Editorial Review

The churchy organ that opens and closes Jonny Lang's fifth album reveals its direction. After 2003's Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Blues-Rock    3. CCM    4. Christian Rock    5. Contemporary Blues    6. Contemporary Gospel    7. Guitar Virtuoso    8. Pop    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (26)

Can't stop listening to it!
From the first chords of this CD I knew this was going to be different.By Track three I had determined that this was the CD I had hoped would follow up their first.Don't get me wrong, I love JOC but this album goes back to the relestless faith of "Flood".The plaintive cries for God's help and grace resonate within this piece.No, every lyric is not pop and uplifting but then neither is every Psalm. This is a journey through hurt and pain to a beautiful afterlife. This is the Christian journey.
Different, not great, but worthy enough
Jars' latest album, as all their other albums, pales in comparison to their self titled album.Work is a sweet song, really catchy and fun, with great lines like "I have no fear of drowning; it's the breathing that's taking all this work."The rest of the album just doesn't cut it.They lack really powerful substance in their lyrics.Good Monsters, sounds a little bit like something from The Click Five and Mirrors and Smoke sounds like Johnny Cash.Oh My God is a good song.This isn't a great offering by Jars, but good enough.The are no songs on this album as good as the Valley Song or Jealous Kind.

An Epic Christian Rock Album
I love the first Jars of Clay cd, but I would have to say that this one is the best! The crunchy rocker "Work" sets the tone. I love the line "I have no fear of drowning, it is the breathing that's taking all this work." How true!
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Christian    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Editorial Review

Much like their brethren Mercy Me, Casting Crowns was thrust into the limelight from a worship band beginning. With steady chops honed from hundreds of shows/services a year and a simple, straight-ahead rock style, the Florida-based band found themselves on top of the charts thanks to the success of massive singles "Who Am I?" and "The Voice of Truth" from its self-titled debut (2003). Lifesong is a sensible sophomore follow-up that shows the band expanding its musical creativity while lyrically remaining true to the cause. There’s a common thread of humility throughout as front man Mark Hall sings of the disenfranchised ("Does Anybody Hear Her"), the heartbroken ("Praise You in This Storm"), and the remorseful ("Prodigal"). Hall even calls outside for songwriting help from the brilliant Nichole Nordeman in "Stained Glass Masquerade," a cautionary warning about church hypocrisy in the face of keeping it real. The radio-friendly, U2- ish "Lifesong" proves a savvy book-end to the penitent closer "And Now My Lifesong Sings." Both evoke strong messages that worship is all about how one lives a life and not what kind of songs they may sing.Read more

Reviews (63)

Excellent CD - One of the best Christian recordings in years!
Each song on this CD has lots of encouraging spiritual content. The musical arrangements are absolutely top notch. The lead singer has a voice that touches the heart. This is really excellent Christian music that is so hard to find aside from the Hillsong productions which are excellent too.
Loved it!
I bought this CD for the song 'Praise You in This Storm' which meant a lot to me when I first heard it.This CD is loaded.Its lyrics have bold and direct messages that are challenging and uplifting for those in or interested in becoming part of the Christian community.
The Rainbow- something for both camps to think about
God did send the flood but after the flood he promised He would never do this again to His people.The rainbow was the sign that He would never do it again. When you read Rev 4:3 there was a Rainbow around the throne. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Gospel    5. Pop    6. Religious / Contemp. Christian    7. United States of America   

Reviews (18)

