Amazon.com

In addition to its message of all-out, headlong surrender to the Gospel, Delirious's first widely accessible album also has just plain old good music. Often described as the "new U2," Delirious's resemblance is not hard to detect.Martin Smith's vocals, like Bono's, are far ranging and have a captivating, heart-wrenching emotionalism.The band as a whole has a kind of reckless innovation that consistently surges into stunning new territory. On King of Fools, for instance, the presence of a violin, a choir, and a Rickenbacker in one song is not an unusual combination, and the use of every kind of guitar in existence seems to be their specialty.Anyone would agree that Delirious is casting a mold of their own. Their hunger for God is strenuous and explores the depths of all struggles: the longing for more of Him and developing the patience to wait, the struggle for belief when "blood rolls down upon our land" and when love spills "down that wooden cross" ("White Ribbon Day"), and the struggle when the gifts He brings "rob [our] innocence" ("King or Cripple").In every song, the tension eventually culminates in a contemplation of the Cross--as when in "All the Way" Smith erupts, "with you I'm washed as white as the snow and all crimson stain becomes as a shadow"--and the effect is only more stirring.Never has an album had so much rock and so much passion; listen and you'll be hungry for more. --Courtenay Kehn ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Beautiful!
Where do you begin when you have such a wonderful album? Sanctify-WOW! that song gets to my heart every time. Deeper-their pop hit has such a true chorus. (And the wonder of it all is that I'm living just to fall more in love with you.) Revival Town-To put this song out as a single was possibly a risky move because the lyrics are so unabashadly christian but I think thats what makes the song great. All the way and August 30-beautiful worship pieces.Promise-Pure Rock(A Preview of whats to come on Mezzamorphis). King or Cripple- this song starts our like it might be a ballad but the the chorus jumps out and bites you. Its one of my favs.Hands of Kindness, Louder than the radio, and What a friend I've found are reminisent of Cutting Edge. Where White Ribbon Day, King of Fools and History Maker are all anthums for my generation. This album is one of the best christian or secular ones out there. It has beautiful production and displays many different instruments played to their fullest range.

Simple songs of hope, love, and faith.
This album has great music through and through. The lyrics are unlike the cutting edge albums, but these songs still show the band's devotion to Jesus while still trying to reach out to the masses. The music is definitely uplifting, catchy and fun. Especially liked 'Revival town' and 'History maker'. They just simply tell of God's working in this generation and our heart's cry to follow God wholeheartedly.

Especially liked 'deeper' cuz it rings out so much truth in one line of the chorus. That's the only way to live our walk with God, "to fall more in love with Him".

The drums on this album was great. Liked all the cimbal smashing similar to Obsession in songs like 'Sanctify'.

They still didn't completely abandon the softer songs reminiscent of the slow cutting edge songs in 'All the way', 'August 30th', 'Hands of Kindness', and 'What a friend i've found'.

An album that'll never get old.

Who says Christians can't rock?
I became a Christian because of music. The people who showed love to me helped, but it was the music, all-encompassing and powerful that made me feel like something important existed beyond myself. Delirious's music was a big part of that.

King of Fools is centered around the complementary themes of doubt and faith, questioning God and redemption. One of the reasons I love this band so much is the fact that they aren't always "happy-clappy" like so many other other worship bands. Their songs are sincere, thoughtful, intelligent, and most of all, powerful. They address issues that anyone with a complex faith has struggled with, and found their faith stronger because of it.

For example, take their single, Deeper, one of my favorite worship songs, and one of the first I learned. It's alternatively questioning, enthusiastic, humble and completely in love with God. From the honesty of "I want to be meeker/But have you seen this old earth? and "I want to go deeper/But is it just a stupid whim?" to "And the wonder of it all is that I'm living just to fall/More in love with you," this song encompasses so many of the emotions inherent in the contemplative Christian life. (Or at least in mine.) Plus, it rocks. Likewise, "White Ribbon Day" expresses many of the same fears, and is particuarly relevant today (although it was released in 1998). I certainly couldn't help but think of Bush's lack of doubt about God's support for the War in Iraq listening to the lyrics "How can it be that God is love?/When blood rolls down upon our land." In all, the song is an insistant call for peace and love, following Jesus's message of loving one's neighbor.

As for music, anyone who thinks Christians are all uptight Republicans who can't rock hasn't listened to Delirious?. Beyond their punkish look, the band can rock with plenty of loud guitars and passionate singing. The music is generally straightforward rock, with a few lovely songs breaking the mold. For example, "What a Friend I've Found" starts as a sparcely arranged, prayer-like song and evolves into a gorgeous gospelly song backed by guitars.

In addition to all this, Delirious? prove you can write a terrific worship song without using the words "Jesus," "Lord" or "God" (in fact, they have several). If you want a Christian band that is just a great band in general, listen to Delirious? They're my favorite Christian band, and one of my favorites overall. As for King of Fools, it's pretty amazing for a debut album.

As expected, a strong album by one of today's best!!
Having listened to Delirious for a few years, I expected this album to be a strong one, and I was not disappointed. Overall, about half of the songs are outstanding ("Sanctify", "History Maker", "Deeper", for example), while the rest are all pretty good. The band covers a wide range of musical styles (hard, pop, soft, etc), and they deliver well in each catergory. Although I must admit that I prefer the louder, upbeat songs on this album more so than the slower ones.

I have seen Delirious compared to U2 on numerous occasions, and never agreed with this match. Having listened to this album, I have reconsidered this comparison and think that it does warrant consideration. Some of the songs have a U2 quality, except that Delirious is much more obvious about their faith.

