Reviews (32)

Soundtrack of the Year!
The "Fighting Temptations" is the best soundtrack I have heard in a long time. Thank the Lord for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The hottest producers of the 80's and early 90' are back with a soundtrack that will be remembered for years to come. I am also happy to see my homegirl from Texas - Beyonce -really show her writing and singing talent on this CD as well as her spiritual side---you go girl! In addition, Mathew Knowles is to be commended as Executive Producer, Houston Texas is really making its mark on the music industry in a big way. It is great to be a TEXAN!
The entire soundtrack is good. My favorites: "He Still Loves Me" sung by Beyonce and Walter Williams,Sr.(of the OJAYS) this is one of the songs written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, "Time To Come Home" sung by Beyonce,Angie Stone,and Melba Moore, "I Know" sung by Destiny's Child, "Rain Down" sung by Angie Stone and Eddie Levert,Sr.(of the OJAYS), "Summertime" sung by Beyonce featuring P.Diddy also the title cut "Fighting Temptation" which has the rap beat but a real nice mix-(Missy Elliot does it again), "Everything I do" which will probably be the next hit and there are some songs from Gospel Legend Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby that you do not want to miss. There is also a gospel rap song "To da River" that has the spiritual flavor. This Cd will leave you feeling happy and upbeat no matter what your going through -it will remind all of us to "Keep Your Head Up" because "He still Loves Me"

Not a big Beyonce fan, but that girl can sing some gospel.
I went to the theaters to watch the movie the first week it was out; just because it had my favorite singer of all time in the movie, Shirley Caesar. But as it turns out I really enjoyed the whole movie and I am not to big fan of Beyonce but she is a really good actress. I loved most of the songs in the movie but kept passing the soundtrack up. I finally bought the soundtrack and it is the best soundtrack that I have heard in a long time. My favorite songs on here are:

"I Know," by Destiny's Child (whom I am not a big fan of, but I really love that song).
"To Da River" by T-Bone, Zane, Montell Jordan for all the hip hop fans.
"Rain Down" by Angie Stone and Eddie Levert, Sr
"I'm Getting Ready" by Ann Nesby
"The Stone" by Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby (takes you to church).
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by Beyonce I feel the Holy Ghost when she is singing that song.
"He Still Loves Me" by Beyonce and Walter Williams, Sr (my favorite song on the whole album).
"Time To Come Home" by Beyonce, Angie Stone and Melba Moore (my second fav).

This whole album is a winner. If you would purchase this CD you will not be disappointed.

3-1/2 stars -- Dangerously In Love II
Beyoncé was obviously the star of the movie The Fighting Temptations, and she conveniently appears to be the star of this soundtrack as well. She appears on eight of the fifteen tracks, and the songs she doesn't appear on even seem to be Beyoncé-flavored (see Faith Evans' "Heaven Knows").

But that doesn't mean this album is worth throwing in the trash. There are some good performances turned out by the likes of Ann Nesby ("I'm Getting Ready") and Shirley Caesar ("The Stone"). But the fact that several gospel songs are mixed in on an urban album may make things seem a little disorganized (but Missy Elliott had a hand in producing, so that's not really surprising). However, some people will probably argue that the movie dwelled on singing in a gospel choir, so those tracks fit perfectly well.

Anyway, there ARE a few missteps on this album, like the cheesy title track performed by Beyoncé, Missy, MC Lyte and Free (the VJ from 106 & Park). It's hard to distinguish between MC Lyte and Free anyway because they both rap exactly alike. And "I Know" by Destiny's Child neither helps nor hurts the album. There's another song, "Rain Down", by Angie Stone and Eddie LeVert. Angie sings well, but Eddie LeVert's scratchy (for lack of a better word) vocals don't sound right on an uptempo song. He sounds better when he's at home with the O'Jays later on the album on "Loves Me Like a Rock".

The rest of this soundtrack is okay, but as reviewer Reginald D. Garrard said best, none of the songs really stand out on their own. Basically only buy this album if you're a huge fan of the movie or of Beyoncé.

Anthony Rupert

Great movie and great soundtrack!
I still think there is no better Cuba Godding Jr than the one we saw in "Jerry McGuirre", but I was dragged up to see the movie, though. Well, the movie is terrific!, and you know why??? because its music! (OK, it is really inspirational about Gods Love as many others) but its music makes you really sing and shake yourself in your sit! Quite sticky, lifting and rithmical! I'm agree with everybody saying that Beyonce is great and T-Bone with Lil Zane are just wonderful. It is better to listen the CD after seeing the movie because some recalls from the scenes will make you laugh everytime you play this excellent soundtrack...!
Worths every penny, no doubt about it!

Beyonce gives me fever.
Fever is my favorite song on this soundtrack.
She performed it in style in her Wembley concert.
It is now my favorite sultry jazz song.
5 hot stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Steven Curtis Chapman has done it once again. Raising the bar to stratospheric heights and surpassing even his own lofty perch (see 1999's brilliant Speechless), Chapman has recorded and released a rich pop masterpiece full of insightful and relevant material in the form of All Things New. While not an artistic or stylistic departure, Chapman has surrounded himself this time with a bevy of outstanding L.A. studio musicians. Given that and co-production duties he shares with the outstanding Brown Banister, Chapman's end product is a lushly textured sound that rides an ebb and flow of drama throughout the release's dozen tracks. The title track alone is one of the best songs and best-sounding songs that Chapman has ever recorded, a mini-epic that highlights Chapman's special power and passionate feel for music. A guitarist (and a fine one at that) by nature, Chapman actually bases many of the tracks here on piano while topping them with a lush, string-filled touch such as on "Angels Wish" and "Big Story." As always, Chapman insists on keeping it real when it comes to where spiritual rubber meets the road. "What Now" reminds Christians that how they care for fellow humanity is how they care for their savior. "Last Day on Earth" is another track bound to challenge listeners to consider how well they are living their faith, especially if they knew today was their last. Chapman pulls no punches on All Things New as he issues a powerful and majestic-sounding call to arms for Christians to love the world around them as they love their God. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (8)

worship1
Best Passion CD yet, INDEED!I completely agree.The songs by Chris Tomlin are SO powerful. One CD I like to keep in and close my eyes and imagine myself there. You need all the CD's behind these also...... Chris Tomlin - Arriving Tim Hughes - When the Silence Falls, etc.They are all amazing Praise and Worship music to FILL U and your senses.