Unbelievable!Skillet learned to deliver!
Honestly I was never a hardcore fan of Skillet back in the days of their pseudo-industrial sound.I liked it and all and I bought the albums, but the songs were...well, not that well written musically.I wanted to love them, but just couldn't.Collide started to get me back into them, but THIS album really floored me.I haven't heard this many amazing tunes on one album in a long time...by ANYONE.And I haven't had an album that I don't skip songs on for even longer.I'll admit that they have gone a little bit toward the "formula" radio-star style sound, but these songs have emotion, great lyrics, great messages, excellent production, perfect musicianship, and fantastic musicallity."Rebirthing" has a downright surprising chord progression.I thought it would be just the basic hard rock form, but the changes set it far apart."The Last Night" is amazingly musically formed and though a bit too emo for my tastes is still irresistable and on my favorites list.Other songs range from hard rock to a neo-pop/punk/emo sound.It IS very emotional, but not to the rediculous level that you get with real emo bands.... thank God.
Skillet's best yet...?
Comatose, the latest album from Skillet, is described by the band as a different sound than previous works from this foursome--and Comatose doesn't disappoint.
The bar has been raised!!
After sampling this new cd I want out and purchased a copy.I was taken back by the depth and the quality of this new release. How many cd's do you have that you can press play and not skip a track? I have heard there music before and could take or leave them. There is a substantial change in there music from the previous releases. So far the best album, I've heard this year!! No longer are Christian musicians relegated to the back seat, or a sub genere, the quality of recent christian artists (last 5 to 10 years) is unmatched. While secular music stumbles along with there falling sales,lack of talent and originality, Christian music has exploded. The quality of bands like Demon Hunter,Disciple,Red and many other Christian bands should be given heavy rotation on radio but are not. The talent coming from these artists is awesome. Wow have we come along way! 15-20 years ago we never had such a selection of music and artists.......enough lamenting......My prediction album of the year.....we will see! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Christian Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

It's no secret that life's darkest moments often place us face-to-face with whatever, or wherever, we've placed our faith. That is the emotional climate listeners will find themselves in with Third Day's Read more

Reviews (35)

Greatest Third Day CD yet!!! Period.
Third Day really did a good job with their new CD "Wherever You Are." This album truly brings worship to a new level. With smash hits like "Carry My Cross" and "Wherever You Are" Third Day truly deserves 5 stars. Anybody looking for a great worship CD should buy this one.

Good, but not great
I've been a Third Day fan ever since seeing them on the Time tour back in 2000.Wherever You Are is good sonically, but it's not on par with Time or Conspiracy #5.Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, and Brad Avery are as tight as they ever have been, and it's nice to hear them crank it up to 11 occasionally on this cd.
Solid Effort from a Solid Band
After critically acclaimed releases "Wire" and "Live Wire" (which I personally thought were lyrically weak), Third Day returns to what makes them great with "Wherever You Are." Their first release was "Cry Out to Jesus," which they made available for free to all fans on their website. While the song was not written with Hurricane Katrina in mind, it was released as a tribute and an outreach to all who had suffered its devastation. Lyrically this song showed me that Third Day was back doing what they did best - boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ!
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Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian Rock    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian    5. United States of America   

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 (16)

REAL music
Chris has stated that he has taken a direction change and some chances with this new album. First, I respect an artist willing to put their money where their mouth is creatively. Yes the songs don't have some of the past "hooks". If that mean more quality... GREAT! I really respect the way that he doesn't go for the easy rhyme (ie. in between the rook and king). The music is much much more dense and complex. It is fun to listen to older hits like "Smelling Coffee" but this is more of a music meal. His other albums had one or two great songs on each but most of the songs were easy and much like having pizza on a friday night. This album is more like sitting down for a fancy dinner. This latest work, like rich food, isn't for everyone but if you enjoy it going back to anything else seems like a step down. I take him more seriously as a musician than most Christian artists. Thanks for taking the risk.

