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 (11)

Another anointed worship experience
The more I listen to this album, the more I enjoy the worship experience of it.My husband was not at all familiar with contemporary Christian music when he met me, but he is now listening to this album nonstop whenever he drives the car that currently houses it.Listening to these songs is a great way to start and end any commute and helps to put us in the right heart- and mindset on our way to church, too!
10 STARS - this is what Worship was created to be
OK - instead of just saying this is great - i will tell you in detail why Chris Tomlin is potentially the best worship leader and collaborator of our time...
Amazing!
Chris Tomlin has once again produced a remarkable new worship CD. If you like any of his music, you are sure to like See the Morning. His songs are fresh and amazing contemporary Christian soon to be hits. Check it out! ... Read more

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

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   

Reviews (2)

For An Uplifting Alternative To What Most People Listen To...
I never listened to any Christian rock before this CD, except for the commercials I would occasionally see (and laugh at) as I was no doubt flipping through to watch some bad programming that made me a worse person...so being able to finally listen to Christian "Rock" music and REALLY L-I-S-T-E-N to what was being said was...amazing.
Good. But Not As Good As WOW Hits 2006!!!
This CD is just okay. Personally for me, they should've left out Hawk Nelson and Sanctus Real. People think that WOW Hits should have more rock, but I personally think "Why?" I mean you already have X2007 coming out soon, which is the year's TOP ROCK HITS! And I mean Hawk Nelson and SR have never even been on WOW Hits before. I definitely would replace those with ZOEgirl's "One Day" and Bethany Dillon's "Dreamer". Those songs are great! But they should have some rock, like Plumb is amazing! And RelientK, Krystal Meyers and BarlowGirl are very good! But why HNelson and SReal? Hmmmm.....
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Subjects:  1. Christian Collections    2. Pop    3. Religious / Contemp. Christian    4. V/a Compilations   

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   

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   

Features

• Live

Reviews (5)

BETTER WITH THE DVD
Great CD but if you do not have the DVD then you are missing all the "extras". This CD and DVD is a must have for any Amy Grant fan. The ending of the concert If These Ways Can Speak and what she says before going into song is a tear jerker and really makes you think.
A Great Time for Any Friend of Amy's
Amy Grant takes the same stage where she gave her first performance 28 years ago (1978!) and gives a wonderfully intimate show on a set dressed like a living room.
Great Live CD
This live CD is very well done. The audio is great, you'll think you are at the concert. Just enough chit-chat between songs....to make it interesting. The audio is fantastic. Amy and her band sing their old hits with a fresh new arrangements and you also get to hear a few songs that weren't radio hits, but are fabulous. Excellent CD........check out the live DVD of this concert also. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

A little disappointing
I have to admit that I feel a bit let down by "Broken & Beautiful", which is sad since I had been looking forward to this CD for a couple months. I don't think the quality of it is too far below Mark's previous works, but his signature pop-piano is missing and that's one of my favorite aspects of his music. The variety of songs is great, as usual, as is Mark's incredibly distinctive voice, but it seems a bit too much like the majority of contemporary christian music being offered up. The distinctive sound I've come to love gets a bit lost in the guitar. Perhaps I should have seen it coming when I saw him with Phillips, Craig & Dean in August and he performed my favorite song of his, "You Are A Child of Mine" not from behind the keyboard but with an acoustic guitar in hand. I also found the title of the song "Until I See You Again" odd and a bit misleading as it also happens to be the name of the song Mark wrote and recorded with Jim Brickman for Jim's Greatest Hits record.
As Always, Brilliant
I absolutely love this CD, as I do all of his others. I bought it the day it came into stores and haven't taken it out of my CD players yet! Every song on it has a message that speaks volumes. I love everything about the music from the lyrics to the composition and orchestration.
A change in tone, but a good one!!!!
I'm a huge fan of Mark's music; after I came back into the church, his lyrics were an wonderful inspiration as I changed my life.
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Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian    3. Pop    4. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (58)

Amazing Christian Rock
I just got into Christian Rock, and have very few cds.In fact, I very rarely buy music cds.But this is an amazing cd, for any collection, be it Christian or regular rock.Chris has an amazing voice, great songs, and it makes you feel great listening.

A Jewel Among Pebbles
I am only writing a review for this album two years after it was released and it's a shame I only found this jewel of a cd. However, better late than never. This, hands down, so far is the best worship album I have ever had the pleasure of finding and listening to.
This disk has heart
Chris Tomlin is an amazing worship leader and this is without a doubt a solid worship album all the way through. We use the song "How Great is Our God" in the youth band at our church and the beauty of it hits the whole congregation every time. Most worship albums you can't tell if they're really worshipping God or marketing themselves, but not on Chris Tomlin's "Arriving". You can hear in his voice and in his song just where he's coming from. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Another lovely effort from this group...
While this understandably is not as good as their earlier works, this album is still wonderful.My personal favorite is track 7, writtin by Julie Miller and originally performed by her as a duet with Emmylous Harris.
Still good, but not great
I am not a great fan of contemporary Christian music which is why I have loved Selah.Their fresh arrangements of beautiful traditional hymns have always inspired me and I was so excited when I ordered the newest CD.However,while it is very pretty, this CD just doesn't inspire me like the others.

Selah's Sturdy and Scenic "Road"
Prime Cuts: Bless the Broken Road (with Melodie Crittenden), I Will Sing of My Redeemer (with Barlowgirl), Gentle Healer (with Amy Perry)
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Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Christian    3. Contemporary Gospel    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian   

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   

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   

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   

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

• 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   

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