Best Passion CD Yet
Frankly, after the beauty of Our Love Is Loud, I was very disappointed by Sacred Revolution.It looked like Passion had taken a step back to more emotional, whip-the-crowd-into-a-frenzy songs, and tried to get too many vocalists onto one CD.Hymns was quite a bit better, but How Great Is Our God surpasses all the rest.Every song on this CD is great and can lift your heart to God in worship.There is the right balance of vocalists.This is the best Passion CD yet.

Charlie Hall is passionate as ever, growling out the words that bring us closer to God.David Crowder*Band brings it, and Chris Tomlin leads us to the heart of God with his songs.Matt Redman adds a great touch with his songs.

My favourite songs: Majesty and Nothing But the Blood (sung by Charlie Hall).

Outstanding!
You won't go wrong, buying any of the Passion albums, but this is definitely not one to miss.If you are looking for a worship album that is a cut above most of what is put out nowadays, be sure to check it out.Also, for more great praise and worship, check out Recent Rainfall which used to be in Amazon's free downloads section, but can now be found by doing a net search. (www.recentrainfall.com)

Wow!
I've heard all the previous Passion Worship Band's CD's, and this CD is by far the most powerful, spiritual CD I've ever heard. (Previous favorite: The Road To One Day) I've never got a chance to go to any of the conferences, but this CD has truly blessed me with my relationship with God, and these songs really pierced my heart. My personal favorites are: No One Like You, How Great Is Our God, Here Is Our King, Nothing But The Blood, and Your Grace Is Enough. I recommend this CD to anyone who loves hearing 11,000+ scream their lungs out to God and his mighty love illuminating around the whole arena. Truly Amazing!

True Worship
I was personally at Passion '05. It was an amazing experience of how God is moving in our generation. This CD will allow you to worship God along with the 15,000 others singing along with you. Every track contains God's Truth expressed in incredible musical form. I bought this CD two days after it came out and can't stop listening to it and just praising God through it. Get this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Great Worship Album
I waited 2 months for the release of this album, and it was well worth the wait. Although it does not come near to the caliber of his debut album, Jeremy Camp shows off his heart and dedication to the Lord through every song. Even his new wife, Adrienne, backs him up in 2 of the songs and together they sound wonderful. The album contains some wonderful new versions of classic worship songs we know and love, such as 'Enough' and 'You're Worthy of My Praise', and new worship songs that are just as good. Although this album is excellent, I feel it could have been better. The title track, Carried Me, is especially disappointing. I find it a track that is 4 minutes of boredom. It is a great song lyric wise, but the tune gets old after the first stanza. Nonetheless, Jeremy Camp has definately not disappointed his fans with this sophomore album. His vocals are still those deep, full of heart tones we know and love, and it is a must if you enjoyed his first album Stay. It will stay in my CD player for many, many weeks to come.

AMAZING!!!
This CD is incredible! I have been a Jeremy Camp fan since before his first CD came out, and this album truly shows his heart for God and his humble attitude of worship. Truly an experience. Wonderful Maker is a beautiful love song to God expressing wonder and awe at just how amazing our creator is. This is a must have for any fan or anyone who wants to get to a deeper place with God.

Great album from a real artist
I am not a your typical christian music fan. Many times the music and lyrics are not very powerful, but with Jeremy Camp you can't go wrong. The song "walk by faith" is awesome. Trust me, buy this album you won't be sorry. His voice and music are second to none. This band is by far the best chrisitan band around. If you like Mercy Me, you will Love Jeremy...he is much more talented.

this cd is amazing
I love the worship on this CD. Another one that I've listened to a hundred times and could listen to it a hundred more!

Jeremy Camp Rocks!
I love to listen to his music-he is so awesome! I thought this cd was great just like "Stay". Jeremy has a great style, I would definetly recommend this album if you liked "Stay"! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Is this a big-tent revival? A funky throwdown? A jam-band juggernaut? Unclassified is all that, and so much more. The story of Robert Randolph is Hollywood-issue: kid from the gritty Jersey streets is saved from the bad life by playing steel guitar in a House of God Church. Of course, it wouldn't mean a thing if the guy couldn't play, but he can really tear it up. By updating the sacred-steel tradition with heavy doses of blues, funk, and rock, he's not only emerged with his own sound, but he's brought the music full circle, returning those pop-music styles to their gospel roots. The disc reaches some terrific heights from the very start with a fiery trio of opening songs: "Going in the Right Direction," "I Need More Love," and "Nobody" are joyous, uplifting romps brimming with the fervor of gospel music. Four instrumentals show the breadth of the sound, from the country-tinged "Squeeze" to the modal and slightly spaced-out "Calypso" to the scorching gospel-infused closer "Run for Your Life." A couple of the slower tunes impede the album's momentum, but at its best Unclassified comes awfully close to capturing the intensity of the Family Band's live shows--which is no small feat indeed. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (43)

FINALLY A Band I Can Groove To In The 21st Century!
You know, I never heard of Robert Randolph until I caught a sampling of 'The Word' album on an independent radio station about a year ago. After hearing him play the pedal steel guitar on that collaboration project, I must say I was absolutely floored! EVERYTHING about his playing will bring to mind all the things that made guys like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Carlos Santana, and Stevie Ray Vaughan as revered as they are. Simply put, the brother got MAD SKILLZ!!!

Th same can also be said of his stellar backing unit known simply as the Family Band, whose sound I found it best to describe as being a unique hybrid of the Allman Brothers' jam-based rock and Graham Central Station's sanctified funk. On this, their first studio-conceived album, nearly all the tracks shine from the infectiously "gospel-delic" groove laid down by the band as well as the industrial strength of Randolph's pedal steel work (which is a joy to behold in itself). I would've given this a 5-star rating if some of the jams were extended for greater effect, but that's just a minor complaint linked mainly to personal preference. On the other hand, I do know a good band when I hear one and something tells me that Robert Randolph & Co. aren't that far off from becoming one of the most exciting and influential bands of their generation (MY generation to be specific, lol).