LOVE THIS ONE
I first heard a song from this cd while getting my nails done! Not too often you get Christian music playing on a regular radio station! The song? When DId you Fall in Love With Me? I love it.
Very much worth the $
Brilliant songwriter, this guy.Not a bad song on the entire record.I am absolutely wearing Chris' CD out.Yes, very Amusing!My top three are "when did you fall", "lemonade" and "final move".Great work Chris!I absolutley love the sound of this record. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Gospel    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Reviews (14)

Thankful For This Album
I have always loved Leigh Nash's voice.In my opinion she has the best female voice... right after Jennifer Knapp.So when I saw that she had a new album out I purchased it with out a second thought.As you can see I wasn't disappointed.
4 1/2 Stars...World-Weary Innocence
If you were a fan of Matt Slocum's amazing lyrics, or a groupie of Sixpence None the Richer (particularly before the pop stardom of "Kiss Me"), then you must be curious about the solo effort of songbird Leigh Nash.I couldn't resist.I bought the album without hearing a preview.
It's not Sixpence, but it's Leigh Nash
I'm a big fan of Sixpence None The Richer.So when I heard Leigh Nash was coming out with an album I was looking forward to it, but was cautiously hopeful.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative CCM    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (21)

ALL around great cd
This Is a really good cd and all songs are worth listening to, the vocalist sounds a little like the highpitched singer from lincoln park but that's not a bad thing,if I have any criticisms it's that there could have been more change from song to song but that's just me. Still a great cd if you like it heavy.

Red -End Of Silence

Clean Hard Rock
End of Silence is a collection of power rock with a couple of very good songs.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Alternative Metal    3. Christian    4. Christian Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

It would be easy to pass off this latest Jars of Clay release as a marketing gimmick, especially as more and more Christian artists are turning to casting age-old hymns in their own creative image. Has the modern praise-and-worship songwriting well run dry or are artists truly looking back over time to gain that "renewed and refreshed perspective" as Jars describes this effort in the liner notes for Read more

Reviews (57)

Their best album yet.
Just try to listen to this in your car and not sing along.I dare you.
A very unique CD!
Jars of Clay have been reinventing themselves since they formed as a group. Since their previous CD, "Who We are Instead", the guys have added a rootsy and folk element to their sound, and with great results. This album is no different. Each song, even though a traditional hymn, gets a modern twist and the Jars of Clay touch. The instrumentation is awesome, with driving melodies and catchy choruses.
Excellent!!!
I love this cd. I love the old songs with the Jars of Clay style. This is my favorite cd! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Christian    5. Pop    6. Rock   

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Reviews (34)

Brave-Nicole Nordeman
I personally only like one song on this album and that is the first one.The rest of the songs I think are boring.I like the slow pace of the songs but they lack alot of melody and chorus for all the other songs.

WOW.....MY NEW FAVORITE CHRISTIAN FEMALE VOCALIST
We sang tonight along with the music of Nichole Nordeman at our church Praise and Worship service.Crying with joy and sadness over the words to "Hold On", it became apparent to me that we never know where,when and how we will find the love of God.I can't wait to order the entire album of "Brave". This young woman not only sings with joy, but tells us the truth about a grace we cannot afford to reject!!!!! We all want to lead a whole and everlasting life.

First time Listener loves Nichole's passion for God!
I'm 39, have only heard Nichole Nordeman ONCE and that was months ago on a music choice digital cable channel I believe. I have listened to mostly secular music with some christian pop/rock/r&b etc mixed in on a regular basis but very recently that has CHANGED! Now it's overwhelmingly christian music and some secular music. With that happening my life I have found Nichole Nordeman by checking out a christian album thread on a website and decided to check out her samples on amazon!
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Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Christian    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (12)

Awsome!!!
Take,take,take it all!!! Take,take,take it all!!! I love this cd! I definatley think it's the best worship cd i've ever listened to!Anyone who doesn't like it is crazy.You should get itand all of their other cds too.

