Reviews (144)

Jars puts out a wonderful follow-up.
After a stunning debut, Jars of Clay's sophomore CD goes somewhat of a different route, opting for more overdubbed tracks, and less of the drum machine. The result is an album that is better in my opinion. Many sonic textures exist, ranging from the orchestration in the sober "Frail", to the harder edges of first single "Crazy Times". In between, a variety of high points shine, including a folk-ish gem, ("Hymn"), pure pop songs, ("Five Candles", "Tea and Sympathy"), and subdued ballads, (the title track, "Portrait of an Apology"). The lavish outro harmonies of "Tea and Sympathy" turn a typical pop tune into something very pleasant to listen to. The thoughtful, slight-dance rhythm of "Truce" is quite intriguing, and the seemingly rhetorical "Weighed Down" recalls the first album's hidden song. At first glance, the album seems to lack musical coherence, but the quality of each song helps unite them all together, despite some noticeable experimentation. "Much Afraid" takes the band's talents, as evidenced in the first record, and adds many layers of musical color, creating a brilliant collection of songs.

Jars comes back strong.
After a stunning debut, Jars of Clay's sophomore CD goes somewhat of a different route, opting for more overdubbed tracks, and less of the drum machine. The result is an album that is better in my opinion. Many sonic textures exist, ranging from the orchestration in the sober "Frail", to the harder edges of first single "Crazy Times". In between, a variety of high points shine, including a folk-ish gem, ("Hymn"), pure pop songs, ("Five Candles", "Tea and Sympathy"), and subdued ballads, (the title track, "Portrait of an Apology"). The lavish outro harmonies of "Tea and Sympathy" turn a typical pop tune into something very pleasant to listen to. The thoughtful, slight-dance rhythm of "Truce" is quite intriguing, and the seemingly rhetorical "Weighed Down" recalls the first album's hidden song. At first glance, the album seems to lack musical coherence, but the quality of each song helps unite them all together, despite some noticeable experimentation. "Much Afraid" takes the band's talents, as evidenced in the first record, and adds many layers of musical color, creating a brilliant collection of songs.

Jars' sophomore album is just as good
This was one of the first Jars of Clay CDs I had the pleasure of listening to after I became a fan of the band a few months ago. They are truly amazing, and despite the critics and such, I think they did pretty well with "Much Afraid." It's not only a statement concerning the Christian faith in general, it's a very personal reflection on the band's feelings about reaching out to a secular world with a message of faith and hope. From what Jars has said in interviews they were very "much afraid" to make a follow up to their smash hit self-titled debut because they were mocked by the secular music audience for being too preachy and then scorned by the Christian audience for not being preachy enough...so through rough times, bouts of depression and a passion for Jesus Christ, Jars of Clay wrote some of the most honest, spiritual, poetic and overall some of the best music i've heard from them yet on "Much Afraid." The stand out tracks (in my opinion) are "Crazy Times" which is a painful reminder of the reality of heartache, "Tea and Sympathy" a great observation of a self-serving society, "Frail" a beautiful depiction of humility and "Truce" which is the most eccentric song on the album. Most have blamed the band's third album "If I Left the Zoo" for being the moodiest and the darkest album they've released. However, "Much Afraid" perfectly encompasses a season of despair and confusion, while still reminding us to keep faith. Great music with a powerful message...

Jars' Tea and Sympathy.
"Much Afraid" is my favorite album to date! The tracks are all uplifting and if not for anything, I'd say very personal. The shine comes through the tracks of the tearful "Tea And Sympathy" and the very young sounding Dan Haseltine in "Five Candles". They take a familiar step in the religious "Hymn", very beautiful. I have this album, with the extra tracks such as a remix of "Flood" and the mysterious "The Chair". All the tracks in the album is very well written by the band and are all quality songs. I have three of the albums include "If I Left The Zoo" and "The Eleventh Hour". All the albums made by this band are all meant to touch people's lives and I'm one of them!

Classic J of C
A great album! Many CD's only have a few listenable or memorable songs, but nearly every one on "Much Afraid" is a winner. I especially enjoy the song "Fade to Grey." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mediterranean flourishes mixed with big rock rhythms and flawless pop hooks propel the debut CD by righteous rockers Burlap to Cashmere out from the crowd of new artists into a territory relatively unoccupied in either the Christian or mainstream marketplace. Familial harmonies resonate against nylon-stringed guitars and catchy worldbeat rhythms, while Steven Delopoulos's sweetly gritty voice gives an instrument to his universally spiritual yet uniquely Christian lyrics. Songs like "Digee Dime," "Basic Instructions," and "Anybody Out There?" percolate with Mediterranean heat. While more-conventional pop tunes like "Eileen's Song," "Treasures in Heaven," and "Mansions" are less distinctive, they display the band's deft skill at pop songcraft as well as its impeccable melodies and playing. A remarkable debut. --Bradley S. Caviness ... Read more

Reviews (90)

TREAT YOURSELF.
Buy this cd. This is, by far, the best cd I have ever owned. No exaggeration. "Burlap to Cashmere" is a truly talented group of musicians. Not only are their lyrics original, thought-provoking, catchy, and inspiring, but their MUSIC is fabulous. These guys know how to play music! These are masters at work. I have played their music for a diverse group of people, and EVERYONE who has heard them says they really like them. "Mansions" is an encouraging song with terrific lyrics and fabulous music. "Basic Instructions" will get your feet tapping and before you know it you'll be playing the drums with your pencils. "Eileen's Song" is just simply beautiful. "Treasures in Heaven" is a soft, sweet melody that will stir your soul. Every song on this cd is each worth the price you pay for the whole c.d.; all of them together is a steal! If you don't already have this cd, BUY IT! If you already have it, TELL OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT IT! It's worth it.

Lost potential
I saw these guys open for Jars of Clay in 1998 and was very impressed. I was even more impressed when I bought the cd. There are some excellent and original-sounding songs here. The band mixes influences of Folk, Greek, Flamenco, Spanish, and Rock all into one. The highlights are the title track, Basic Instructions, Mansions, and Divorce.

It's a shame this band didn't last very long. They were truly talented and in my opinion, a breath of fresh air in Contemporary Christian music.

Best
Must say I'm sorry that burlap is no longer... Maybe one of best bands ever... Have two copies of this album just in case. Would not accept be without it...

Folksy, energetic world music
I bought this album in 1999 on a friend's recommendation without ever having heard any of the songs on it. I am so glad I did.

I was never a big Christian music fan, because I always found the lyrics cheesy and the music sub-par. Thankfully, that trend has changed, and contemporary Christian artists are now some of the most talented in the business! This is certainly the case with Burlap to Cashmere!

The second track on this album, "Eileen's Song" recieved airplay in 2000 on college and soft rock radio stations, and is probably the most well-known Burlap song, and is typical of the smooth ballads on "Anybody Out There?". But the rest of the album is an energetic mixture of different world sounds - Latin and Middle Eastern percussion mixed with flamenco-style guitars, with Rusted Root-esque delivery. Most of the lyrics have subtle Christian lyrics, with the exception of "Basic Instructions" (from the B.I.B.L.E. acronym ~ "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"), so while this *is* a Christian rock album, it's isn't so preachy that it puts off non-Christians.

This album would be a great addition to your Christian rock or world music collection, and is a wonderful driving CD.

Awesome, gorgeous music whether you're Xtian or not.
This is truly an excellent release of uplifting and gorgeous easy listening rock/pop. The songs are not overtly 'in your face' bible thumping christian ones, which to me is a good thing, given my agnosticism approach to cosmology, philosophy, and religion, in general. With so many religions and philosophies abounding, I logically cannot bear allegiance to one approach, whether it be christianity or any other religion. In any case, the passion and fervor of this band's delivery is first rate. The songs are extremely well crafted, and accessible to anyone with an appreciation of great songwriting. As a side note, Steven Delopoulos (vocalist) now has a solo CD out called 'Me Died Blue'. It is beyond amazing and then some! ... Read more

Amazon.com

These Georgia rockers rode a tidal wave of fame after their superb Offerings release in 2000 netted a ton of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations. The ensuing whirlwind found them clinging tighter than ever to the foundation of their faith as well as to their music. The aptly titled Come Together melds the group's immense talent into a compelling must-have release. Mac Powell's growling vocals have always been a signature for the band and that hasn't changed. But thanks to producer Monroe Jones, Come Together also illuminates the fine guitar work of Brad Avery and Mark Lee, all the while supported by the skin-tight rhythm of bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr. The driving rocker "Get On" is balanced by the gorgeous balladry of "It's Alright." In between the two, Third Day beautifully rock our world, and for that we should be grateful. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Keepin' It Real
I fell in love with Third Day when I bought their albums "Time" and "Offerings". The incredible worship they perform is wonderful to hear, because it's not boring or trite... it's upbeat, it's genuine, and it's original songs written themselves. I purchased "Come Together" as soon as it came out, anxious to hear what else Third Day had come up with. There are some great songs, such as "My Heart", that I honestly love. However, I had to cut them down to 4 stars out of 5, because at the end of the CD, I was a little disappointed. Perhaps it was the fact that the entire album was very upbeat and peppy, and I felt it lacked some of the deeper, mellower Third Day that I love. However, don't let my personal bias affect your opinion of this album. It's great, and definitely worth your listen- my deeper needs just weren't satisfied.

Great album
This new album by Third Day is a great follow-up to the wonderful Offerings cd. This album is close to matching the emotion and beauty found in Offerings. It has the beautiful slow ballads that helped put Third Day on the map, and the rock tunes that interest new fans. "Get On", "Forty Days", and "Come Together" are the most uptempo songs on the cd. "Come Together" being an excellent choice for an opener. The album is slowed down with the lilting "Its Alright" and "My Heart". The slower songs having beautiful string arrangements that give a very relaxing atmosphere to the album. The guitar work on the album is superb as is the musicianship by the rest of the artists. Mac Powell scratchy vocals and poignant lyrics continue to "wow" the masses. Definitely another excellent album by Third Day. Christians will love the album for it truly does capture the grace of worshipping the Lord. Not as good as Offerings, but great nonetheless.

Classic Third Day
If you don't tell anyone that Third Day plays Christian music, chances are they'll say that they're an excellent and talented rock band, which they are. Too bad secular society turns away from anything "Christian." They don't know what they're missing. Christian music is more powerful and progressive than ever. I never used to think that, but just give this album a listen and you just might form the same opinion as me. My favorite tracks on this CD are: When The Rain Comes; It's Alright, Show Me Your Glory, and Sing Praises.

Probably my favorite Third Day review
Third Day is my absolute favorite band - from Mac Powell's incredible voice (I have never heard another like it) to their stellar musical backgrounds, they are, in my opinion and that of many other people I know (including non-Christians), at least as good as many secular bands out there. 3 Doors Down is taking the country by storm right now, and while I like many of their songs, every time I hear them I can't help but think, "Third Day without Mac Powell." (And Third Day has been around longer. Possibly another case of the secular music world taking cues from CCM, as with the secular NOW collections, patterned after CCM's WOW collections?)