HIGHLY recommended, but also get their live album as well. This band is definitely one of the best concert acts going today.

Much Better 'Live,' Too Slick in the Studio
If you are looking for an introduction to Robert Randolph and the Family Band, do not buy this album. Go buy "Live At the Wetlands." "Live" is everything that makes RRFB great; energetic, evangelic, and electric all combined in a volcanic delivery that will re-write your concepts of music.

"Unclassified" is the bland studio brother to the robust "Live" album. I am curious to know if the producers ever heard RRFB live before they hammered them into their generic Warner Brothers album concept? From listening to this album, I don't think they had heard RRFB live. The vocals on this album are only slightly short of hideous; nearly all are electronically altered in some way. Having traveled many miles to hear RRFB here in Texas and to the Bonnaroo Festival, I've listened to them enough to say that the vocals here are artificial as is the song format. This is not RRFB at their finest.

When you hear them live or hear "Live At the Wetlands," you hear Robert Randolph sing...sing with the pedal steel. You hear joy, energy, love, and faith in the free-wheeling, un-radio friendly song formats, you hear and experience all the things that make RRFB so wonderful. You don't hear those things on "Unclassified," with the exception of the pedal steel. Even though it is mystifyingly subdued on this album, you can still hear the essence of what makes RRFB great; unforunately, it is constrained.

I wanted to rate this at one star but could not bring myself to slander RRFB with that stigma. Three stars for all they have done and all they will do; one star for what they have done on "Unclassified."

If you get a chance to see these guys live, DO IT!!!
I just saw the Robert Randolph Family Band open for Eric Clapton last night, and they are AWESOME! I don't know if I've ever seen a band with more stage energy than this bunch of young, talented musicians. Robert Randolph could light up a room with his smile alone, but, when he sat down at that pedal steel... WOW!! Get ready to have your SOCKS knocked off. I just bought two of their CD's and can't wait for the next one!

WOW!
We were fortunate enough to see Robert Randolph and the Family Bank as an opening act for Eric Clapton. I had never heard of them before, but they knocked my socks off! If you aren't up and clapping and stomping your feet about five seconds into their music, you could possibly be declared clinically dead. After their performance and while Clapton was on stage, I noticed Robert Randolph had come down into the audience. Someone asked him for an autograph. The convention center crew tried to make them leave him alone, but Randolph said he would be delighted to sign their entry ticket. Not only is he good-looking, he is huge-hearted and knows without his fans he wouldn't be anywhere. At the end of the show, he entered the stage again and played his steel guitar with Clapton. Talk about being in Blues Heaven! Please listen to his music, and if he is anywhere near you, for goodness' sake, go and see him!!

Way to go!
Robert Randolph has to be one of the most most underappreciated talents of the new millenium! This brother does for the steel pedal guitar what Jimi Hendrix did for the electric guitar and what Larry Graham did for the Fender Bass back in the day! His material is a raw mix of rock, funk and blues with lyrics that are spiritual but aren't too preachy! If today's industry emphasized true talent, originality and musicianship over looks and commerciality, this guy would be a phenomenon! Don't miss "Unclassified" please! ... Read more

Amazon.com

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. Almost There promises just enough to allow it to rise above its inconsistencies. Prayer of Jabez-inspired "Bless Me Indeed" is a glimmer of brilliance where the group brings it all together, but it's the poignancy and power of "I Can Only Imagine" that testifies to Mercy Me's great potential. The dramatic ballad captures a believer's hope for the afterlife and is fueled by Bart Millard's authoritative vocals. The song will continue to be a staple in church worship services for years to come. Then there are the not so brilliant moments, including the cheesy "House of God" and "All Fall Down." Weak moments aside, Almost There offers enough fireworks to make Mercy Me an act to watch. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Totally Awesome
This cd is great! This is my first time ever hearing of the group, Mercy Me. I heard the song, I Can Only Imagine, at the movie theater and I had to find out more about this group. I have ordered both their latest cd and their old cd. I love the music and the songs are so spiritually uplifting. The songs also help bring you into the mode of worshipping the Lord. These songs will help begin part of my worship every morning when I get up. Thanks, Mercy Me for letting God use you to create this wonderful music and bring people closer to him! I can't wait for your next CD!

Mercy! MercyMe a must own!
MercyMe's Almost There is one awesome worship album. Every song here is really a blessing from the Spirit of God. 'I Can Only Imagine' is getting air play on secular radio stations. With the impact this song has made, only time will tell that will bring other listeners to the Lord Jesus. If this group (backed by the phenomenal vocals of Bart Millard) has broken through truly this is an album to listen to.

The melodies are easy and soothing and the lyrics are full of passion. So astounding is 'I Can Only Imagine' that it moves one with hope. A Hope that one day for any believer that there will be eternal life after this life has passed away. I'm sure this will be one of the standard church worship song. 'Bless Me Indeed' is inspired by the Prayer of Jabez. It's genius sparks a genuine potential of the group's rising talent. Other songs that top off this album are 'Call To Worship' and 'How Great is Your Love.' If you like this check out their 'Spoken For' album and see what I mean about their influence along with SonicFlood of being maybe one of the top Comtemporary Christian groups in the future. Don't forget their video, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow out on DVD.

Good music, great message!
The message on this CD is incredible! I really enjoy it. the music is strong, but falls slightly short of 5 stars.

A few very good songs
I bought this CD used on amazon. I originally thought mercyme was a group that only older people would like, but I was wrong. The younger crowd should like this as well.
The best three songs are track 1- "I Worship You", track 2- "Here Am I", and track 5- "I Can Only Imagine". Those three will get stuck in your head really easily. There are a few others songs that are OK, but those three are the best

Amazing Debut. I'm Sorry I Waited So Long
When Mercy Me released their first widely distributed CD in 2001, they exploded on the Christian music scene, especially with the hit single "I Can Only Imagine." I heard people raving about them at the time, but for some stupid reason, I didn't give them a try. I finally got this CD a few months ago, and I can see what all the talk was about.

