question: Lord, when is our change for the world gonna come?And the harmonica play at the end tops it off!First Love and The Appeal are nice listens as well and the CD has a little comedy as Kirk has a little kid (don't know if it's his nephew or a boy he knows) beatbox on an interlude at the end.All in all, the CD is great but it all ties into the message that the only way this world will get better is if we are all touched by Jesus if that's the religion you believe in, as individuals and as a unit.A must have CD if you are desperately searching for some greatness music wise and overall! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. Contemporary Gospel    3. Gospel    4. Pop    5. United States of America    6. Urban   

Editorial Review

They set out to nail down a defining moment in their career, the MercyMe golden spike if you will. The goal for Read more

Reviews (17)

Not Impressed
First off I think Bart Millard is one of the best singers I have ever heard.I also really liked Mercy Me's first three albums.However, Coming Up to Breathe doesn't even compare to Spoken For, Almost There, and Undone.After listening to this album all the way through the first thought that popped into my head was "generic".What I mean by that is the lyrics.I feel that today in Christian music the lyrics are becoming quite stale.I think Mercy Me has caught I touch of this.I do think however, that they are fully capable of rebounding from this album.
Little Ditty at the end
I was really take back by the "dead" space at the end. I thought it was a defect in my CD and the little ditty at the end I thought was a miss tape. I was glad I did not take it back to the store as defective. MercyMe did not list the song on there jacket. It would have been real helpful if the ending had been published in the booklet provided.
wow. wow. it is just wow.
who could not but love this awesome CD? I absolutely love it. anything mercyme is great. i have yet to see them in concert but am begging my mom to let me. they are just such a great band. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian    3. Pop    4. Praise & Worship    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Editorial Review

One of the must-own soul albums, Read more

Reviews (112)

Smooth but not love Mushy
This CD is GREAT...a guy can listen to it to relax or listen to the cd as a couple....I think every couple should have this cd...it's full of smooth love dance songs but not mushy songs like Chicago. I just don't understand how a guy who made such great love songs could have had women problems.

Unforgetable one
The Right Stuff Al Green's Greatest Hits, adding five of the highlights from greatest hits as bonus tracks.Upon its original release in 1975, Al Green's Greatest Hits pretty much summed up everything about Green, containing his ten biggest hits up to that point.Definitely one of the greatest soul artists, that's Al Green. This greatest hits is the better the best of the man!

An unplanned and wonderful trip down memory lane!
I purchased this CD after hearing "I'm So Tired of Being Alone" in the movie The Family Stone. Hearing that song again evoked so many deep memories from my past that I had to have the piece in my collection.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Gospel    2. Memphis Soul    3. Pop    4. Pop-Soul    5. R&B    6. Rock    7. Smooth Soul    8. Soul    9. Soul/R & B    10. Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues    11. United States of America   

Reviews (3)

Can't Get Any Better
This album is SUBURB.I thrroughly enjoyed his previous offerings, but this album is clearly his best work to dateIt is both inspiring and insightful.I tend to enjoy his slow songs.I don;t think he needs grand arrangements or tons of backing vocalist.His upbeat songs are inspiring and uplifting.this album is a contemporary work of art.he manages to be relevant and contemporary while staying true to his traditional roots and the word of God.I can honestly say that I like ever song.I have already purchased two additional copies as gifts.Totally uplifting and inspiring.

CB
Smokie is awesomely anointed!I have greatly anticipated this CD after I heard the single "UM Good".Fulfilling my expecetations, it is accompanied by equally beautiful songs.This album stands right up there with the other Smokie Norful Albums.
Smokie Norful is BACK!
Smokie Norful is BACK with his 3rd full length CD and the return is PHENOMENAL. Smokie continues to surprise me with his masterfully woven songwritting and production--someway, SOMEHOW, he continues to put out albums that simply get BETTER! Very few artists are able to do this. Stand out tracks are "Celebrate", "Um Good", "In Time" & "Where Would I Be"<---I think I listened to this song a good 5 times in a row...it's incredible. And his remake of "Run To You" outdoes the Whitney Houston version!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. CCM    3. Gospel    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Is this a big-tent revival? A funky throwdown? A jam-band juggernaut? Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (68)

A new paradigm - Robert Randolph
This album is all over the place, but it showcases the phenominal talent of Robert Randolph. It's worth every dime. Randolph has created a new fusion of gospel, R&B, rock and more. There are hints of Santana, Allman Brothers, Hendrix and others. It's going to be interesting to see where he goes from here. More fusion or roots? Who knows... all I know is I'll buy his next effort sound unheard.
Unclassified
This band was the opening act at a Black Crows concert.When they walked out on the stage I didn't know what to expect.They rocked the house with their high energy music.If you are looking for mellow stuff don't bother with this CD.I ordered this CD because I wanted more and the CD delivered!These guys rock!They cover some Hendrix tunes and tear it up!I am an absolute fan.