Oh, and for the man who wrote the first review, if this is trailer trash rock, then so are Creed, 3 Doors Down, Staind and many other rock bands who are incredibly popular right now. In my own personal opinion Third Day has outdone any one of those bands, in great part due to Mac Powell's singing voice.

This is an excellent CD and along with "Time" is about my favorite by Third Day. "I Don't Know" is currently my favorite song and I also love "Show Me Your Glory" (I've heard that one played in a Major League Ballpark - Third Day is beginning to gain secular notice) and "Nothing Compares".

Jesus is THE Rock, and these guys Rock about Jesus
Fantastic album. Mac Powell's voice all filled with gravel and depth is great. If you don't want to rock your praises, then pass on this one, but if you want some heavy praise, then buy this one! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fight the Tide--impressive variety and quality
Fight the Tide is Sanctus Real's sophomore release following their much-admired 2002 release, Say it Loud. After winning two Dove awards and being voted best new artist in 2003 by CCM readers, Sanctus Real has made quite the arrival into Christian rock music. Fight the Tide exceeds Say it Loud and shows the listener that Sanctus Real has matured-Fight the Tide is more intentional and more diverse. The variety of the songs both musically and lyrically is exceptional. Apart from "Say Goodbye" which resembles a ballad, the songs are upbeat and move at a dynamic pace. Some have a more acoustic sound than others but each song offers brilliant vocals, guitar, and drums. The songs are catchy but not at all cliché. "Things like You" and "Deeds" explain common themes in original ways that start you thinking. "Change Me" and "Closer" are highly introspective. "Message" and "Where Will They Go" inspire us to be bold. "Everything About You" and "The Show" convey an awe for God that leaves us breathless and impressed. I hardly ever like a cd the first time I listen to it, but Fight the Tide got me right away. And the more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it. If you are into great rock music with quality lyrics, Fight the Tide is for you. Go to SanctusReal.com to preview all of the songs and find out more about Sanctus Real. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jars of Clay are well established as one of Christian music's pre-eminent bands. In less than a decade, Jars have racked up numerous awards and sold millions of CDs, and prompted musicians of all stripes to marvel at the group's magical guitar interplay. But can they pull it off live? Furthermore answers that question with a riveting live-performance disc curiously paired with a less-than-riveting studio disc. From the powerful opening riffs by Stephen Mason and Matt Odmark in "Disappear" to Dan Haseltine's dramatic vocal in "Worlds Apart," the players prove that their master musicianship carries over to the live setting. The band even rocks out hard in the raveups "I'm Alright" and "Revolution." The studio disc is highlighted by the beautiful "Valley Song (Sing of Your Mercy)" and the poignant "Needful Hands." Unfortunately, the rest of the studio set is filled with rather uninspiring versions of previous Jars hits. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Jars at their BEST!!
For everyone who loved the self-titled CD so many years ago, here's a chance to hear a few songs with fresh sound! From the Studio: features 3 new songs, as well as re recordings of 7 oldies. Liquid is quite different, but Love Song is my favorite on this disc! It's classic Jars, with better sounding vocals and guitarwork than the original. The second disc brilliantly captures the energy of a live show. This album lives up to everything Jars has done previously! They continue to be, quite simply, the best band out there!

Jars Fans REJOICE!
Jars of Clay is one of my favorite bands, so when I saw FURTHERMORE, their new CD, there was no question that I'd buy it, in spite of being broke. Some things are more important than money, like music that feeds the spirit. This CD does just that.

Furthermore is a 2-CD set, 91 minutes total, with 10 studio cuts and 11 from the stage.

Seven of the 10 studio cuts are a reprise of earlier works: Overjoyed (Much Afraid); Liquid, Frail, and Love Song for a Savior (Jars of Clay); Needful Hands; and a couple others I don't recognize. These songs aren't lifted and copied from earlier CDs. They're more pared down versions of the originals with less studio production but the same attention to melody, lyric, and vocals. The lyrics to the three new tunes (The Valley Song, Dig, and Redemption) are inside the jewel case. Redemption is definitely my favorite. This melodic ballad seems to say God's redemption is still available to us in the most unexpected places and in spite of our failures and frailty. Nice slide guitar and harmonica touches. This band understands that "less is more" and keeps the lyric and melody as the centerpiece of each tune.

The 11-tune live CD is mostly songs Jars have done before with a blues-type medley thrown in near the middle. This blues interlude cost the CD one star in my review. I'm not a blues fan and would've preferred the band had stayed in more familiar waters. But the fans enjoyed it, and enthusiastic participation from the audience comes through loud and clear. Live cuts include Like A Child, Flood, and Worlds Apart (Jars of Clay); Crazy Times (Much Afraid); a couple from If I Left the Zoo and the title track from 11th Hour. There's a beautiful live rendition of This Road (City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise). What a great worship song. I love the subtle reverb on the guitar in this tune. Worlds Apart finishes up the live disc, with a decidedly unrushed, every-lyric-clearly-enunciated pace. This version is filled with emotion like the original and closes with Jars' trademark "Hallelujah" doxology at the end of the show.

Furthermore has the same thought-provoking, inspiring songs that Jars gave us in the 90s when they were new to the music scene. They've kept true to their task of writing intelligent, poetic music that worships and glorifies Christ. I highly recommend FURTHERMORE.

Give me more stage, throw out the studio!!!
So, after reading some of the other mediocre reviews, I thought I'd drop my own opinion. I too had JUST seen JoC in concert and was completely blown away. Their version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" made me pee my pants. Okay, embarrassing moment, ANYWAYS, it was a good concert yadda, yadda, yadda. Now down to the cd Furthermore: Stage. If you want a collection of music that is up-beat and positive, this is your cd. While driving along any lengthy stretch of road, I throw this cd on and sing (or hum if this is your first jars cd) all the way to my destination. The Stage IS a greatest hits album. They took the only song off the horribly overproduced Much Afraid album ("Crazy Times") and hardly even touched If I Left the Zoo (Which was a BRILLIANT decision by music/concert producers). They stuck straight to the two albums that are defining for what fans love of Jars. Eleventh Hour and Self-Titled are simply the best albums lyrically and musically. The live versions of all your favorite songs are on this cd (with the exception of "Liquid") making this a true greatest hits cd. If you even remotely like Jars, the Stage will have your favorite song on there guaranteed. Now, I think most true Jars fans should leave because here comes in the "3 stars" rating. Furthermore: Studio is an example of why I hate musically producing "redos". "Liquid" by far is one of THE greatest songs by JoC, now... ruined, by a crappy production and Dan trying to sing it all soft like (and where are my catholic monks?). I wanted to cry from my inner ear pain. Now, I must say the complete acoustic version of "Eleventh Hour" is the shining moment on that cd. But come on now, what intelligent band re-does a song off an album released JUST 11 months ago. Who does that? My suggestion, redo some songs that are just crappy recordings, like "Boy on a string". Redo that song with some decent mic placement and do it some justice. While you're at it, take "Scarlet" and get rid of that stupid guitar arrangement. If you are new to jars, I hope you agree to take Furthermore:Studio and hide it until you listen to Stage. Then, when you are addicted to every song, and what to buy the first album and Eleventh Hour, wait three months before pulling out Studio. Ah heck, just throw Studio away. It's that bad.

2 cd, 3 new songs, brilliant reworkings!
This is a 2 cd collection comprising one disc of re-recorded studio songs (and 3 new songs), and another disc of live songs.

The studio disc features stripped, more acoustic, slowed down versions of 'Overjoyed' and 'Liquid', giving the songs a new flavour. 'Liquid' in particular is almost unrecognisable in its new form. Great!

'Frail' is made with a light jazz feel, and enchanting guitar work.

Kicking off the new songs is 'The valley song', which is a beautiful sing-along song about trust and hope in God, even in times of great loss (the song was inspired by a death).

Next (of the new songs) is 'Redemption', and the awesome 'Dig', a gentle acoustic ballad that shows off Dan Haseltine's vocals to perfection. It's a cover version of a song about some ongoing quest.

Disc two features standouts like 'Flood' (which sounds even better with the audience participating), 'I'm alright' and 'Revolution' which really rock. The standout is the closing song, 'Worlds apart' which is almost eleven minutes of heavenly bliss, poignant in its beauty.

Surprised and satisfied
I had hesistated to buy "Furthermore" as a Christmas present for my brother because I saw that the studio songs were mostly a collection of songs off of past records and I wasn't sure if it was worth it to buy another Jars of Clay album with the same songs as other albums. But when I popped it into the cd player I was pleasantly surprised with the different ways they had put the songs together. They were stripped down, but still had that brilliance that is Jars of Clay. I really liked the simple, yet beautiful way they put the acoustics together. The live cd is wonderful as well; Jars of Clay is brilliant live. They were amazing at the summer concert I went to and have produced a cd that does not fail to deliver. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After releasing three widely acclaimed discs and receiving a plethora of awards and accolades, Jars of Clay return to their roots on The Eleventh Hour, revisiting the guitar-driven pop formula that launched their careers. Gone is the experimentation of If I Left the Zoo, replaced with more direct approaches, like the pounding rock of "Revolution" and the acerbity of "Whatever She Wants." Matt Odmark's fine guitar work and Dan Haseltine's Everyman vocals resonate with gut-wrenching soul searching and joyous redemption, as the haunting doubts of "Silence" are answered by the hope of the closing "The Edge of Water." Once again, Jars of Clay have released an insightful masterpiece on the human spirit and those in-between days that define our struggle for faith, and it stands as a road marker for just how far these four talented lads have come. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (125)

Jars of Clay doing what they do best!
Jars of Clay has finally produced a masterpiece on The Eleventh Hour by doing what they do best: They are masters at minor chord offerings that are written from a perspective of humility, need & weekness. Much afraid hinted at this with songs like Frail and Much afraid but their next album If I left the Zoo saw Jars disappointedly retreating back to the upbeat song style that they just do not excel at. Fortunately somwhere between If I left the Zoo and The Eleventh Hour the guys realized where their genius lies. This album is truly a masterpiece. One other reviewer mentioned that this album is the greatest Christian album since Joshua Tree. I had the same exact thought when I first heard this album. Many of the songs are anthemic in nature like those on the Joshua Tree and these types of songs sung from an attitude of humility and need tend to remind us of our bond with God and others. I would also recommend their double CD called Furthermore. It includes a studio CD and a live CD. The studio CD has some different versions of songs off of the Jars previous albums that are done much more in sync with the style Jars excel at. I am looking forward to what Jars will offer us next time out knowing that no matter what, they have made the album they were meant to make.