The guys of Mercy Me have created a worship focused CD that is enjoyable as a regular CD as well. It kicks off with the upbeat "I Worship You," a perfect companion song to "Call to Worship" later in the disc. Their passion to worship is seen in these songs as well as such songs as "Cannot Say Enough," "How Great is Your Love," and "Fall Down." Yet all these songs are offered with an incredibly fun pop/adult contemporary sound and thoughtful lyrics that put it above many other modern worship albums.

"Here Am I," a song inspired by Isaiah 6, especially challenged me. It's a catchy tune that I find myself singing, but as I do, I have to ask myself if I really mean what I'm singing.

And of course there's "I Can Only Imagine." This song will be the group's signature song for years to come. Its powerful and thought provoking lyrics question just what our reaction will be when we finally get to Heaven. It's worth buying the CD for this song alone.

I've just been introduced to this group, and I'm already looking forward to picking up their other CD's. If this disc is any indication, Mercy Me will have a long and successful career ahead of them. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Have you been on this Level to Long? This is the Next Level
If you are tired of the same old worship or you have not been able to truely experience worship. Allow for this to be one of the CDs to allow for you to experience the true manifest prescence of God. Israel has done it again Phenominal Job! New Season brought alot of my friends to God and made alot of them strengthen their relationships with him this CD is an Awsome follow up to the Live New Season. Its obvious that Israel Houghton is truely connected to the Father another Artist on this level is (Elder William Murphy III He wrote "Praise Is What I Do") His CD comes out June 20th check for him at www.newbirth.org also check out Newbirth Total Praise Choir - Spirit&Truth Cd on May 18 (I'm a member of Newbirth so I had to give the props)

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome
This album is awesome, awesome, awesome! If you're looking to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, this is the album to get. The first CD had GREAT praise songs and the 2nd CD is awesome, cause it can takes you into deep, intimate, anointed worship. Glory to God! I thank God, for raising up singers like Isreal and New Breed. The anointing in the music is wonderful. If you liked Shekinah Glory Ministry's album, you'll love this. It can truly take you to another level in Christ.

this cd will take you to another level
The second cd is mostly deep worship music. It is not the type of music in which you can just meerly sing too and not experience a move of God. Israel has touched heaven with this cd.
As soon as i hear track #10, here i am to worship, God takes over. This is a must have cd

My GOD!!!!
Salutations Viewers,

I don't know where God had him and what he's been through; however, I believe that God was raising him for such a time as this. We need to bring back true worship in the House of God and in our lives. Worship should not only be an experience but a lifestyle. I believe that you have gospel music, and then you have PURE WORSHIP. I tell you the first time I heard the second CD, it took me literally days to get past a song because I had such a high worship experience in my car that all I could do is pull over literally in my car and repeat the songs over and over again. "Another Level" is basically the best name for this album. I referred my worshipping brothers and sisters to get this album...My God!!!

Words cannot describe how much elevation one can experience through their worship from this album...It doesn't sound like it was studio edited. My God, what a GREAT move of God through this album.

If this album don't do anything for you, I would even refund you your money ;)

"Another Level" guaranteed elevation in the realm of the Spirit!

Anchored in Him,
Minister Day L.
godz1gyrl@hotmail.com

FRIEND
Freind, there will never be a friend as dear to me as you... Closer than a brother...FRIEND. Wow, oh God, God almight who spoke the world into Existence, He said there be and there was... If you have this CD you know what I'm taking about, I can hardly type this without, "going in" to another ram... All I can say is wow it takes my breath away. What ever you are looking for in God It's here and it is Another Level you must get this CD you will never stop playing it. Get one for the house (Upstairs,downstairs,basment and middle level, bathrooms)car,truck, church, any where you go you have to take it with you.. I am a friend of God,he calls me friend!!! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

I loved this CD
Elvis Presley is a legend and has a marvelous voice but when he sings gospel music, no one can top him. When Elvis sings these songs, you can feel every word and emotion he is singing about. From his recording of Amazing Grace (which is a classic), Peace in the Valley, to How Great Thou Art, all the songs are wonderful. I highly recommend this double CD and feel that no one would be disappointed in purchasing it.

All his essential gospel music
This collection is made up of all the tracks from the Peace in the valley EP and three LP's (His hand in mine, How great thou art and He touched me) plus various other tracks that didn't appear on any of those, together with some live cuts. If this sounds like a bit of a mixed bag, it isn't. For whatever reason, Elvis seemed to enjoy recording gospel music, so these recordings are as good as anything else he recorded.

Crying in the chapel was a massive hit for Elvis in Britain (where it was a number one) and America, but there are many other famous songs here. These include Amazing grace, You'll never walk alone, Swing low sweet chariot, I believe, How great thou art, Farther along and Peace in the valley. Even people who are not interested in gospel music are familiar with most, if not all, of these songs. Of the other songs here, A thing called love was a big hit for Johnny Cash but I'm not clear why Elvis included it on He touched me -its not really a gospel song, but Elvis sings it superbly. He is my everything is an adaptation of There goes my everything.

Elvis clearly took his religion seriously. It shows in these wonderful recordings, which no Elvis fan should ignore.

The King of Gospel
Oustanding performances throughout this 2 CD set! Very powerful performances and of course Elvis' voice is unmatched. He was made to sing Gospel. He won two Grammy's for his Gospel recordings, which are featured here. An excellent collection. Highly recommended!

Awesome Collection of Songs!
What a collection of songs! While I have listened little to Elvis' other cds, I have often enjoyed his gospel cd. His deep, rich voice, will move the listener through several songs.

I particularly enjoyed: I Believe, There Will Be Peace in the Valley for Me (my favorite), It Is No Secret What God Can Do, I Believe in the Man in the Sky, and Joshua Fit the Battle.