A genuine, bonafide new talent!!!!!!!!
A genuinely talented new musician redefining his instrument, who has produced a thoroughly enjoyable recording in "Unclassified".Funky, footstomping fun!!! There's a bit of everything for everybody here.It has that good time feeling that rock has lost over the years.
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Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. Blues-Rock    3. Boogie Rock    4. Contemporary Gospel    5. Hard Rock    6. Instrumental Gospel    7. Jam Bands    8. Pop    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll    11. Rock/Pop   

Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop    3. Xmas Vocal   

Reviews (124)

Great CD
This CD is a must have!I play it over and over and never get tired of it.

Wide Appeal & Worth Having
Casting Crowns got it right.I love this CD and so does my youth group.My favorite song on there is "If We are the Body" because it speaks the truth about the church.This song hits home and asks questions along the lines of - "Why does the church judge people seeking help rather than reach out to them?"
Great Lyrics
but it was too heavy overall. Could have gone for a lighter sound -- less rock influences... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Christian Punk    5. Contemporary Christian Music    6. Gospel    7. Indie Rock    8. Pop    9. Punk Revival    10. Punk-Pop    11. Religious / Contemp. Christian    12. United States of America   

Reviews (13)

Amazing as expected
I cant say anything bad about this cd. The music is so beautiful.. I love his poetic lyrics. Even though I am agnostic I can appreciate how elegantly he expresses his belief in Christianity. I cant wait to see them perform their new songs Oct. 21st! They put on such an amazing and energetic show.. If they come to your town DO NOT MISS OUT ON IT!!!

Simple amazement found on a compact disc
Once again, MeWithoutYou has done it! No other band that I have heard has come even some-what close to capturing the feelings and originality that these fellows have. There is a distinction in their music that is unreachable by all other bands! "Brother, Sister" is a wonderful addition to their collection of fascinating music. I admit I was, as with all bands, a bit skeptic before it came out. Seeing as how I am in Iraq right now, and my wife is in the states, I knew she would buy it, so i found somewhere to download it (a bit ahead of time, actually). I listened to it, and listened to it. I was in a strange MWY daze, as with all of their albums, so I knew it was another winner!
their best album yet
Throughout the last few weeks on our messageboard, members have been coming out of the woodwork and reluctantly saying, "this new mewithoutYou CD is really good," while I can only imagine muttering and staring at their shoes. It's not that mewithoutYou ever created anything but exceptional music; 2002's [A-->B] Life created a stir in the stereos of a few limited people aching for something truly different to listen to. While well-received in some circles, it was more than likely panned by just as many critics who were unable to digest the overdriven guitars and the meandering vocal patterns. As 2004 rolled through, however, the band began to win over skeptics with their second CD, Catch for Us the Foxes, and later subsequently won mtvU's "Left Field" award for "most original artist." Yet, even then, people have written the band off for their ties to Tooth & Nail and more importantly, the band's Christian faith.
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Subjects:  1. Christian Punk    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Punk Revival    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

In today's worship-crazed phase of Christian pop, Mercy Me fits right in with smooth melodies, passionate lyrics, and a vertical focus. Yet the transition from worship band to major-label act demands more. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (81)

Best Mercyme album!!
(4.2/5.0)
Cannot Say Enough About This Album!
From the opening, Southern accented verse of "I Worship You," you know you are in for something special.Bart's voice is more powerful than most other Christian singers (like Third Day or Casting Crowns).While this album is not as balanced as "Spoken For," you get a lot of solid tracks with: I Worship You, I Can Only Imagine (pretty sure you have heard this song!), Here Am I, How Great Is Your Love, and Cannot Say Enough.With these songs, you knew that MercyMe was going to become big in Christian music.There's just something about them that is so accesible, and I think it shows because "I Can Only Imagine" is still played all over secular radio stations.I also think it is awesome that MercyMe has never sold out or tried to "cross-over."They have stayed true to God and His message, and you can definitely hear it in their honest music.

what's the deal?
"I Can Only Imagine"....yeah, it's uplifting, and it gives some people that "feeling". It's not that great of a song. In fact, it's nothing spectacular. It's not just that I'm sick of it(which I am).never "got it". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian    3. Contemporary Christian Music    4. Hymns    5. Inspirational    6. Pop    7. Praise & Worship    8. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (48)

Quite Simply The Best Sam Cooke Compilation Ever.
Sam Cooke is truly a legend. He's one of the most important figures in the R & B genre, paving the way for such greats as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend
I really liked it and I would recommend it to anyone.