Jars of Clay have done it again
I've never heard a Jars of Clay CD that I didn't enjoy. I just don't believe that they are capable of making bad music. In spite of the fact that they continue to grow musically, and do not allow themselves to be limited to particular sound, they have always succeed at making wonderful CDs that keep G-d at the forefront without being annoyingly preachy. I had a chance to see the band in concert, promoting this CD, and they were similarly amazing. As good as the music sounds on the CD, there's no comparison to how wonderful the guys are in concert. The music on The Eleventh Hour rocks a lot more than that on If I Left the Zoo, but nothing is lost in the faster tempo. The lyrics, the vocals, it's all still there. I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes good music, and not just to Christians or fans of Christian rock. This is a CD that you will listen to again and again.

JoC, meet Classic Rock, Classic Rock meet JoC
Who is this band? Where are my stringed instruments and WHO BOUGHT THE DRUM KIT!?!? Jokes aside, this incredibly versatile band bent one more time for a market that had now opened up. For years, KLOVE would not play heavy alternative sounding Christian rock that only devil worshipers listened too. But with the growing popularity of AIR1, Jars now had a venue to break into. So sell those violins and pick up the Fender because here comes "Disappear"! It's like waking up from a bad piano/acoustic playing dream, to a screaming guitar. "The Eleventh Hour" and "Edge of the Water" are signs of just how comfortable JoC are with their musical talent. But then 'it' comes. You get to track #5 and you hear the opening acoustic strum, followed by the all too popular JoC synth beat. A sense of urgency falls over you as you are pummeled by the train on the 11th Hour album cover. As "I Need You" gets into the chorus, shivers shake your soul. A worship song to end all worship songs, "I Need You" expresses the reality that most Christians face now. We've abandoned God and now we need him desperately. The layering guitar work and ambient vocals shroud this album in a layer of mystery. When the mist clears, your experience with the Eleventh Hour will find you asking a lot of questions that the world can't answer. Only He can.

Faith-Affirming
I was reluctant to purchase this CD---I knew that the band was dulling the Christianity of its lyrics in order to reach the mainstream. I'd seen them in concert and been wholly unimpressed with their testimony. I'd heard the gossip (from the guitar student or something of one of their earliest band members, years after the fact---that most reliable of sources) that the group was shaky in their spirituality. But I had a gift certificate I had to use immediately, and this was available.

People, this music carried me through some spiritual and emotional misery. "The Eleventh Hour" became my theme for the summer. As plan after plan fell through, I had to assert continually with the band, "Let the eleventh hour quickly pass me by / I'll find you when I think I'm out of time." The eleventh hour was raw, but it passed, and I found Him. That song, to me, defines faith in the middle of a dark night, and proved to be a dim light helping me stay on course.

"Silence" packs a punch. "Something Beautiful" is worth it just for the chorus. If I understand "The Edge of Water" correctly, it is one of the most brilliant lyrics I have ever heard, longing for a second Creation. Of course there are some "throw-away" tracks on here if you're listening with religious value in mind. The deep, subtle undercurrent of Christianity, though, surprised, delighted, and nourished me. Evangelical campaigns against hypocrisy should leave this record alone.

Enjoyable album
Personally, I have always thought that Jars of Clay first album has been their best. It is nice to see them return to form on this effort - the result is an enjoyable album which presents a wide range of their talent.

The song writing on this album is excellent. They move from hard hitting songs like "Revolution" and "Whatever she wants" to the more melodic "The Eleventh Hour" to much slower ones like "Silence" and "I need you" with great success. I really like the fact that the band is not using a set formula, or sound for conveying their love for God. Of course, their lyrics can be somewhat subtle in terms of their belief in Jesus, but you can identify their faith if you listen closely to the words.

I recommend this album to any Jars of clay fan. If you have not liked the last few albums, give this one a try, I think you will enjoy it. If you are unfamiliar with the band, I would recommend that you buy their first one, and then this add this one later. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

More Mature Amy as She Grew into her Music and in Her Life
After listening to her earliest albums, full of contemporary pop tunes, this album was a complete shocker for me. It was a different sound. No longer were her songs Pollyanna-like and always optimistic, it dug deep inside the soul to expose some of the dark hurdles that we all struggle with. What an amotional impact!

A more different sound, it may take listeners some time to get used to this CD but after several listening sessions, this album shines as one of Amy's best albums for its mature lyrics and complicated arrangements.

Some of my favorites: "1974", "Lead Me On", "Saved By Love", "Faithless Heart" (one of the most beautiful songs ever written), "All Right" and "Say Once More".

Let's talk about "Say Once More." This is not the same song that is on "Never Alone", an earlier album. This is a completely different song. This has become one of my most favorite songs. What a beautiful song! I think this song is the one that is the clincher for all buyers! The overlaying vocals at the end of the song really bring me to a deeper spiritual place. I have to be careful when I drive when I listen to this song in the car.

Amy's absolute greatest!
She says it's her former husbands album but this has so much personality and personally agressive lyrics. Musically it literally paved the way for other folk rock pop artists like Sheryl Crow and Natalie Imbruglia to wallow in much more lucrative careers. This album was certainly ahead of it's time and certainly ahead of Amy's time since she revisited this genre on "Behind the Eye's" which is also a good album but doesn't meet the same emotional and spiritual impact this particular album most certainly achieves. Particularly the teaming with Jimmy Webb on "If these walls could speak" and the collaborative effort on "Say Once More" with Gardner Cole, Amy shows she is one the greatest team players in music today. "Faithless Heart" written by her and Michael W Smith is the last effort they worked on together before fame got the best of Amy but this song always seems to haunt me even to this day. I am sure it probably haunts her too. Keep writing Amy! You're an inspiration to us all!

I was indeed 'lead on...'
Amy Grant made a big name for herself with the release of the single "Find a Way" from her dalmation-accented "Unguarded" LP in the mid 80s. Long a darling of Christian wedding planners and dewey-eyed young converts in evangelical churches, Amy decided to give 'em a little Heck with a cross-over album. "Unguarded" got her a some flack from the pastor, but a lot of listens from the rest of us. Who could not help but sing along to the refrain "Love will find a way (clap-clap)...?" Could this artist become musically and culturally relevant with a decent message (or at least unoffensive lyrics) for us church kids? Most of us agreed she had accomplished just that, and we ate it up.

What was not expected was the follow up album, released a couple of years later. With great anticipation I purchased the CD, drove home and slammed into the Panasonic. What greeted me was a dry, unhappy-sounding album... I was profoundly dissapointed and considered returning it to the store for credit (maybe for A-Ha's latest?). But before I did that, I gave it one more spin. Then another, and another.

Soon it was clear that I had come to "Lead Me On" with all of the wrong expectations. Amy had actually grown, and was showing us her darker, human side, as it were (her lyrics almost insinuated she was a sinner!). Soon the honesty of the album soaked in, and I was transfixed. The track that really hit me was "Lead Me On," and to this day I cannot play that song without a tear forming. But that is just one sublime moment from this amazing set... it just gets better and better, from the soaring, airy intro track to the sizzling electric fiddle solo to the ethereal ending vocal.

Amy has never reached the depth of personal revelation quite as effectively as she did with "Lead Me On." However, moments of the new "Simple Things" are every bit as phenomenal, like the track "Out in the Open." She definitely still has the skills, but "Lead Me On" was the first and best showcase of her deep and abiding talents in the context of a tested faith. I give it an A+.

the best!
I think this is Amy Grants best CD ever! the songs have meaning and are very catchy...you can't go wrong with getting this one!

What can I say except #1, #1, #1!
Amy Grant really put her faith in retrospective with this CD. I (and everyone else that's listened to it) think LEAD ME ON is an excellent way to not only spread her faith, but to show her maturity. I am totally with CCM when they quoted this album the best Christian CD of all time. I am a very big Amy Grant fan, and this was the 6th CD I got by her. At first, the album didn't really touch me. But after a while, it started to get in my heart. It really touched me. If you want to buy an Amy Grant CD, get this one! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Looking for a great CD to show to those who say Christian bands can't rock? Well, you've come to the right spot. For nearly a decade, Audio Adrenaline have been living proof that some Jesus freaks can indeed rock. Seventeen tracks, including two new ones (the blitzkrieg anthem "Will Not Fade" and "One Like You"), chronicle the group's electric and insightful rock & roll. The more accessible pop gems like "Get Down," "Walk on Water," and "Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus" are balanced by wall-of-guitar slams like "I'm Not the King" and "Some Kind of Zombie." Fans and newcomers alike will also enjoy the rockabilly raver "DC-10." Like most Forefront artists, Audio Adrenaline have pushed the borders of today's Christian rock with their creative and energetic brand of music. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Edgy, fun, party-style rock that still maintains the message
Audio Adrenaline is a band that's been around for over 10 years (since 1988) and still rocks the house. Their sense of humor, great lyrics, wonderful live shows, and awesome songwriting has left them adored by thousands of fans all over the world. This, their first Greatest Hits collection, is as solid as their rock.

The two new takes - "Will Not Fade" and "One Like You" - will become instant favorites. Mark's trademark vocals are still right on. Actually, one of the most fun parts about this record is how everything is placed. The CD flows seamlessly from one song to another, and they're all put in an order that doesn't leave you sighing at a soft song and suddenly being blasted by a loud one in the next moment.

Still, some highlights I must point out: "I'm Not the King", "Blitz", "Some Kind of Zombie", "Chevette", "We're A Band", "Big House" (which was voted Song of the Decade for the 90's in CCM), "Mighty Good Leader", "Rest Easy", and "Underdog." Heck, everything on the CD's great.

Don't miss out on this one! It's the perfect trip down memory lane for the fan, and the perfect sampler of the band for the new listener. Rock on Audio Adrenaline and the message they've carried for 10 years 'n countin'!

Look for a new Audio A record to release near the end of this year. :-)

An excellent album for short-time and long-time fans alike
I bought this CD to get a good sampling of Audio Adrenaline's best stuff, and I am very pleased with it. I can play the whole CD through and be happy for almost the whole thing, which is saying a lot for a 17-track disk. It has definitely encouraged me to further explore the very talented Audio Adrenaline. They are one of the best Christian bands out there. I will continue to listen to this album for a long time. It has many awesome songs. I would recommend this CD to both long-time fans of Audio Adrenaline as well as those recently interested in them. For those who are already fans, it includes new stuff that is very good. Will Not Fade is a great rock song and so is One Like You. Definitely a good buy, especially at the low price you are likely to find at mainstream and Christian stores. It is definitely one of the best greatest hits albums ever, and this is because the band is so great that it has really great hits! No filler, all pure, God-focused rock!!

Truly a Best of the Best.
Don't you love bands that issue a best of after 2 albums? Well this is AAs sixth album, and they could have issued a double CD based on what they have done with their first 5 albums. And if it weren't for Worldwide, I'd say Hit Parade is their best album. This is a great rock album, but what I am saying is that Worldwide is even better.. maybe. Their power, creativity and well crafted music is stunning for its excellent quality. Their music is a throw back to the great rock music of the 70s and 80s. At times they have sharp powerful guitar, strong vocals and harmonies, heavy base and pounding drums. Then when they slow it down there is a beauty to word, music and message. And amazingly, as great as the music is on Hit Parade, you have to check out Worldwide.