Buy and enjoy! Highly recommended - you will not be disappointed!

Get Ready...
Regardless of your preferred musical genre you will find it (and every other one worth knowing) in this collection. Here, you WILL find it all.

You will find gospel (old church and young church alike), soul, country, rock .... and a booming bonus: Something so very special that you and I cannot name it.

I ordered this collection to hear just a couple of my favorites: "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." However, this CD changed everything.

If you're not knocked to your knees hearing "If That Isn't Love;" if you're not shouting through the rooftop at hearing the live version of "How Great Thou Art;" or, if you don't find yourself giving your best Elvis impersonation hearing "Only Believe" or "Seeing Is Believing," says only that your speakers went out with last week's trash or, sadly, that you're already gone!

This Pink Floyd-Willie Nelson-Van Morrison-Bellamy Brothers-Elvis-Rolling Stones-Bob Seger- Johnny Rivers- George Jones- Aretha Franklin-Matchbox Twenty-Platters-Jimmy Buffett- Tchaikovsky-Merle Haggard-Elton John-Otis Redding-Wilson Pickett-Strauss-Dwight Yoakam-The Who- loving fan says:

You'll find it all, and CRANK IT UP! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good Stuff
I'm enjoying the CD. I do think, though, that it is largely a compilation of not-the-best-tracks on the individual albums.For example, "The Prayer" from Donnie McClurkin's "Again" album is not the greatest song...why didn't they use "Again","Holy" or "Walking (In Authority)?"Also, the first Fred Hammond song was a let down.That is not his best song.But they did add Vicki Yohe's "Because of Who You Are."It reminds me of all other "Best Of" type of albums -- I always feel that some really great song was left off the compilation.I guess if this CD had only all the top singles, then no one would buy the individual albums.It's still worth it, though. You know all these songs, so you probably won't be disappointed.

Uplifting!
I don't know what the other reviewers were listening to, but I thought this CD was awesome!It is everything I was hoping it would be.I'm glad I didn't let the previous comments deter me, because I would have truly missed a blessing.To God be the glory!

WOW Gospel 2005
This is a nice CD and should provide hours of listening enjoyment. I had been waiting for this CD to come out and I an not in the least bit disappointed.

Not a very good Selection of Songs
This years WOW Gospel 2005 is not nearly at the level of any of the other years. Some songs are very old and the playlist does not have a good variety. I hope they do better next year. This is not what I expected.

Very Disappointing
I was anxiously awaiting the release of this CD and was quite disappointed after listening to it.I enjoyed maybe 6 songs and there are 30 songs.CD #1 was just ok, but CD #2 wasn't good at all. I hope 2006 will be better. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Accompanied by a resplendently rhythmic score and including an intriguing blend of classical, world, and contemporary western music, Abba Pater is Pope John Paul II's uplifting message to the faithful everywhere. Released in timely celebration of Holy Week and Easter, and in anticipation of the millennial Great Jubilee pilgrimage, this sacred inner expedition of sound explores universal themes of spirituality such as praise, forgiveness, and brotherly love. Abba Pater is the first musical CD ever to feature the most famous man in the world, whose dramatic and moving words delivered on these tracks are culled from archival recordings from the first 20 years of his papacy. In five beautifully expressed languages, the Pope sings, chants, and prays for the healing of humankind, all of which is perhaps best summed up by the words in Psalm 26: "I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (57)

very calming and peaceful
I most highly recommend this Cd. It is very special, the music is very calming and has a meditative feel to it. Abba Pater is a very inspiring CD, exquisitely beautiful. I especially love the tracks No. 4 Abba Pater, No. 7 Dove C'e Amore, C'e Dio and No.9 Un Comandamento Nuovo (Prayer for the World Day of Peace, attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi) This music will open your heart. I love the voice of Pope John Paul II, it is full of love. The CD inlet is excellent, 30 pages with lyrics in several languages, nice photos and beautiful artwork.

There is NOTHING like the voice of a loving father!
Your denomination doesn't matter; I dare you to get this CD, listen to it prayerfully, and tell me God is not with this man. Those of us living at the end of this millennium have truly been blessed with a very Holy leader in Pope John Paul II. This CD is proof.

The CD features a unique blend of world music and the Pope speaking. The instrumentals on "Seek His Face" are particularly moving. The Pope's voice is loving and forgiving. "The Law of the Beatitudes" is also unforgettable (the Pope shares Christ's Beatitudes). Finally, nothing can compare to the Pontiff singing the "Our Father" in "Abba Pater." Your eyes will not stay dry!

My son says, "Listen to his voice. He sounds like a grandpa." A grandpa indeed!!

The Pope's Influence on the World
Abba Pater is THE most incredible, peaceful, musically lush and harmonic sound I have ever heard. Whether you are a believer or not, the sounds of heaven are clear in the voice of the Pope. JPII will celebrate his Silver Jubilee this year, and Abba Pater is a jewel in the crown of his works for this world. Every Catholic household should own this recording, and anyone else wishing for a moment of peace from music should give this most beautiful work a spin. This man's influence will live on through the lives of the youth who have followed his mission, their voices can be heard as well, and you too can be impacted as positively. I highly recommend this item.

A (biased) seminarian loves it!
Here is a multicultural (Catholic) celebration of the Gospel. It has been produced magnificently, mixing soothing music with some upbeat rhythms. Tribal and ancient hymns blend seamlessly with excerpts from papal addresses modern liturgical refrains in many languages.

A Moving Experience - Blessed be our Pope
This recording exceeded all my expectations. No wonder it was #1 on the European charts upon it's release. Being a Catholic and a
musician with a BA in Music Performance, I listened intently to the orchestration and production of this project. The music is International; as is the Pope. It beautifully combines music from all different cultures. It is hard not to get emotional and cry. Very few works combine this much emotion, spiritualism, and beauty. Hearing the voice of the Pope will move you from joy to tears with each individual track. He is a very blessed man in any language. What a privledge to own this work. It has become my favorite. Do not hesitate. Buy this CD now. You will be thankful. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Performance
I am a great fan of Daniel O'Donnell, having collected all of his CDs and DVDs, but this performance at Branson would now be the number 1 of my collection. His uncomplicated style and rendition of some old evergreens makes for wonderful listening and enjoyment. I also want to thank DPTV Media for its initiative in releasing both the DVD of the concert and the CDs. Now I can listen to Daniel not only in the comfort of my lounge at home but also in the car on the road. I hope that there will be further DVD releases of Daniel's USA concerts.