A Very Well Done Compilation
Not only is the sound fantastic but the songs are well chosen and there is great information about each song here.Sam Cooke was not only a great singer but a great songwriter as the notes point out. He wrote most of the songs in here.Why great talents like this are gunned down in their youth while Paris Hilton, Lyndsey Lohan and Madonna saturate our media unendingly is one of the tragedies of modern culture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. Oldies    3. Pop    4. Pop-Soul    5. Popular Music    6. R&B    7. Soul    8. Uptown Soul   

Features

• Live

Reviews (42)

!AMEN!
Beleive what others have said about this CD... Awesome praise, awesome prayer, awesome music!I will be listening to this album over and over!The joy of the choir just pours into your soul and you can't help but yearn for more of Jesus.

Revisit your first love
The praise and worship on the CD is distinctively different from what you would generally hear from other gospel artists.They definitely must have gone in total surrender in prayer and fasting time, you will absolutely be ushered into God's presence with this range of angelic music.

Uplifting
The product, Shekinah Glory Ministry LIVE, has given me hours of uplifting praise and worship.I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves to hear uplifting praise and who love to worship.Glorious! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. Contemporary Gospel    3. Gospel    4. Inspirational    5. Pop   

Reviews (8)

Heartfelt and Inspiring.
Nicol rocks!"All That I Believe In" revives my faith like nothing else has. I can't wait to see her in person.

Beautiful Message, Beautiful Voice, Wonderful CD
Nicol Sponberg's (formerly Smith) voice is as formidable as there is in popular music. Resurrection is a powerful, uplifting record. The title track and Hallelujah are especially good, the latter making full use of her powerful voice with angelic choral backing.
Don't miss this album!
Powerful music, powerful lyrics, incredible voice.It will lift you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian    3. Pop    4. Praise & Worship    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Reviews (1)

Great Worship Music
All I can say is "Amen!"
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Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Gospel Collections    3. Pop    4. Praise & Worship    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian    6. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (5)

As Good As It Gets........
I Can Only Imagine is a compilation of probably the best Christian songs ever. They range from older songs(from the 70's) to songs that you may have just recently heard over the past few years. I first saw this CD when I was at my local library and decided to borrow it. Boy, I was glad I did. Honestly, ever song from start to finish touches your soul. You can go through both discs without saying "eh, I wonder what's next?" You can't always say that with CD's, especially two-disc ones. Personally, I think the two most heart-wrenching, touching songs are "I Can Only Imagine" and "Rise Again." If your a newer Christian or have been saved for decades, you will fall in love with these CD's.

I can only imagine
I am really enjoying listening to this CD. There are also other songs on this CD that I had never heard before that I've fallen in love with. It's a great CD to get you into the mood for workship.

A Missed Opportunity
When i first heard of this album's concept and title, i couldn't wait to buy it, track-list unseen.What a missed opportunity!Rather than "power anthems", this CD offers a mis-mash of CCM adult contemporary, covers, and the occasional actual power anthem.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. CCM    3. Christian Collections    4. Contemporary Gospel    5. Inspirational    6. Pop    7. Praise & Worship    8. Religious / Contemp. Christian    9. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (9)

don't believe the reviews-get for yourself worth it
Anyone who knows D Haddy knows that he likes to mix it up. I almost didn't get his new cd's based upon others reviews. I tried it for myself and I like it alot. one reviewer said he doesn't mention God - well I would like to know what CD they are listening to, because he talkes about God through the whole cd and mentions his name.
Not His Best
I've always been attracted to Dhaddy's powerful voice and uncompromising praise and worship style. However, in this album it's almost like he tries his best not to say the name Jesus.Was this a record label decision? I thought the whole purpose for leading people to Christ was done my lifting up Jesus. How are we going to attract people to Christ, when we don't even say his name.
Deitrick is Back!!!!!
I've read all of the reviews and I felt compelled to write my own review.I love the cd!!!I have Deitrick's other cds as well and I like them equally as much.I am proud of him for taking a chance with this cd.Can you all imagine what an artist's cd would be like if they all sounded alike?I think it would be quite boring.Even gospel artists have to evolve.I think this cd will reach a whole different group of people.After all that's why gospel artists do what they do.They not only minister they also want to reach the lost.I take my hat off to Deitrick for blessing us with such a wonderful project. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gospel    2. Pop   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (61)