This Best of takes 1 song from their self titled album. AAs Audio Adrenalin was of a different style and only the mediocre DC10 made the cut to be on Hit Parade. I won't have put anything from this album on the Best of so I guess they had to do one. I would rather have seen any of 12 songs chosen from Bloom or Zombie instead. I guess you could buy the other two and check me out on that.

From Don't Censor Me they include the fast paced Were a Band, the easy listening Rest Easy and the fun for kids to sing Big House. These are the only songs from that album I might have selected myself.

Their third album Bloom from 1996 is an awesome album and any of 10 out the 13 songs could have been put on a Best of. They only selected 4. Bloom has so many good songs that even though you might buy Hit Parade I think you'll love Bloom. That way you'd get 7 more songs that I rate from a 3 to a 5.

From the album Some Kind of Zombie 10 of 10 songs made my best of, but they only had room for three, all rockers, all good, Chevette, Some Kind of Zombie and Blitz. Buy Zombie anyway because there are 7 more songs that are all good!

Then we get to the album Underdog, their fifth. 5 of the 12 songs made the cut to Hit Parade. Only 6 songs from this album made my cut, but it included the 5 they selected. The sixth one that did not make it was Its Over, which is a 4 star song written for the end of a concert. When I saw they they finished up Light a Fire from Worldwide and simulated the smashing of their guitar Who style. Anyone the The Who? Who?

AA also gives us 2 new songs on Hit Parade and I like them both a lot. The rocker Will Not Fade and then they slow it down for One Like You. Both are 4 stars.

If any one that tells you that Christians can not rock, let them listen to Hit Parade. Then play them Zombie and Worldwide and they might react as I did. AA is now my favorite band. To bad VH1 excluded them from their 100 best rock bands. I am 50 something and as far as I'm concerned they have more great music than anyone except the Beatles. Hyperbole? I think they have made more and better than even the Stones, Led Zeppelin or Styx. This band could have been huge in the secular world, but chose not to.

It will be interesting to see how they top what they have already accomplished. If they never do, who cares? Look what they have given us so far. But to quote their own song, "I'm not the king, I just sing". Yes they do. Jedimack.

The Best
Simply put, this is the Best CD I have every owned. I lost it once and had had had to buy another. I cann't live without it.
A Must Have!

A Great intro into Christian Rock
Right, well as everyone else says, Audio Adrenaline is simply an amazing band. I had the pleasure of seeing them play this past August at SoulFest in NH, and they were phenomenal. As a good many of the songs on this CD suggest they are truly a Christian "rock" band, with concert highlights that include crowd surfing, a member of the band sporting a mohawk, and other stuff. But on to Hit Parade itself. In my opinion, Hit Parade is easily AA's best, surpassing even Underdog and Lift(both great alubms themselves). The songs here are just the right mix of in your face rock, snappy pop tunes, and of course some great slower paced songs. Highlight songs for me are: Some Kind of Zombie (I don't want to call it metal, but it's definitely harder rock than most) Big House, Hands and Feet, Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus, and Rest Easy (Best song on the CD, quite underrated). In short, grab this CD if you want a great intro to Christian rock, or if you're already a fan of the genre looking for something a bit more peppy and lively than Jars of Clay. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

WOW, It totally moved my soul to a new level!
Amy has come under fire for the direction her music has taken. Even here in the reviews, I see some of the "judgement". The Lord has used Amy to impact so many peoples lives and to know Him in a much deeper way. Amy followed the direction she felt she was being lead. "Age to Age" was the first Christian album I ever purchased back in 1983. It changed my life forever! "Raining on the inside" touched me so deeply, it caused me to sit and listen to this album over and over for 3 hours, just sobbing. What and incredibly moving experience this album was and continues to be. If you like Amy, you will love this one! A must have CD! Another "must have" from Amy Grant is "Lead Me On". That is by far one of the best albums ever made.

Seminal Christian Pop
From the day I bought this record (yes, that far back), it ruled my music until Amy's next album, Straight Ahead, came out. I fell in love with Rich Mullins, Gary Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Kathy Troccoli, DeGarmo & Key, Billy Sprague, Michael Card and the whole Nashville Christian Music scene because of the tender, energetic, hopeful work on this album and in Amy's work to that point. From the classical notes beginning "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" (track 6, which begins side 2 in the tape or record, but is the best of the album) to the hope on "Arms of Love", it was my spiritual life and love. The honesty, the faith, the determination to live for Christ in "I have decided", the encouragement in "Don't Run Away", Michael Card's wonderful praise and work on "El Shaddai", the failure and hope in "In a Little While"- every track is a keeper for the disciple of Jesus. While not current, it is timeless in its message and unique in the history of Contemporary Christian music.

Non-Christians: Don't dismiss this album!!
All pop music lovers should own "Age To Age."

This album has "skins on the wall." It was the first CCM album in history to go platinum. CCM Magazine, using two different sets of criteria and reviewers, ranked it once as the #3 CCM album of all time and then again as the fifth best LP/CD in history. The supporting artists involved with the album became practically a Who's Who of CCM.

But ultimately it's not about the accolades, it's about the music. "Age To Age" is sometimes reverent ("El Shaddai"), somtimes rejoicing ("Sing Your Praise To The Lord"), and sometimes just plain fun ("Fat Baby"). But every track, whatever it's personality, contains perfectly crafted pop music.

If you're a Christian, this album will speak to you in a special way. If you're not, just think of this as an album of love songs (which it is). If you like 80's Adult Contemporary music, you will love "Age To Age."

SOME EXAMPLE SHE IS
The music may have been ok back in the 80s.. but we have seen the true Amy in the past decade. Some example of Christianity. I dont think so. Listen at your own risk.

Brings Back Memories...
When my sister and I were little, my mom would play this record every morning while she tried getting us out of bed and ready for school. I remember waking up and hearing the wonderful sound of Amy Grants voice and seeing my mom floating around the house singing.

I was six when this record came out and am 26 now, and I think its time to buy this CD for myself. I would love for my kids to feel the same why I do about this CD when they get older! ... Read more

Reviews (40)

A great Gospel record
Dylan's "Christian" phase (Slow Train Coming, Saved, Shot of Love, Infidels) produced some of his very best music. "Saved" is the most "gospel-y" of the four, and redefines the gospel genre in the same way he had successively done for folk, rock, and country (and later did for blues). If in-your-face Christianity makes you uncomfortable, you won't like this album, but anyone who likes gospel music (or any sort of Christian music) must not miss it.

The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that it's not for everybody. Dylan is in a musical groove here that is as compelling as in his great trilogy from the mid-70's (Planet Waves, Blood on the Tracks, Desire). "Shot of Love" had greater individual songs (Property of Jesus, Lenny Bruce, The Groom's Still Waiting at the Altar, Every Grain of Sand), and "Infidels" was more varied and complex, and "Slow Train Coming" was more of a revelation, but "Saved" is the most consistent of the four and the one which works best as a coherent whole.

For this reason, I don't like to single out songs, because they're all excellent and have a cumulative impact. The lyrics are clear, powerful, and theologically both sound and deep ("What Can I Do For You?" and "Saving Grace" showing particular originality). Dylan's vocals are full of such unmistakable joy, thanksgiving, love of God, and concern for humanity that it's impossible for any Christian not to be deeply moved.

The backing band is terrific, with creative arrangements and notable piano playing from Spooner Oldham. Dylan's female background singers, led by Clydie King, have been criticized by some for their over-the-top enthusiasm on his other records from the period, but here their gospelly flair is perfect.

After 1983 Dylan moved away from overtly Christian music. His change in musical style has led some to conclude he's lost his faith, but it's clear from many songs on 1989's "Oh Mercy", 1993's "World Gone Wrong", and 1997's "Time Out of Mind", as well as the old gospel songs he sings in concerts sometimes, that God is still with him and he's still "Pressing On".

Rollicking, Emotional, Sincere - among the best
In the early days of Dylan's career, it took Joan Baez's ANY DAY NOW (ASIN/B000000EKG) and other folk rockers to reveal to people the amazing lyrical nature of Dylan's melodies, which were often concealed behind his now-famous "raunching and rheuming voice" (Tom Wolfe.) Interestingly, once his musicality is discovered, that voice is found to reveal more with its vulnerability and transparency. You don't want anyone else but Dylan to sing, "How does it feeeel.." or "Seeeerve somebody."

SAVED is stuck in the blind spot for many reviewers. This time it is not the voice, but the testimony (to use the Christian word.) And the negative reviews are hiding behind pecksniffian dismissal of the songs' "lack of musicality" or "lyrical depth" or other phrases that seem to have been stolen from a smarmy NPR review. I can prove it: take a listen to the album GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY: THE GOSPEL SONGS OF BOB DYLAN (ASIN/B00008NGAJ) by the likes of Aaron Neville, Dottie Peoples, Sounds Of Blackness, or Rance Allen. Listen to Saved, Pressing On, Are You Ready - and tell me that there is ANY lack of musical variety and beauty (as well as joy and inspriration) or lyrical insight!

Then, of course, return and listen to Dylan do the same songs. Who else can touch the ache of the heart, speaking to its maker, "What can I do for you?" or praise Him for a "covenant woman?" or the committment to keep "pressing on."

This is a fantastic album. By the way, on the GOSPEL SONGS CZD, Dylan covers his own Change My Way Of Thinking, that will blow you socks off.

Dylan's WORST Album
I used to own the vinyl version. It made a lovely ashtry.

Seriously: SKIP THIS ALBUM. I own almost every album by Dylan, but I threw this one away. Literally.

Dylan was in this period apparently possessed by his born-again christian mania, and his lyrics are intolerant, didactic, humorless, and smug.

Absolutely without a doubt his very worst album EVER. He's recorded over 40 other albums so far... start with ANYTHING ELSE.

I'm so glad!
Mr. Dylan's most strictly "Christian" album is not bad. Musically, it is quite stirring in places. Dylan's voice is deteriorating here, but his enthusiasm for the "message" he's trying to convey is always touching. He really sounds like a man who's been saved from "the fiery pit" in the nick of time.

Much of the criticism of Dylan's gospel work reeks of hypocrisy. Rock music "experts" like Dave Marsh did chastise Mr. Dylan for buying into a prepackaged ideology and trying to force it onto an unwilling public, while simultaneously lavishing their worthless praise on dead, quasi-literate black men like Blind Willie Johnson and Blind Gary Davis, both of whom sang almost nothing but gospel on street corners. (See the ROLLING STONE RECORD GUIDES of the 1980s.) So what if Dylan resembles more Blind Willie Johnson than he does Blind Willie McTell? Judge the music, not the man. Furthermore, the ideology of the "protest song" movement was (and is to some extent) fixed for all time, for anyone to adopt and make his own, if only to sell records to a target audience and make a name for himself - as Dylan did when he was young.