DANIEL O'DONNELLLIVE FROM BRANSON
IF YOU LIKE DANIEL O'DONNELL THEN YOU MUST GET THIS PROGRAM.
IT'S A HAFTA HAVE!!! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Best CD in the history of the world!...Ever!
Wow is this CD incredible! Not only does it have the hit single "meant to live" but it has one of my favorite switchfoot songs, "dare you to move" re-recorded, so it's alot crisper. But what I love most about this album is that is has sooo many cool extras like a never before released track "monday comes around" and it also has cool DVD clips to watch! All in all, this is the most fantastic CD purchase I've ever made.

Fantastically Awesome!
This CD really gives you more for your money! The music is amazing like "Dare You to Move," "This is Your Life" "On Fire" "Beautiful Letdown" "24" "Meant to Love" and every other song on this album is my favorite. (Do really expect me to choose only one?)
Not only that, but the Special Edition DVD really lets you see who the band really is. Switchfoot is not like any other band out there. The DVD has a music video on it and interviews from the band as well as some of their fans. You really get to see Switchfoot exposed!
The sticker looks great on cars, guitar cases, books, lockers, walls, you name it! It's an added plus! This special edition CD is a must have! It's one of the best bargains I've gotten in a while!

Beautiful
I love switchfoot! I can't wait to get their album. Not only ar they a great band, but they are Christian as well!

This album isn't a letdown
I got this album yesterday and I love it so much. Switchfoot is one of the best bands. This album is excellent from start to finish. The dvd is equally good and my favorite part is when Jon gives an acoustic performance of "On Fire". I can honestly say that every song is great. Everyone should get this cd/dvd set. It won't let you down. I love Switchfoot.

Switchfoot is the best
I have listened to this CD over and over again. If I were to say the CD was okay, I'd be lying. This CD is one of the best I've heard in a long time and if someone doesn't like the music or what it stands for they need to pay closer attention to it. Like I said before, this is one of the best CD's to come out for a long time and perhaps will be for a while longer. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If anybody ought to be hugging the velvet teddy bear for releasing I Need an Angel, the follow up to the Idol 2 champ's 2003 Soulful debut, it's the top brass in the gospel music biz. Not only does Studdard give the genre its props by reinvestigating his roots and turning in an entire disc's worth of well-loved renditions, he also, by virtue of his celebrity, will spawn a new audience of secular listeners for the music. Because to hear this stuff--whether you were raised in the church or outside it--is to love it. The spiritual build-up starts with a light touch: Studdard lays his impeccable musical timing and Luther Vandross-like pipes all over the R. Kelly-penned title track, an anthem that recalls Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly." Later come gospel-soul hybrids ("Goin' Up Yonder"), spiritual ballads ("Center of My Joy," the Marvin Winans-penned "Restoration"), gorgeously interpreted traditional numbers ("Amazing Grace" and "Shout to the Lord") and a single twirl-toward-the-pulpit, free-your-demons Alabammy howler ("Fix It, Jesus," featuring the preacher Harvey Watkins, Jr.). Capping a disc that for an artist less blessed could have been inaccessible, alienating, or worse, is a Studdard original: "Don't You Give Up" borrows a hook from the Jackson 5, but it's Studdard we hope will carry on, be it as smooth R&B crooner or a mainstream spreader of spiritual inspiration. -Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jeremy Camp makes no bones about his modern-rock influences. Stay displays strong, unapologetic musical tips of the hat to the likes of Creed and Dave Matthews as Camp wraps his faith-inspired message in a common sounding yet pleasing brand of gritty, blue-collar rock. While power rockers such as "Take My Life" flex their muscles, it's the driving urgency and catchy chorus of "Understand" and the smooth balladry of the string-laden "I Still Believe" that are most appealing. Like fellow Indiana native John Mellencamp, Camp deals head on with some tough issues, as evidenced by "Walk By Faith," a moving testament to Camp's struggle with accepting the death of his young wife, and "I Know Your Calling," a pledge from a man struggling to hold on to faith through tough times. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Honest and Angry
Okay, most people don't start out a review of a worship CD with the word "angry" and call that a good thing. But in this case, when you combine it with "honest," I think it's the highest praise you can give an artist. Like David (who wrote many Psalms, some of them angry), Jeremy Camp doesn't shy away from expressing his anger to God. And not just in his lyrics, but in the passion of his songs (some of which, such as "One Day at a Time" and "Take My Life," reminded me of nothing so much as the recent Daredevil soundtrack -- and that's a positive association).

But he is not always angry. I discovered his music in a very difficult patch of my life, and his faith is remarkable, convicting and inspiring to me. Not only that, it is musically superb.

This CD leaves nothing to be desired (so I hope he can top it on his next outing! ;-) ). Sometimes, I just need loud music, and this guy's got it down. The "hard rock" songs are Stay (4), One Day at a Time (7), and -- my favorite -- Take My Life (11). The latter has lyrics that are as loud and passionate as an emotionally strained Christian could hope for, and yet the message is overwhelmingly positive. These songs feature driving guitar and incredible rhythms. Backing it down, Understand (1) and All the Time (5) are up-tempo but not quite as loud, while the mid-tempo comes in as Right Here (2), Nothing (9), and Walk by Faith (3), which borders on slow.

But his slow songs are as musically rich as his fast ones, and the most beautifully orchestrated and most remarkably faith-filled is I Still Believe (6). My boyfriend heard it on the radio and introduced me to Jeremy Camp, and honestly, it's not my favorite song on the album because I like Camp's fast songs so much. But the lyrics of this song are simply amazing, and the circumstances surrounding his writing make them even more so. He really knows what it means to follow God through difficult situations. (For the full story, check out ... .)