Exelente producto
muy contento me encuentro con mi nuevo DVD, ya que aun no llega a Chile, y tengo el honor de poder escucharlo.
Good, but not the best United album.
I have been a huge fan of United for the last 3 years, and love all of their albums.While United We Stand is good, it's a bit of a letdown from the great release of Look to You.There are a couple of good songs, i.e. "The Stand" and "From the Inside Out," but fewer than in previous releases.Most of the fast songs are indistinctive, and are very similar to each other.The DVD is well done. The documentary portion explains the development of Hillsong's youth ministry and the music video shows the passion of the youth and the leaders.This is another powerful release for United, but it leaves a bit to be desired. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Christian    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

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. Read more

Reviews (232)

I have been listening to this album now for ELEVEN years...
...and i still enjoy it just as much as i did when i first opened it.This is in my opinion Jars best album to date, it will appeal to a crowd drawn to a more melodic, acoustic, timeless type of sound.It will not appeal to people who are looking for top of the line, wicked head banging, rave dancing drum beats.This is a great album to just listen to, letting it play in the back ground while studying, working, reading, or sit down with it and really just reflect in prayer letting the savior minister to your soul.The lyrics are poetic, deep, and meaningful, i only wish Jars would go back and re-create this type of sound with a new album.

A masterpiece.This is my "trapped on a desert island" CD.
I bought this CD 11 years ago when it first came out.After more than a decade, it still sits in the #1 slot in my changer.Although "Flood" is the song from this CD which received the most airplay, I feel it is the least representative of the work as a whole.Those who bought it specifically for this particular song may have been disappointed by the rest of the CD.Some reviewers stated that they very much disliked the drum tracks on some of the selections, but they never bothered me - there is so much more to enjoy.The music on this CD has an exquisitely woven texture of acoustic melodies and intimately poignant lyrics which never cease to inspire me to honest reflection.Jars of Clay does not offer the stereotypical "praise-fest," but instead lays bare the realities of a personal search for spirituality and oneness with God.Pride and self-doubt, innocence and shame, sorrow and hope, and thankfulness for a Savior are colored through the tracks with what I can only call "powerful delicacy."The acoustics and strings are so soulfully and interestingly layered with the vocals that I can listen to a single track several times in a row and be drawn in by something different each time.I generally tire very quickly of songs and so invest in precious little music.This is the only CD I have ever owned that I could literally let play, track after track, repeatedly, for hours.The sound has not become dated and I have never grown weary of it.This is my "If you were trapped on a desert island and could only have one..." CD.
Spiritually Uplifting
I can not say enough about this album from Jars of Clay! When this album was first out a friend of mine gave it to me in the hopes that it would strengthen my faith.... And did it ever!!!! These guys have a special and unique sound and the words are both biblical and poetic..Since having heard this CD, I have bought but then have given it away two or three different times in the hopes it would be as spiritually uplifting to others as it has been for me! You will not be disappointed (promise) if you buy it. God Bless you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative CCM    3. CCM    4. Christian    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock   

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Reviews (230)

Best Yet!!!
OMG!! This is Relient Ks best CD yet. You should buy it, even if you didn't care for their other CDs. Because....well...it ROCKS!!!

Out pops another good one by Relient K, one of the few bands based on a spelling error...
Relient K's fourth album is not their best, but is still one of their best albums yet.
Liked it!
This is a pretty good album. I've always liked Relient K. They never disappoint! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Christian Punk    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Punk Revival    7. Punk-Pop    8. Religious / Contemp. Christian    9. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (15)

Once again, Great Sound, (Good) Lyrics
My purpose in highlighting (good) lyrics is that the lyrics are NOT as good as the sound. They are occasionally quite catchy, and sometimes even worshipful, but most of the time these guys are singing in metaphores. WHY OH WHY! But I am definately impressed with the mature musical sound these guys have developed, and semi proud of their lyrics compared to complete ride the fence bands like "Switchfoot."
Loads of fun, depth, and great music on a tiny disk! Rock!
First off, I really enjoyed 'Letters to the President.'I thought it was a great debut for Hawk Nelson.There was enough fun and depth through it that I could really see them going places, and I hoped they would.
Smile, It's the End of the World
Great CD...too bad Borders doesn't sell this band's CDs. They would make a fortune! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Punk-Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (11)