SAVED isn't a failure because it's a Christian album from end to end, or because its maker was an icon of the "counterculture." The problem with SAVED, I think, is that it was somewhat hastily thrown together between two evangelical tours, and poorly recorded at that. Dylan's lyrics on SAVED are atypically focused and straightforward, sometimes to the point of ridiculousness. "Are You Ready?" sounds like a Chick tract [crass evangelical comic books, strategically placed in rest rooms and telephone booths] set to music, though somehow it's one of Dylan's best gospel numbers, a nasty mid-tempo groove similar to "Gotta Serve Somebody" but far more threatening in tone. "Solid Rock" is also very much "by the Book," lyrically, and likewise more compelling on the basis of its music. "Solid Rock" and "Pressing On" hammer home one of Dylan's favorite themes, that of the struggle to maintain spiritual correctness against the contrary forces of persecution, ridicule, and one's own weakness. That's another potentially off-putting aspect of SAVED and Dylan's gospel work in general - the singer frankly anticipates these "enemies" and flaunts his struggle against them, as though he's doomed to suffer the tortures of the damned for his correct beliefs. The album opens with a traditional tune, "Satisfied Mind," but Dylan sounds anything but satisfied most of the time. The one "upbeat" tune is the title track; when the singer chants "I'm so glad," you can almost hear the smile on his face.

In the period from STREET LEGAL (1978) to INFIDELS (1983), SAVED is the least eccentric Dylan album, and it's more raw and undisciplined (in a good way) than the rest. Unfortunately, the original mix doesn't do justice to the music on this album. If SAVED ever gets a remix & the SACD treatment accorded to STREET LEGAL and some other Dylan manifestos, it will get more of the respect it deserves.

3 and 1/2 Stars
Bob Dylan's trilogy of albums released during the years 79-81, of which Saved is the second, have historically been referred to as his "Christian trilogy" or the albums released during his "born-again period." With the release of the excellent Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan, which has led to a subsequent re-examination of all his work from that era, it is now being widely referred to as his "Gospel period." To be sure, all three albums contained strong religious overtones, Christian imagery, and gospel elements. However, the first of the albums, Slow Train Coming, was still firmly-rooted in rock music, backed, as it was, primarily by the members of Dire Straits, with some R&B elements intermixed. Shot of Love was a far more secular effort, with only a few overt religious songs and much more of a rock element. Saved, on the other hand, is Dylan's fully-fledged gospel effort, by God.

This is apparent from the opening of the very first track, a cover of A Satisfied Mind. This leads into the title track, with Dylan's most overt set of lyrics ever, up to that point. The lyrics throughout the entire album, in fact, are unabashedly Christian. Some of the songs on Slow Train were somewhat ambiguous, and could be taken in more than one way -- I Believe In You, for instance, which could just as easily be a statement of dedication to a loved one as a testament to Christ -- and Shot of Love contained much material that was undoubtedly secular. Not Saved. Every track is a full-on gospel number. The music matches the lyrics accordingly. All of the songs contain huge, striking gospel arrangements, featuring superb piano-playing from legendary keyboardist Spooner Oldham, as well as some fantastic organ playing on a few tracks. The backing vocalists go a long way toward establishing an authentic gospel feel throughout the album, faring much better than they did on the previous two albums, where they often sounded robotic and lifeless. Jim Keltner, as always, provides stellar drumming, and Dylan's harmonica slices adeptly through the mix. As is well-known among those who have actually listened to the trio of albums -- it's a damn shame that many simply refuse to even give them a chance -- Dylan's vocal performances on them are among the absolute best in his entire career. In this reviewer's opinion, Dylan reached the peak of his vocal prowess on the '75 leg of his Rolling Thunder Revue tour, but his performances here rank just below that high watermark, and are even more impassioned and emphatic. Dylan clearly believes what he is singing on this album. The words and the sentiments expressed in the songs are very important to him, and he delivers them with some of his most emotional, impassioned vocals.

Why only 3 and 1/2 stars, then? Simply because this album, in comparison to the greater Dylan canon, does not hold up favorably. I personally find it to be the weakest, both lyrically and musically, of the gospel trilogy, and possibly Dylan's least effective album up to that point, with the possible exception of New Morning. To be sure, the vocals are consistently incredible throughout, and the music is sometimes almost-equally inspired, but the lyrics are very substandard for Dylan, the greatest lyricist of all-time. Most of them are fairly simple, as are the sentiments expressed therein. (I suspect this was intentional. Several of the songs, notably Pressing On, are written in an agrammatical style clearly inspired directly by the King James Bible. Dylan probably kept the lyrics simple and direct, in order to get his message across loud and clear, without any window dressing; this idea is reinforced by the fact that Dylan left several of the more lyrically-ambitious pieces that he composed around this time off of the album. Verses are generally kept fairly simple throughout, while choruses are prominent, frequent, and oft-repeated. Several of the songs feature short, frequently-repeated refrains that achieve a kind of hypnotic effect upon the listener, after they have been heard chanted over and over again -- very prayer-like, very hymn-like... and obviously intentional.) While these songs certainly have achieved Dylan's apparent purpose, they simply do not make for his most compelling set of songs. That is not to say that there is not some very good material here, however: there most definitely is, though I don't think that there is truly a great one. The undisputed highlight of the album is Saving Grace, which features far and away the album's best lyric and an absolutely mesmerizing vocal performance from Dylan, which shows the best of his emotional side. The appropriately-named Solid Rock is another highlight: it is the most rocking song on the album and features a heavy R&B element. What Can I Do For You? and, especially, Pressing On are transcendent pieces that belie Dylan's true convictions and can't help but elicit an emotional stirring in the listener. If these songs do not move you, whatever your personal religious convictions might be, then you are either dead or simply not listening. A Satisfied Mind is effective, if short. The songs that I have not mentioned, however, are much less substantial, and bring the overall quality of the album down somewhat.

In the end, I recommend this album highly to those who are big fans of this period of Dylan's career, and to fan's of gospel and Christian music in general -- a crowd who has, quite shamefully, almost totally ignored Dylan's contributions to their canon. Among Dylan's non-Christian fans, a group that probably constitutes the majority of his fan base, including myself, there is still a lot to like here: great vocal work, inspired music, and a sheer dedication and conviction the music. However, no matter how one slices it, this is a relatively minor album in Dylan's vast catalog, and you should have 15-20 of his other, better albums before venturing into getting this one. ... Read more

Album Description

Known for her stunning rootsy-rock vocals and personal, honest themes, music veteran Ashley Cleveland brings you Men And Angels Say. This collection of hymns portrays the struggles and spiritual journey Ashley has experienced and shared with many other people. The passion and energy behind songs like "Come Ye Sinners," "Holy Holy Holy" and "It Is Well With My Soul" will draw you to a closer understanding of God. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

These Hymns Rock
If you think of hymns as being dull-the music uninteresting-Ashley Cleveland's Men And Angels Say may change your opinion.These are not hymns as your father and mother heard them.

That's not to say that these classics are unrecognizable-far from it!The arrangements retain the original melodies but are often punctuated by the stellar guitar work of husband Kenny Greenberg.It may be a little heavy in places but overall it works well.

This recording has a rock feel to it.It's Amy Grant's last hymns recording with more of an edge.You also get a little blues, gospel and even a little bit of country thrown in.All of which plays to Ashley's strengths as a vocalist.

One of several highlights is Steve Winwood singing a duet and playing the Hammond B3 on "I Need Thee Every Hour."We are treated to a blues-inspired, lone guitar accompaniment on "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."A bagpipe intro to "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today" segues into a gentle rocker that fits the song well.St. Francis might appreciate the beautiful version of his treasured hymn, "All Creatures Of Our God And King."Ashley's mostly subdued vocals are wedded to just a simple piano arrangement.

This recording is dedicated to Ashley's mother, who taught her "the hymns and passed on her great love for them..."In Men And Angels Say Ashley does the same for us.

Men and Angels Say!
Well, after hearing this recording, I came - up with this conculsion: This recording is almost like her "Lesson Of Love" recording that she recorded back several years ago with a few exceptions. One of them being not on the Reunion record lable. Ashley Cleveland seems to be a good record artist ( and it was made known in this recording really well )!
Anyway, some of the songs that are on this recording are simply just not my style, but thats not Ashley's fault --- we all have different tastes and styles of what kind of music fits us ( right )???
This CD seems to be ok if you like some of her music that isn't rocky and you need sometime to relax and still be in-touch with God during that time!
All in All - I think that you will find something on this recording that you will enjoy and who knows you might find yourself liking some of the older hymns too!
Enjoy!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following a two-year studio hiatus, Sonicflood has returned with a release full of new material called This Generation and an anxious bunch of younger fans who feel like they've waited forever. The question now is was the wait worth it? Much like the band's 2003 Cry Holy release, you'll find a handful of compelling, dynamic tracks like "Everlasting," "Your Love Goes On Forever," and "Moment of Glory." Problem is that these pleasures are few and fare between. Sure, Rick Heil is surrounded by a new band culled from the likes of Matt Redman, LaRue, and Everlife. And while the new compadres provide a strong influence on the hard-edged title track as well as "Never Forget You," Sonicflood is still just Heil and a bunch of guys. Sonicflood's approach has gone from "worship songs" to "songs about worship." The anthem approach of the early days has been displaced by a smoother, more distilled sound driven by Heil's steady-state vocals. It's not that the music itself is bad or even disinteresting, but you would be hard pressed to find many tracks bound to be done by worship teams across the globe. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (3)

SONICFLOOD is back....
I was first introduced to SONICFLOOD while driving in the country a few years back and the song Resonate came on the radio.I've been a fan ever since.I am critical of what is known as the CCM genre because I think that many of the artists have put good Christian music into a kind of self-imposed musical ghetto.But, with bands like SONICFLOOD we have seen the message get out to the worst of us wretches.Their new CD THIS GENERATION is an enjoyable listen.Rick Heil has a unique singing voice that is complemented by a great band.I like the title track This Generation, but for me this CD shines with tunes like More Than Anything and Your Love Goes On Forever.On those two cuts the band really comes together as a unit.If half star ratings could be given this one is a 4 1/2.I would like to see the band move out of their comfort zone, as at times the theme while worthy and noble, gets a bit redundant.This one is a buy.

Helped turn a struggling believer into a full believer!
I love bands like Creed and Alterbridge.They are bands which had or has a message.Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp are also very good in my opinion.I am a person who listened to Metallica and Guns 'N Roses.The music I listened to had a hard rock edge to it, but was filling my head with the wrong message.

I just went and bought SonicFlood's new CD, and I have to say, I am very, very, very impressed.I know everyone is talking about what Sonicflood was back then, but it is today, and today's youth need a voice.This CD is one of the best, that I have ever heard.

My favorite songs on the CD are, well, all of them.The two that really, really move me are Everlasting and Your Love Goes On Forever.All of the songs on the CD are A+++ Rated, so it is not only those 2.The CD is really well done, and if you love the bands of Collective Soul, Creed, and Alterbridge, this si the CD for you.I hope this SonicFlood keep their members together, and produce many more CD's, because this is slowly starting to turn my heart from a negative situation to a very positive situation.