In short, if you like rock music, ballads, and amazing lyrics, you couldn't spend better money this year than to buy this CD.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE CD!! IT ROCKS!
Jeremy Camp's music is incredible! Not only is he an artist in every sense of the word, but his message and testimony are amazing as well! Everyone should buy this CD! Here's a review of the songs:(on a scale of 1-10)
1. Undertstand-(8) This song was his first single for obvious reasons!! It is a great upbeat, rock song with an awesome message of God understanding us through the tough times.
2. Right Here-(7)I really like the catchy chrous that this song offers. Also, the massage of God being everywhere has encouraged me a lot!
3. Walk By Faith-(8) This is one of the first songs that he wrote after his young wife died of cancer. That fact alone has the song make a strong statement when listening.
4. Stay-(9) Ah, the title track...this song is especially special to me because I have some friends that have walked from the faith recently. This encourages them to stay in the light of God. Great song!!!
5. All the Time-(5) This is honestly my least favorite song on the album. It just does not measure up to the others lyrically or musically.
6. I Still Believe-(10) This is the reason I got the album. This is my favorite song!! The first song that Jeremy penned after his wife's death. It has spoken to me deeply about believing in God during trials. This song is great!!
7. One Day At a Time-(10) This is another awesome one!! The song starts out slow, but the chorus progresses to become one of the rockiest parts on the album! Another great one!
8. Breaking My Fall-(10)-This is also up there with my favorites!! This song is a little slower, but the message is incredible! ("this narrow road I'm walking/this world will try to draw/Your Word will help me fight it/with You I can face it all/oh, I saw You breaking my fall")
9. Nothing-(9) This song starts out slow but progresses. It is espcially lyrically strong!
10. I Know You're Calling-(9)-This is another great song. It's a little slower, but that does not make it bad!
11. Take My Life-(10)-This is Jeremy's most rockiest song!! He rocks with his pounding vocals and catchy chorus! He always opens up concerts with this one!
12. In Your Presence-(7) It took me a while to like this one. It's really a worshipful song, but all of Jeremy's song are laced with praise for God. He makes no apologies for showing where his heart is!
All in all, this is an incredible masterpiece! A must buy for anyone! I'm looking forward in February for Carried Me: The Worship Project from Jeremy!

AMAZING
There aren't words to express how truly great this cd is. Jeremy Camp lost his young wife to a bout with cancer. You can hear and feel all the emotions he was going through. He expresses his anger and faith towards God. Every single song is great! This cd is a MUST HAVE for any christian!!!

Jeremy Camp
Jeremy Camp Is the best Christian artist out there today! I really suggest buying both of his CD's. He has an amazing story and is a really nice guy. Not to metion not bad looking!

It's Got Bite
Overall: A bit harder than my casual rock tastes, but it is listenable; especially for tracks 2, 5 and 6. These toned-down songs are more appealing to my aural palette. Lyrics are generally fair to good. I was pleased to hear he covers a wide range of sounds rather than using a cookie-cutter approach. I like variety, even if I don't care for all the sounds that result from such varied approaches. It's worth buying if the price is right.
TRACK COMMENTS:
1 | Sounds like Pearl Jam meets The Church.
2 | Plays frequently on Contemp. Christian radio. Good song.
3 | Reminds me a bit of Duncan Sheik.
4 | Feels like Lifehouse (still some influence from The Church).
5 | Catchy grooves n' riffs. I like it. Better and better as the track progresses.
6 | Soulful and a bit haunting. It's got an orchestral background a la Steven Curtis Chapman. Good.
7 | More Pearl Jam influence. A Cure-influenced counter-melody? Might appeal more to the younger listeners.
8 | Not real impressed.
9 | This is better.
10 | I don't think I like his falsetto inflections, but song is still okay.
11 | Heavy-metal influence. Shadows of the Sandman emerge.
12 | Sounds a bit like L. A. Guns maybe. Hallelujahs are good (still not fond of the inflections). ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Soulful Songs And Stories Cooked Up On Essential Hits Set
This 30-song, one disc collection is Sam Cooke's most lovingly presented and essential single disc released to date. It builds on his 2LP "Man and His Music," itself a revelation when released in the mid-1980s. This set tops it due to remastered sound (this CD has a layer playable in Sony's SACD format), and R&B scholar/author Peter Guralnick's detailed liner notes. Guralnick, author of several books on Southern rock and soul, examines the roots of all 30 songs, performers backing and dueting with Cooke, his inspirations for writing and singing them.

This is important because Sam Cooke's songwriting and storytelling skills are as much his legacy as his Gospel music beginnings, his mysterious, untimely 1964 murder, and his influence on Steve Perry (whose "Lovin' Touchin', Squeezin" was a Cooke tribute of sorts), Rod Stewart (who claimed he listened only to Cooke records for two whole years as a teen), Terrence Trent D'Arby and a generation's rock and R&B singers.

Cooke's chart hits are here, except for the relatively minor "Soothe Me" and "Frankie & Johnny." You get his gentle, intricate vocal trills on his first singles for the Keen in the 1950s (1957's #1 "You Send Me," "Wonderful World," "Cupid"). You get his rethinks of country, blues, even pop standards ("Tennessee Waltz" becomes a gospel rave up; "Little Red Rooster" a slow churn blues with a teenage Billy Preston's extra cheesy organ, "Summertime" a vocal showcase with offbeat rhythm and guitar). Finally, you get Cooke's rollicking humor and detailed lyrics on his dance hits ("Shake," the dancers' garb and moves in "Twistin' the Night Away," the hip DJ requests in "Havin' A Party.")

Guralnick refers often to Cooke's phrasing, which found soul and poetry approximating daily speech. On his greatest artistic achievement, 1964's finale "A Change is Gonna Come," Cooke tops even himself. He takes Bob Dylan's lyrical challenge in "Blowin' In The Wind" (which Cooke admired for being written and performed as pop by whites) and, through hopeful words sung as near-weeping laments, he approximates the timbre and granduer of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech given less than a year before.