Transcends "Christian Music"
Variety of elements including blue grass and electronica infused in this album are not new from Crowder, but to be celebrated nonetheless.Whether or not this is his "best" album depends upon prefence, because each album to date has been quite distinct from the others.The worship songs on this cd transcend Christian/pop/electronic/blue grass labeling of expression and is just great music!

Incredible, Inspiring, Awesome!!
This is the first of the David Crowder band CD's that I have ever heard. I am STUNNED. There are some amazing songs. My #1 favorite song is "Do Not Move." Being a worship leader, this song is right up my alley. I am always on the hunt for new worship music. This song moves the spirit in a way that most Christian music does not. You are "My Joy" is my next favorite. The songs just dives right in to the minor, passionate chord progression. Moving. "Wholly Yours" is great; "We Win" is such a fun song. There are a few songs that I don't care for, but you get that with any CD. This is in my top 5 for sure! I highly recommend it!!

Sing with the Lark
David, you are indeed the lark! I thought Illuminate was a conduit to a higher realm... This CD will make you sing, will lift you to a higher level. I love ALL of it, especially the track "Come Awake" which paints an incredibly beautiful picture. If you're not "into" Christian rock, listen to this CD 3 times before you judge and by then I think you'll be hooked. It's brilliant! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bass    2. CCM    3. Cello    4. Christian Rock    5. Drums    6. Gospel    7. Guitar    8. Keyboards    9. Percussion    10. Piano    11. Pop    12. Praise & Worship    13. Religious / Contemp. Christian    14. Sequencing    15. Strings    16. United States of America    17. Vocal Harmony    18. Vocals    19. Vocals (Background)   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (10)

Best one yet!
I play this 2 CD set daily in my livingroom while I have home child care.Kids love the songs and I love the inspiration and feeling of them.This is the best grouping of hits yet!

WOW 2006 Is Another Example of CM's Depth & Maturity
I have been a fan of Contemporary Christian Music since the Jesus People movement of 1972... Yes, I'm older than dirt...:o)
I agree with K. Freeman.
This is the very first wow c.d that i can honestly say i like.Other wow c.d.s like 1999,2001,2003,and 2004 are just o.k.(The reason why i didn't list 1996,1997,1998,2000,2002 or 2005 is because i don't have those.)But anyway,buy this if you truly want a wow experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian Collections    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian    5. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (1)

GREAT CD!!!!!
This cd is absolutely wonderful. It is full of great Christian songs. This is a MUST for those that love great Christian music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian Collections    3. Christian Rock    4. Miscellaneous    5. Pop    6. Religious / Contemp. Christian    7. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (46)

Some good worship songs
I liked some of the worship songs far more than the few upbeat / praise songs.Favorites are:You Are Great, Overflow, and Above all Else.A wonderful project for Prophetess.

OH MY GOD!!!!!!
Please stick to preaching and prophesying!A singer she is not.Why does everyone feel that if the Lord bless them with one gift, now they have to write books and make cd's.Oh no...not this time. This is horrible.Her voice is absolutely meant for declaring the Good News but surely not singing ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!

What Can I Say.....
All I can say about this CD is that it is great and it is a must have. All the songs are well sung and arranged. You can listen to this Cd straight through. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Gospel    2. Gospel    3. Miscellaneous    4. Pop    5. Praise & Worship   

Features

• Enhanced
• Live

Reviews (2)

Absolutely Beautiful
I love this CD.Two true worshippers come together with a symphony orchestra to produce an anointed project that ushers you into the presence of God.

Off The Chain
I've always liked Juanita. I first heard Jonathan Butler on Israel Houghton's 'Alive In South Africa'CD and i was like, wow. I therefore had no choice than to pre-order this CD and i must confess that i am 100% not disappointed. This CD is filled with the annointing and not just talent. I like Jonathans passion for worship and it really ministers to me. I want to get the DVD for this whole event and i hope they make it. Juanita, i love you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian Music / Gospel    3. Contemporary Gospel    4. Gospel    5. Miscellaneous    6. Pop