Enjoy the Sonicflood of the past, but we are no in the past anymore, look forward to the new SonicFlood.They are a very special group, and I can't say enough positive things about them.

The Lord's Love does Go On Forever!!!

Sonicflood - "This Generation"
The pioneering worship band Sonicflood has returned with their latest disc "This Generation" - a new collection of modern worship songs that will without a doubt be making their way into church services in the near future.
As many already know, the original Sonicflood has not existed since 2000 when the band initially split up and late-comer Rick Heil decided to carry on with its namesake. The band is now currently on its third incarnation with Heil still at the helm.
"This Generation" was actually recorded while the band was still in transistion of band members. Because of this, the album is essentially a Rick Heil solo album with various musicians playing on the tracks. Original Sonicflood drummer Aaron Blanton returns as a guest playing on most of the album (this marks the first time an original member of the band has played on a Sonicflood album in nearly five years).
Musicially, the album displays a harder edge and is more guitar-dominated than previous efforts. This is unfortuantely the only good side to the album. Lyrically, there is nothing on this album that hasn't been said before. This isn't neccesarily a bad thing however, the lyrics to most of these songs are typical fodder for the standard typical praise and worship song. Chances are, if your familiar the lyric content of anything released by Hillsong, you'll know what to expect here.
The other downside to the album is the vocals. While Rick Heil isn't neccesarily a bad singer, his thin vocals tend to be overpowered by the heaviness of the music. It's almost like having an adult contemporary singer do heavy metal. While listening to this album for the first time, the thought that instantly hit this reviewer was "Man, this could be a really great song if someone else were singing it". No offense to Rick, but he simply does not have the 'belting' quality that the music on this album requires. This is a huge weakness here.
Apart from these major flaws, "This Generation" does serve as a solid follow-up to "Cry Holy". It is a stronger album than its predecessor and will probably be appealing to most.
So in the end, what we have here is a Five-Star album, docked one star for the lyrics and another star for the vocals. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Relient K rox
Relient K is an awsome band. It one of the few CD's that EVERY song is totally cool. A lot of CD's I'll skip to the next song maybe cause I don't like the song or it doesn't have the rythum. But I play this one ALL the way through. I like the way they come up with the craziest things such as "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend, talking about the guys girlfriend turning away from God, "Hello Mcfly", saying they wanna go back to the future to correct their sins. and others like "17 magazine" and "wake up call". The lyrics are very clear and understandable. Although not all the songs have something to do with God or anything spiritual. ex. "Nancy Drew" and "Charles in Charge". This CD isn't actually the "worship God" type. The music is different. Which if you like different, buy it. Heck, buy it anyway. It's worth the money if you're a punk-rock fan. The only thing I don't really care for is how short ALL the songs are.???.

RELIENT K ROCKS!! and this cd does too!!
HEY GUYS!! RELIENT K's debut rocked like a goose....but it was lacking in some areas, but it still rocked. IF YOU LIKE POP punk this is a band for you, THEY ARE one of the best bands ever, AND THEY"RE CHRISTIAN!! They're really melodic punk, very poppish, but varies a lot in they're sound. This cd is one of those that you'll love some songs off of, but then a few of the others get kinda boring and dumb, so you start skipping them, but most of the songs rock. The highlights are "Softer to me",which shows they're hardest side, "Charles in Charge", "wake up call", and the ever so popular "marilyn manson". These guys have awesome music, but what really makes them is their VOCALS. There's a lot of good bands, but then their voice ruins them. BUT THESE GUYS ROCK!! SO GUYS.......if you like pop punk, GET THIS CD!! BUT THEY"RE new cd, the anatomy of the tongue in cheek IS EVEN BETTER!! but still get this, cuz its awesome!! SEYA!!

Woodahooda
YEs!! they are so very cool! i love their new cd with mood rings and college kids. it's a great alternitive for those of us who love that type of music and hate the impurities! it's great.

Awesome for a Debut
I have never heard the first album put out by young men sound as strong lyrically and muscically as this one does. This is an amazing introduction to the group Relient K and something that every music lover should have in their CD library. I liked their two follow-up CDs much better than this, but I am rating this on a first-CD scale. They are an inspiration to young musicians everywhere to be professional, deep, humorous, inventive, and strive for excellence. A terrific CD.

Nothing Less
All I can say is...No Relient K CD deserves to get anything less than 5 stars because these guys are the bomb and you're crazy if you don't like them. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Wonderful Daily Bread
I was blessed to see Smokie Norful at the Potter's House in Dallas, TX during a Super Sunday Service in April 2002. I had heard 'It's All About You' on WOW Gospel 2002 and wondered who this gifted singer was. When he sang 'I Need You Now', the Potter's House was stunned into silence. When he was done, I was so struck by the message in the song because I feel like I need God now to handle my every day trials and tribulations and to empower me to let my light shine to glorify his name. For me, this CD is good to the last drop. The messages are feeding my soul and he has articulated the testimony of my heart while the musical arrangements are beautiful. I listen to it in the car, the house, and the office. When my spirit needs lifting, I listen to this CD and my soul soars. He gives me a praise song (5), a way to say thank you (4), and reminds me life is not promised (3). His voice is very special. I've listened to Daryl Coley, Alvin Slaughter, Donnie McClurkin, and Marvin Sapp and been taken to a new place by their gifted voices. Smokie Norful has combined his marvelous voice with such great lyrics that you can only be edified when you listen to this wonderful CD. I never tire of it. It's good for getting your spirit up or relaxing at the end of a stressful day. Praise God for giving the Gospel world this gifted artist. It would make a marvelous gift as well. I've shared it with close friends. May God Bless and keep Smokie Norful. I cannot wait for his next CD.

This Album is Literally Smokin'!
Smokie Norful has been generating a good amount of buzz lately. Recently, he was featured on WOW Gospel 2002 and as a vocalist on some of Kurt Carr Singers' concert dates. "I Need You Now," his premiere recording, is a smooth contemporary gospel production featuring traditional gospel, urban and jazz. Norful absolutely tackles several tempos and styles through the CD. "It's All About You," the first single, is a bouncy urban testimony of commitment. The tender title track prayerfully asks God to "please make a way."The album's title song, written as are a majority of the selections by Smokie, is a gorgeous, jazz-tinged ballad that means exactly what it says. With a stunning debut, Norful may find himself in good company with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tonex and Darwin Hobbs. "It's All About You" displays Smokie's comfort with a funky groove, and "The Least I Can Do" is a worship melody that showcases his soaring vocal prowess. "Psalm 64" lets the Word, Smokie's vocals and a grand piano deliver the message, while "Praise Him" is a rocking, hand-clapping traditional gospel arrangement that defies anyone to sit still.

"Still Say Thank You" beautifully weds Smokie's soaring tenor voice with a soulful, silken vocal ensemble. "Whether we're up or down, we have to tell the Lord thank you," Smokie says, "and if we do, we find that in that faith, bigger trials will bring bigger blessings."

"Same Sad Song" is offered in two mixes, the first carrying Smokie's message of fatigue with an overload of songs of troubles and woe atop a crystalline acoustic guitar and harmonica, and the second "Urban remix" adding some kick with electric guitar and a punchy bottom end."Same Old Sad Song" focuses on current issues like violence and hopelessness but offers the Hope of glory.

Little Man with Big Skills
As I was watching a Dove Awards telecast from about a year ago, the name "Smokie Norful" was announced as one of the nominees. Not knowing who he was, I made a comment about how young "the kid" looked. Both my sister and her daughter told me that he was the hottest newcomer to debut on the contemporary gospel scene since Kirk Franklin.

A choir member loaned me her copy of "I Need You Now" and, upon listening to the entire project, I see why others are singing his praises. The singer has the ability to appeal to a wide audience, mixing the sounds of traditional gospel with the "beats" of urban and hip-hop.

Unlike Franklin, Norful can sing and he most effective on the title cut, an elegant and emotional musical "prayer" that brings goose bumps to the listener. He also scores on "Still Say, Thank You" and the inspiring "The Least I Can Do".

Very few artists can so skillfully mesh the secular sound with a genuine commitment to the sacred.

Young Norful will, most assuredly, take his place among gospel's greats and will be a talent by which others are measured.

SMOKEY NORFUL'S VOICE IS AMAZING!
SMOKEY NORFUL'S "I NEED YOU NOW" IS SO SOULFUL ! HIS VOICE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ! IT GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER MY BODY EVERYTIME I HERE THE SONG.

Illuminated by light in a world of darkness
Recently losing my beloved mother and father within a period of a year and a half apart to the day, my very foundation for life itself was precariously in jeopardy. Almost overnight, sickness and death had the ones that gave life away from me. Every good and decent thing I ever strived for was for them. I received ample warning for all the troubles pitfalls from life from my parent also. They tried to prepare me for the day they were gone but I was given an almost fatal wound which cut me deep to the heart. Darkness had cloaked my world of life and there was no place to go to. The light of Smokie Norful music has illuminated the way for me. Although I love last song on his CD, "I need you now", it is the title song that move me. I love this CD so much; I know my sister will enjoy it as well. Thank you so much Smokie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to escape your roots, especially when you've grown up in the South. For Third Day, it's never been truer than on Time, the band's third release and the first to openly embrace their Southern rock traditions. While producer Monroe Jones coaxes a somewhat softer-sounding Third Day in this pleasing effort, the band still rocks hard for the most part. "Took My Place," for instance, is a Southern-fried rave-up powered by the twin guitars of Mark Lee and Brad Avery paced by the gritty vocals of Mac Powell. Yet Third Day also lessens the blows, as with the poignant ballads "I've Always Loved You" and "Your Love, Oh Lord." Fans will get the best of both worlds in the loose, rootsy "Don't Say Goodbye," one of the album's best moments. Time captures a band maturing and owning up to both its spiritual and musical legacy. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (100)

Easily their best.
My fiancee turned me on to Third Day (but hey, I turned her on to Jennifer Knapp and Caedmon's Call, so we are fairly even on the Christian music front!) This is a terrific CD -- from the opening track (which I sang to myself for days after I first heard it) to the last. My favorite, "Can't Take the Pain", beautifully captures the despair (and subsequent redemption) of Peter. The lyrics are as theologically sound as on their earlier albums, emphasizing above all the band's ongoing and passionate love affair with Jesus Christ. What sets "Time" apart from Third Day's earlier efforts is the greater musical sophistication and accessibility. For someone who has never been crazy about Southern rock (too many bad high school experiences of being forced to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd, I suppose), this album finally won me over. My fiancee may have to wait until after the wedding to get the CD back from me.

A true masterpiece.
Of the 5 regular studio albums released by Third Day, "Time" is probably my overall favorite. 3D returned to their musical roots, and lyrically they also managed to deliver some of their most powerful songs to date. There are no filler tracks here--everything on this CD is great. My overall favorite song is "What Good," which addresses the question "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his very soul?" Other favorites include "Took My Place," "Your Love, Oh Lord," "I've Always Loved You," "Give," "Can't Take the Pain" (voicing Peter's guilt and remorse after denying Jesus and running away) and the rapture-themed "Sky Falls Down." "Time" is a great album from Third Day, it ranks as one of my favorites, just behind the "Offerings" releases.