"Portrait" set is bookended with Cooke leading Gospel's legendary Soul Stirrers for two songs. They not only define soul's gospel roots but showed Cooke sang a great Bible story as easily as from a cha-cha crowded dance floor, highway prison road gang, or lonely room. For more, reach for his dark, mellow "Night Beat" or the "Man Who Invented Soul" multi-disc. Ultimately, "Portrait" underrates itself; it's more like a small, soulful slice-of=life gallery from one of music's seminal artists.

5 Star Magic from the best voice ever but read before buying
What can I say about one of the most inspiring/soothing singers of all time? Sam Cooke possessed the sweetest voice in soul, and his elegant vocal style inspired almost every singer worth his nickle. He was also a terrific songwriter, and the string of hits created prior to his death in 1964 was unrivaled.

I can hear this CD non-stop for days, weeks,.... It should be mandatory for all singers to listen to this release as it showcases a singer whose delivery was so elegant and did not have to go through vocal gymnastics to bring it home. It did not matter whether he was singing traditional pop, soul, gospel, or (you name it), as it all came back to Sam's voice and elegant delivery.

This collection has all the songs, including the indispensible "A Change Is Gonna Come". Sam's version continues to be THE definitive version and any collection that overlooks it should be banned. As you can imagine I give this my highest recommendation. Also worth noting this release has been remastered to blow away all previous efforts and unlike the previous single CD greatest hits collection, this one has an informative insert that tells us a little bit about the history of the songs.

NOTE: This state-of-the-art digital audio release titled is a magical 31-track greatest hits release that has been replaced the already amazing "The Man And His Music," a 28 greatest hits collection released in the 1980s. There is one downside to the CD as it is a hybrid with SACD capability, so that it will play in regular CD players and those with the SADC technology. The only problem lies in that, like other hybrid SACDs you cannot make a personal copy or grab any of the songs to put in a personal mix. For me that is a huge downside as I make lots of mixes to reflect different moods and favorite all time songs; notwithstanding if you just plan on listening to it and don't mind that you won't be able to pick and choose songs to make a mix, there is no better choice than this release.

During 2003 and now I've found myself listening to the new releases by Al Green and Ron Isley as well as this release, and I am reminded that new artists have it really hard as Sam and others raised the bar so high and so early that it makes it virtually impossible for anyone to make better sounding music. There are some out there who show much promise and I am always trying to support them, but Sam is Sam and God bless him.

OUTTA SIGHT!!!!
THIS IS A TERRIFIC ALBUM BY A TERRIFIC ARTIST. I LIKE EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM. IN FACT, AFTER HEARING THIS ALBUM MADE ME PURCHASE SOME OF THE SOUL STIRRERS GOSPEL MUSIC. I LOVE THIS ALBUM I LOVE SAM COOKE THIS IS A NICE SAM COOKE COMPILATION AND IT INCLUDES A LOT OF MY FAVORITES I WOULD RECOMMEND ANY SAM COOKE FAN TO PURCHASE THIS ALBUM I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Best Cooke collection so far
The treatment of the music of the definitive soul singer, Sam Cooke, during the CD-era, at least so far, has fallen far short of his contributions. Complicating the situation is the split ownership of his catalog. The now out-of-print "Man And His Music" was a decent compilation of Cooke's charted hits but was deservedly criticized for some poor mastering and resultant less-than-optimal sound quality. RCA/BMG released a much better sounding "best-of" a few years ago but by then the later Cooke tracks controlled by ABKCO were not made available for that piece, leaving it as a frustratingly unfinished career retrospective. This collection is from ABKCO and therefore contains those later recordings but fortunately and ironically, contains the earlier stuff, being licensed from RCA. With all this ownership infighting overcome, we finally get a truly high-quality, well-executed overview of the music of Sam Cooke. From a sampling of his seminal early sides with the Soul Stirrers up through his pop and smooth soul golden age on the charts in the mid 60's, this piece represents a "must-have" for any serious or casual CD collection. The generous 30 tracks in the best sound yet with many in stereo, the exceptions being tracks 1-3,5-7,9,10,15,30, is accompanied by an informative liner notes booklet with info on each of the included tracks. As a collector, due to their inane refusal to license anything they control to other willing CD producers, this reviewer bristles whenever seeing the ABKCO name, but credit must be given where credit is due. And here, Cooke's material gets the treatment it deserves. An absolute must.

A Perfect Single-Disc Portrait of Soul Music
James Brown may be the Godfather of Soul, but Sam Cooke created the genre--and no one has done it better since. His first charting single, "You Send Me," sold two million copies and was a No. 1 pop hit for three weeks in 1957. Cooke would go on to place 29 singles in the Top 40 (including three after his untimely death in 1964), and 22 of them are included on this collection.

For fans who have been lamenting the deletion of the 1986 collection THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC, this new anthology is welcome news indeed. Not only does PORTRAIT OF A LEGEND duplicate all but five of that earlier collection's tracks (including the poignant "A Change Is Gonna Come"), the disc is playable as a regular CD and as a Super Audio Compact Disc. [I don't have an SACD player, but the sound quality on my regualr CD player is nothing short of stunning!]

Fans who were hoping for a generous sampling of Cooke's work with the Soul Stirrers will be disappointed. [And the title which includes the dates 1951-1964 would certainly lead you to expect as much.] However, the only Soul Stirrer's track is the gorgeous "Jesus Gave Me Water," recorded during his first sessions with the group just two months after joining in 1951. {Every other track was recorded between 1956-1964.]

Another plus to this new collection is the informative 32-page booklet. Author Peter Guralnick (who is working on a biography of Cooke) includes an essay and insightful track-by-track commentary on each song. Recording session information is included for every track including dates, producer, and musicians used.

The album closes with an uncredited 32-second interview. The interviewer asks Cooke to hum eight bars to show the listeners what soul sounds like. After he's done, the interviewer states,
"Sam Cooke's yours; he'll never grow old." He's right. ESSENTIAL ... Read more