A CD that truly keeps on giving
This is my first Chris Rice CD that I have ever owned but after many of his songs have been on the radio for years I took a chance on a purchase and I am completely satisfied.This is truly a CD that keeps on giving!The words and different song styles combines with excellent vocals make it a great listen to wake up to in the morning, or fall asleep to at night.You truly feel God's presence and peace when listening to this CD, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Short Term Memories
I am not going to review each and every song on this CD... suffice to say that the CD is wonderful. If you are a Chris Rice fan , this is a must have, and if you are not yet a fan, this would be a great place to start.
Very Good
This is a very enjoyable 'best of' collection by Chris Rice.He combines solid Christian lyrics with a pleasant mellow sound.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Gospel    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

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Reviews (10)

My goodness, best ccm album since Jesus Freak
Listen up please. I am here to tell how awesome Leeland is. I have been searching for an awesome( something that is different) CCM album to come out for years. Don't get me wrong, there has been alot of good ones in CCM, which I am not even bother to list cuz it is going take forever. But problem with most CCM is that alot of the bands sounds like rip off of secular bands and alot of them have good intentions but most of them have no idea of the word, creativity. Man, when I heard how good this album is from jesusfreakhideout, I orderedthe cd right away. Man, these guys know how to rock. Best praise and worship album album ever with hints of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, U2, and Coldplay. Yeah, just give a listen to the album previews on Amazon and you'll have a glimpse of what I am talking about. Don't miss out on the good stuff.

Amazing album!
I saw the title video on TV and couldn't wait for the album to come out.It's a beautiful collection of songs and some of them really grab your attention.I hope they go far.

A strong debut
The hype on this band has been astronimical, so when I got the CD I was a little suspicious of what I'd find. Could they be as good as everyone else said? Well, they're definitely good. "Reaching" is a great song and deserves a ton of radio air play. "Beautiful Lord" makes an incredible worship song. Most all the tracks are good, though those two in particular really stand out. Hindalong did a great job in producing, and Leeland's vocals show promise for a long future (he's a teenager and rocks harder than most adults). I look forward to what they come up with next. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. Christian    3. Pop    4. Rock   

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Subjects:  1. Christian    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Editorial Review

The WOW collections to date offer something for everyone and seldom disappoint. However, WOW Hits 2005 may have set the bar higher in terms of variety of new acts and a bountiful harvest of creativity. If we are to take the producers of the WOW collections at their word, then these Purple and Silver discs offer the year's best. Several good listens later, you'll agree that there is a bright future ahead for contemporary Christian music. Sure we have the bigger name acts of Mercy Me ("Here With Me"), Newsboys ("You Are My King"), Jars of Clay ("Show You Love"), and maybe the year's best single from Steven Curtis Chapman "All Things New." But there's plenty of new blood as well with Matthew West ("More"), Kutless ("Sea of Faces"), Building 429 ("Glory Defined"), Bethany Dillon ("All I Need"), and bonus baby Day of Fire ("Cornerstone). Praise and worshippers will be pleased with the inclusion of David Crowder ("Open Skies") and the delightful Zschech ("Pray"). While WOW Hits 2005 gathers a lot of radio hits, there's no doubt that more critical voices may clamor about various omissions. Ask a roomful of Christian music fans to put the year's 30 best on a WOW release and you'll get a roomful of answers. But all can agree that WOW Hits 2005 proclaims that the year 2004 was a good one. Read more

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Reviews (23)

WOW hits
Beautiful music. It is perfect to listen to with impressionable young children in the back seat.Only a couple songs were too sugary the rest were great.

Another Great Compilation
Another great compilation of the ever-growing diversity of pop Christian music.Perhaps one of the best ever.

Terrific!
WOW Hits 2005 is a great compilation of Christian hits for the year.As most people probably don't have albums from all of these artists, this is a cost effective way to obtain them.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative CCM    2. CCM    3. Christian Collections    4. Christian Rock    5. Inspirational    6. Pop    7. Religious / Contemp. Christian    8. V/a Compilations