Takes up little time in my CD player!
This is typical country rock, from a less than average christian rock band. To be honest I've heard much better and the songs on this album aren't anything special. The one exception is "I've Always Loved YOu" which is very melodic, but I don't give this CD much time.

No Compromise Here
I was looking for positive music to give to my 12-yr old son, who was starting to listen to (c)rap, and found a band that he and I both love. I grew up on blues and southern rock/boogie, but let's be honest, most mainstream music glorifies harmful behavior/attitudes. I have always wanted to find good Christian music, but most of it seemed heavy on message and very weak on musicality. (Susan Ashton is a notable exception). I took a chance and bought Third Day's Time without knowing anything about the band, and I am so glad I did. The songs are excellent; Mac Powell's incredible voice is the centerpiece, and the rest of the band supports him perfectly. The lyrics are incredibly inspirational and right on: they are like getting a kick in the a** from God himself. Many compare this band to Black Crowes, but personally I would compare Third Day to Collective Soul, only much, much better. Also note the Tom Scholz/Boston influence on the opening riff to "Took my place" Comparisons aside, this band has a great, original sound all its own. I look forward to checking out their other cds.

lghjds;flgjdsfj
this album is a great example ofthis bands incredible talent in both composing and performing its music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of contemporary Christian music's founding fathers, Phil Keaggy (remember Glass Harp, '60s music fans?) is also one of its finest musicians. Acoustic Sketches, which won the 1999 Dove Award for best instrumental album, is a testament to Keaggy's long-admired guitar playing. The 19 tracks here allow him to build flowery and intricate variations upon a theme; at times Keaggy's recording nearly shimmers with a magical sound. "Del's Bells" and the end tune, "Legacy," draw admitted comparisons to virtuoso Michael Hedges, while "Nellie's Tune," "Spanish Fantasy," and the moody "On Some Distant Shore" strongly evoke European images. Keaggy fans will also be pleased as he occasionally samples his voluminous body of recorded work, quoting riffs from past sessions. Guitar players of any genre will appreciate the deft skill displayed on Acoustic Sketches. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A Master Guitar Player
This one of Phil Keaggy's better instrumental pieces. His playing his masterful, smooth, and sometimes unexpected (meaning he does things on the instrument that is not anticipated by the listener). Keaggy can play slow and melodic, or fast and furious.

This CD is a series of acoustic pieces which have a classical, jazzy, soundtrack feel to them. Keaggy's music is filled with energy and vitality. There are moments when he is repetitious, but not in a tedious sense. Just as the title of the CD suggests, Keaggy is painting by music and the acoustic guitar is his brush.

The CD has many different sounds, textures, and styles. As you listen, you can hear the different influences coming out in Keaggy's music. For instance, sometimes the style of Pat Metheny comes through pretty strong. On other tunes, Michael Hedges is present. Nonetheless, Keaggy sounds quite nice on all the songs.

The CD has about an hour or more worth of music, all acoustic, and makes for great listening while reading. If you enjoy guitar work that has a wide range of texture and style then you will love this CD. And if you love this CD, then I suggest getting a copy of Phil Keaggy's CD titled "Beyond Nature." I highly recommend both works.

Excellent Acoustical CD
Phil Keaggy has demonstrated once again his incredible prowess on the acoustic guitar. These are great tunes. NO one can listen to this CD and walk away indifferent. If you like acoustical, folk style music; you will love this CD. If that isnt your style then you will still recognize the talent displayed in this recording. Acoustic Sketches is well worth the money.

I'm practically speechless!!
I listened to the last song again and again, completely in awe of this man's talent. I listen and am shocked that I am only listening to one guitar with two hands playing it.

In addition to his fantastic talent, he uses this strange technique of hitting the guitar strings, making use of enharmonics, which always thrills me to pieces as a listener.

Amazing acoustic pieces!
I'd never heard of this artist, and bought the CD on a whim because I enjoy acoustic guitar. WOW! I have not taken this disc out of my player since it arrived. What a range Keaggy has! He can give Billy McLaughlin, Michael Hedges and Pat Metheny (to name a few) a real run for their money. I've heard his vocals (none on this CD) and he sounds a lot like Paul McCartney. Christian music is not my "thing", but this non-denominational collection is a real thing of beauty that you owe to yourself for the relaxtion value alone!

A Look at a Master Artist's Sketch Pad
This work is an extention of Keaggy's Backroom Tracks that were once available on his fan run website. These pieces are what I think of polished works in progress. Some are just fragments of musical thoughts while others are full fledged musical ideas that are well developed. All of the works are well produced with a clean sound.

Guitar players and Keaggy fans will find this work fascinating as they are allowed a good look into Keaggy's creative process. The artistry is excellent and the guitar work is technically brilliant. Those who are not big fans of the acoustic guitar will still find this album to be a wonderful representation of the versitility of the instrument.

I loved this album and recommend its purchase to anyone looking to explore new musical horizons. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great live "mini" album from DCB
I have been a David Crowder Band fan for a few years now, and really enjoy listening to this "mini" album. It includes some strong live versions of well known worship songs such as "Every Move I Make", "You Alone", and "Undignified", as well as a few DCB classics "God of Wrath" and "I Will Not Be Silent"

I must admit that my favorite song on the whole album is not one of the live ones, but the last. The demo version of "Heaven Came Down" is simply powerful. It is the best acoustic worship song I have heard in quite awhile.

If you are a DCB fan this disc is definitely worth the money. If you are unfamiliar with the band, but like modern worship music I would consider adding this album to your collection. I definitely recommend it.

Awsome!
I won this CD at a church event... I never heard of David Crowder Band (DCB).I listend to it once and fell in love DCB is great the music if for real and it truly alows to speak from your heart.I am typicaly not a fan of a live CD, but this one is great.It if fun to hear the interactions and you sometimes you feel you are there praising God with the crowd. I highly recomend this CD for any one.

GREAT LITTLE CD...
I love the David Crowder band. If you have ever been led in worship by them, how could you not? This little CD--originally two EP's, now released as one slightly longer EP--is worth the investment.

There's not much that's entirely new here if you have the band's two full-length releases and their work on the Passion CD's. Yet what is here stands nicely alongside their prior work. I'd buy this disc if only for its version of "You Alone."

What a great song!

I pray the band does a little more than just rework its old stuff in the future. I see that there's a bit of that going on with the new Sunsets and Sushi CD (I'll still get it--more Crowder is more Crowder--and that's a good thing).

Back to this CD: My five year-old loves the version of "Every Move I Make" from this disc. He's asked me to burn it on a CD for him to listen to in his room. I will glady oblige.

Music that makes people from 28 to 5 want to worship...It must be good stuff.

I give the Lime CD my full recommendation.

Sweeeeeeettttt!
Well if you like DCB on an album then you'll love them live! This CD captures some of the highlights of their live shows from the past couple of years. The songs are familiar, yet somehow when you hear them live with the crowd and everyone involved then it sounds even better. That's how worship music should be! (Everyone loud and participating).
The combination of I Need Words/God of Wrath is worth the price alone as they transition from the quiet song, to the crunch of God of Wrath mixed with a great beat and scratching. That's right scratching on a worship CD. Check it out!

David always does the best work....
This cd, although only eight songs, is great.As the band have explained it correlates the green cd, which is the ep from "Can You Hear Us?" and the yellow cd, which is the ep from "Illuminate."This cd is great, filled with the word of truth and creative, just as David always is. Hope you get it, I recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

"Let The Devil Know Where He Can Go"
"To Hell With The Devil" is arguably Strypers best album. It's broad appeal to both Christains and non-Christains alike transcends barriers rarely touched by most "Christain" artists. Yet this bands appeal and anointing have real power to them.

The songs on THWTD carry a timeless message to them and the music coupled with Michael Sweet's voice and lyrics are invigorating! I rarely give an album 5 stars in my reviews but there isn't a song on here that lacks power and appeal!

There isnt any "filler" on Strypers classic album THWTD.

"Calling On You" and "Honestly" are by far some of the best Christain (and non-Christain) tunes Ive ever heard. The title track is of course a shoe-in for its listeners also. Other songs like "Holding On" "The Way" and "Free" really grew on me. Buy this album by Stryper and discover what it is we all seem to be lacking in our lives. Songs that carry TRUE meaning and power to them, and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ!

We need more music like this in our world...

One of my favorite 80's albums.
Released during the fall of 1986, "To Hell with the Devil" was Stryper's second full-length album, and their third record overall. Stryper members Robert Sweet, Michael Sweet & Oz Fox co-produced THWTD with Stephan Galfas. Although "Soldiers Under Command" is my favorite Stryper album musically & lyrically, THWTD probably has the best production sound of any Stryper record. "Calling on You" was the first video from this album to hit MTV's "Dial-MTV" program, competing head-to-head with bands like Bon Jovi & Poison and peaking at #2. "Free" & "Honestly" both hit #1 on "Dial-MTV," and "Honestly" was also a huge radio hit. Other oustanding songs include the title track (inspired by Revelation 20:10), "The Way" (I love the Iron Maiden-ish guitar riff on this one!), "Sing-Along Song," "Rockin' the World" & "More Than a Man." Eighteen years later, "To Hell with the Devil" remains not only one of my favorite Christian hard rock/metal albums, but also one of my favorite 80's metal albums, period.

Superb music, arrogant lyrics.
Musically, Stryper was one of the best bands of the 1980s, and this CD features some of their finest song writing. The music features heavy riffs, good melodies, tight solos and smooth vocal harmonies. Unfortunately, the lyrics were as arrogant as they were preachy. Probably without intending to, Stryper ends up implying that Christians constitute a sort of master race, while non-Christians are somehow inferior.

One of the best ever
This album was truly an achievement back in the mid 1980's. Christian Rock, which was basically in it's infancy back then, was a major taboo with the vast majority of churches. Most church leaders referred to bands like Stryper as "wolves in sheep's clothing." Not only was this one of the first Christian Rock albums to gain Mainstream acceptance (if my memory serves correctly it was the first Christian hard rock/metal album to top the Billboard Album chart and achieve Platinum status)It also proved that there was a need or a demand for a style of music that was uplifting or even worshipful in it's message for a new generation of music lovers who were tired of the tradition gospel or "church music". Despite the resistance of many mainstream radio stations who would only play their hit "Honestly" after many fans would call up demanding it, the album proved to be a huge success both amongst Christain and Secular audiences alike. Even MTV wouldn't touch any of their videos until the fans voted for them in droves for their daily Top 10 Countdown (Back when MTV actually played music) Stryper's success also had an influence on other Christian acts at the time as well (Check out the difference in Petra's music from their 1985 "Beat The System thru their early 90's releases and you can easily hear the influence) This is a solid album from top to bottom and 17 years after its release is just as good if not better than 95 percent of what is released today. Hopefully at the end of their current reunion tour Stryper will return to the studio and produce some more classic material such as this.

PS for those who question the meaning of the acronym STRYPER:
STRYPER= Salvation Through Redemption Yields Peace Encouragement and Rightouesness Isaiah 53:5="By his stripes we are all healed."

BEyond Excellent CD, from the KIng of Christian Heavy Metal
This CD is Stryper's 3rd album, and 2nd Full length album. As with any of Stryper's works, it is a perfect blend of pure heavy metal sounds and a good strong basis of rudmentary Christian Doctrine. The lyrics are fully understandable and the music enjoyable. Coming from southern California, a major center of Heavy Metal, they send the crowds rocking throughout the night at their concerts wherever they play. Even those who are not Christian but have an open mind about music can fully enjoy the music this band produces. Be aware if their reemphasis in the new millenium as they have sporadic concerts here and there, as well I hope Stryper rules the airwaves as they did in the eighties. I can't believe that they're music is 20 years old now, it sure shows my age, but I still enjoy the sound and energy of their music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Michelle Tumes's airy and ethereal-sounding Listen draws the inevitable comparisons to Enya and Sarah McLachlan. But while the title track and "My Constant One" pay homage to these secular sisters, Tumes carves her own aural niche with a densely layered mix of piano, strings, and programmed rhythms. At times, the dreamlike quality of the music enhances Tumes's unique style, although at other moments it nearly suffocates her beautiful voice, as well as a handful of well-crafted songs. Qualms aside, Listen is a formidable debut release from one of contemporary Christian music's most interesting artists. "Heaven Will Be Near Me," "Healing Waters," and the superb "Please Come Back" are the release's shining moments. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (67)

What a special voice!
Michelle Tumes expresses contemperary christian music today in a unique way. Her voice has an Enya feel, but it is very original. "Listen" delivers smooth and graceful vocals by Michelle.

"Listen" Well, it's a good title, but I don't really care for this song.

"Healing Waters" This song is very pretty. I like the beginning especially. I'm gonna put it as #3. Michelle makes this one sound heavenly.

"Heaven will be near me" This is #1! What a song! She is amazing on this one. Great lyrics!

"Feel" Not much in this song

"Christ of hope" I love the beginning to this song. Acually the whole song is really beautiful! Neat title.

"My constant One" One thing you can always count on with Michelle is great beginnings to songs! Heres another. Very pretty. #2!

"Untame Lion" Another good beginning. A great song to show her ability.

"Rest my Soul" An ok song

"Please come back" This one describes the story of the prodigal son. Nice message.

"Life is Beautiful" Extremly beautiful song. Love her accent on here.

"He's watching over you" An ok song

This is without a doubt a cd you should add to your collection. What a gorgous voice!

The BEST CD on the market!
I received Michelle Tumes' "Listen" last year for Christmas and immediately was struck by her beautiful voice, her poetic way of writing her own music, and her way of putting her emotions into words and music. I saw and met Michelle two weeks ago at her Carols by Candelight tour which was near where I live. I was expecting the concert to be mainly Christmas songs, but it was overall songs from her CD and from her upcoming CD, "Center of My Universe." The concert was amazing and I was struck at how patient and kind she was to her fans and her crew. I enjoyed her special guest, Chris Rodriguez, too. This CD has been in my CD player probably more than 300 times and never once have I been tired of it. Every time I "listen" it touches me even more. My favorite songs are the first four, "Listen," "Healing Waters," "Heaven Will Be Near Me," and "Feel." Michelle makes a stunning appearance on the Streams CD, too; she wrote a lot of the songs. I encourage anyone interested in this CD to hurry up and go to your nearest Christian bookstore and buy this one over any other in the store. On February 15, 2000, when Michelle's second CD comes out, I will probably be at the store at 6 A.M. waiting to buy it! This is how great Michelle Tumes is!

Beautiful
This first album of Michelle Tumes is one of the best musical albums out there in the world. Her music is soothing, inspiring, full of messages of Christ, and excellently done. My favorite track is "Untame Lion", a great one to listen to, and shows just how much Christ loves us, and though he might not be a safe God, he is a God of love. "Healing Waters" and "Listen" are among my other favorite tracks and have great messages as well. Get this album now!

Ethereal
Oh God is the right thing to say here. I love her words and her voice. "Healing Waters" and "Heaven Will Be Near Me" made me cry the first time I heard them. Her voice is beyond words and the music the ethereal. A recommend this to any music lover. Truely blessed woman with a great gift.

Listen...closely
Michelle Tumes, obviously Australian from her accent, is one of the most relaxing and story-telling Christian artists in the whole genre. Her debut, Listen, is an effort to convince listeners of one of God's easiest subjects: His love.
The opening title track subtly approaches with distand sounding piano and string tracks followed by her fervent, breathy voice. A gripping intoduction. A few seconds later, exotic percussion and timpani join the accompiament as her over-dubbed voices add to the sudden cool-headed energy of the song. The lyrics hint at God playing a certain rythm in the cores of every individual, urging the listener to "listen to the beat of the drum in you".
"Healing Waters" was Tumes' debut single, which impressively landed a position on the WOW1999 compilation. Pure strings precede watery sounding synthesizers and a programmed drum track. The words are basic, yet inspiring. To-the-point lyrical approaches to inspire thought have become common among Christian lyricists. It's simply a prayer for God to help her "dive in the love that rescues" and send his healing waters.
"Heaven Will Be Near Me" is one of the few reasons I docked a star off the possible five. The music is intriguing enough, but the lyrics are a bit TOO simple. In fact, it almost feels more appropriate to call the song "I think of you" as that phrase occurs multiple times over the title clause. And instead of establishing a thought train like the song is implied to exist for, it causes a single thought that repeats over and over and gets pretty old pretty fast. The basic resonance is "heaven will be near me when i think of you". Probably a filler track.
"Feel" is the most unique on the project. It's surprisingly musically aggressive, with fast-moving minor-progressive piano chords and string ensembles backed by a back-beat drum track. It's an track purposed to inspire the listener to care less about what people say is ethical and to follow what your heart feels, thus the title. The title word is used a little too often (a direct contrast to the previous track), but the music is gripping enough to let that slip go.
"Christ Of Hope" is a blessing from Tumes to her family in Australia which she left behind to pursuit music in America. Again she uses different wordings to illustrate the exact same point repeatedly. This is further brought out by the redundant flute track in the background. Not quite as annoying as "Heaven Will Be Near Me", but a slight chore to listen to.
"My Constant One" is one of the most outstanding songs I've heard anywhere. It has a very catchy melody with a pleasant synthesizer to open, and a drum track which would have sounded better going half as fast, but it's still incredible. The lyrics are sheer honor to God for never changing, hence the title. The lyrics in themselves are again somewhat redundant (perhaps I'm just spoiled by Nichole Nordeman), but the idea relayed in this song is one that agrees more with repetition, thus not annoying at all. Definitely one of the effort's highlights.
"Untame Lion" is an interesting paraphrase of the hints conveyed in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. The excerpt typed above the provided lyrics of the song inside the album cover explain that the Lion mentioned in the song is infact Narnia's Aslan. Once this is known, the song is so much easier to understand and appreciate. The lyrics are metaphoric, of course, as were the Narnia chronicles, and have a definite artist's touch. Indeed, Tumes wrote all of these songs, and this is another highlighting impression with of course piano and strings and light percussion.
"Rest My Soul" isn't quite as fervent or emotional as one would hope. There is however an unnerving interlude meant to illustrate "being caught in the wind of a hurricane" with an according musical sound and sharp lyrics deliberately contrasting with the rest of the song. Perhaps Tumes was trying too hard to make this one sound impressive. It's all easy-going and sunbathing in God's love until that brief hurricane comes to shake up the listener. Rather unnecessary.
"Please Come Back", though not included on the WOW compilations was ironically Tumes' biggest hit. A story of the prodigal son serves as another paraphrase here. The musical orientation is obvious of her talent as an artist. The drum track is appropriately tempoed here, thankfully. The only downside to this song is that Tumes chose to hold back on most echo effects, including that of what should have been applied to the strings, particularly at the end. The lack of concert-hall resonance simulation takes away from the drama and emotion of this song.
"Life Is Beautiful" is a short autobiography of a young and dreamy Tumes living with her family in a jungle "where daddy worked and she would play". The story tells of provisional lacks in her life, such as an implied complete lack of money, etc. Yet, the friends she had there help her to understand that love is everything and life is beautiful, and so the absence of finances gives way to "diamonds in her eyes" and "castles in the sky". Complete with a track that is strictly piano.
"He's Watching Over You" is another example of Tumes' fascination with similarizing her words throughout a song. The title phrase above is all the song manages to say. It would just be eaiser to say "Wherever you go, he's wathing over you, EVEN when..." you get the point. It needs more depth, this project. But the talent is obvious. So four stars. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

i2eye-micheal w. smith
Being a huge Smitty fan myself,I just had to check out some of his older albums.I was a little shocked at first when I heard this album's 80's sound but after listening to it a few more times,I quickly grew into it.I found some of Micheal's best lyric depth in songs like "Secret Ambition" and "I Miss the Way".Smith tells the story of a young girl who's life was ended too soon in "I Hear Leesha",another example of his thoutghful lyrics.I thoroughly enjoy this album but someone needs to tell Smitty to go easy on the synthesizers (kidding)! GOD BLESS,JF.com

The first of Smitty's truly great albums
For an album that came out in the 1980's, there's an amazing amount of great stuff on i 2 eye. Michael W. Smith really comes into his own here, delivering such powerful anthems like "The Throne" and one of my all-time favorites, "Secret Ambition". Any fans of Smitty's classic song "Friends" will eat up the song "Pray For Me". Also, don't overlook a wondrous instrumental, "Ashton". MWS was way ahead of the Christian music curve in the '80's, and this album is Exhibit A of that.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM
This has always been one of my favorite Michael W. Smith albums. First released in 1987, it shows us the creativity that Smith has been known for in the recent past.

Secret Ambition, I Hear Leesha and Ashton are my three favorite songs - all have different styles and all have different reasons in being among my favorites.

Another "Must Have" for your Michael W. Smith collection.

i2eye
As a MWS fan going back to the 80's I have to say without reservation that i2eye is by far his best work. The message is crystal clear and has brought many hours of worship, praise and rejoicing as well as tears and searching. Other Side will touch the heart of anyone who lived a wild life before you knew Christ. Ashton will haunt you with the light fighting the darkness and winning (based on This Present Darkness...read the book and you'll understand the music). He is raw and fully exposed on this cd and it shows. His heart is in every song and it truly captures the best of Michael W. Smith. Though it's an old one, it's WELL WORTH the time to listen again and again.

M.W.S. Rocks!
I LOVE listening to Smith's songs. "Secret Ambition" is a great song and really speaks to me. I first heard this song at my church after the trajety on September 4 and I thought it was great. There was also a music video to accopmany the song and it showed scened in Jesus's life like the crusifixion and the last supper. I say this is a great song and Smith is one of the best. ... Read more