I definitely recommend this album to any CCM fan who does not already own it, especially if you are a Delirious fan. If you are new to CCM, Delirious is a great band to use as a starting point. Musically they are very talented, and lyrically they are powerful.

Perhaps the best CD I've ever heard (Christian or secular)
This CD is incredible. Almost every song is strong. You'll love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Christian music's most intriguing acts, U.K. rockers Delirious clearly transcend the feel-good, praise-and-worship motif of King of Fools and Cutting Edge with their new release, Mezzamorphis. While the catchy choruses are still there, Delirious now rocks with the edginess of buzz-saw guitars and outer-space-sounding programming. Two years in the making, Mezzamorphis, unlike the band's first two releases, sounds like a true studio album. The first two tracks, "The Mezzanine Floor" and "Heaven," are fine examples of the meticulous work done by the band; smooth choruses set dissonant tones against the hard-rock beginnings for each song. And of course, the magical "Beautiful Sun," with singer Martin Smith doing his best Bono-like falsetto, shows the band can still write wonderful ballads. "Love Falls Down" is another treat with its Mersey-beat melodies. Delirious fans will enjoy the new direction, while others should take note with this fascinating offering. This is the kind of music that can move beyond any genre--it's just good rock & roll. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (87)

I'll Get to Heaven
It's a shame that many Delerious? fans dismissed "Mezzamorphis" as music too electric- too loud- too different from the older stuff. By all acounts, "Mezzamorphis" is a supurb album. Just like "Achtung Baby" was a loud departure from "Joshua Tree" for U2, Delerious? is trying something new. It's obvious that the lyrics here are less complex and on most tracks, not as deep as thier previous worship music, but they are powerful songs about faith and love. My favorite tune is the first track, "Mezzanine Floor", which to me comes across as a very worshipful song in it's soaring melody line and not so much in it's lyrics, which are more or less "I'll get to Heaven" over and over. I appreciate Delerious? for carrying a worshipful attitude into an album that is more a rock album that anything else. Listen and enjoy.

A Must have!
There's not much out there in the way of explicitly Christian punk rock, so when you see a picture of this band, with its prominent leather, post-Rotten hairdos and creative facial hair, and compare the image to the lyrics, which on this album revolve around the central idea of reaching heaven (with a note to fans explaining why the word "hell" was used on one song), you might be excused for thinking that someone's finally done the unthinkable. But in fact, Delirious? isn't really a punk band at all. It's basically a pop group with occasionally extra-crunchy guitars. Luckily, it's a mighty fine pop group; between Martin Smith's powerful and gutsy voice and the songs' indelible hooks, Delirious? ends up sounding at times like a more specifically ideological Crowded House (as on "Follow" and the quietly lovely "It's OK"), and at others like a more intelligent Duran Duran ("Bliss"). The dogma is front and center; Smith isn't afraid to sing a line like "If I'm right then you are wrong" and, if that offends you, ask yourself whether you get offended by Consolidated or Rage Against the Machine. At least this band admits the possibility that it could be wrong. And it does so with hooks.

Deliriously Brilliant
What a stunner this album is. This one seemed to really put the cat among the pigeons regards fan reaction. Some consider it a little industrial, a little too hard-edged in terms of musical content. For me, it's trademark Delirious; daring, bold, passionate and unrelenting. This was Delirious coming off their "could we be pop stars?" trip, and many tracks here are deliberately single-length and as radio-sounding as possible. I consider this to hold Delirious back from their truly magical moments, found on more obviously worshipful recordings. Still, the album is consistent and coherant and flows well.

Stand-out tracks for me are the 'Mezzanine Floor', 'Bliss' (despite the tacky chorus and the somewhat dubious logic of having "really lived" even if they're completely wrong about their faith), and 'It's OK', which was released as a UK mainstream single and did relatively well considering a complete wall of radio silence. 'Gravity' tries a little too hard and the remix of the classic 'Deeper' takes away from how great it first sounded on 'King of Fools', but this album is a keeper and well worthy of my collection.

Christian music done right.
Too often Christian music is done wrong. Horribly wrong. Either it's seen as a way to get started in the music industry("just write a song a slap 'Jesus' on the end") or it's used as an excuse for mediocrity.

Delirious thankfully erased this notion of mine O so many years ago. While they had written some very good worship music with Cutting Edge, no one could have seen Mezzamorphis coming. The melodies are wonderfully put together; and the lyrics have a surprising habit of touching me, even after all these years. Too good to pass up.

Almost perfect: Best of 1999
Ironically, the only track I don't care for is the single 'Gravity'. Other than that this cd is perfect. This could almost be classified as 'headphone rock' because it is so richly textured. The sonic depth of this album is amazing-you hear new things each time you listen to it. I would compare it to Radiohead's OK Computer as far as sound mix, acoustics and ambiance are concerned. Of course, the lyrics here are more upbeat than Radiohead, but that goes without saying. Too bad they don't get the attention they should...(4 & 1/2 stars). ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's amazing what gathering healthy record company resources can do for good music. As evidenced with the first incantation of Fireproof, a band can work hard as an independent and release a quality product only to see it reach a relative few ears. With MCA behind them, Midwestern metalheads Pillar have re-released Fireproof with improved production and mixing and a final product as good as anything on the market. Even though the stylistic references to Limp Bizkit ("Light at My Feet"), P.O.D. ("Fireproof"), and Linkin Park ("Echelon") are frequent, they strike out enough of their own turf with a rock-solid rhythm from bassist Kalel and tastefully sharp guitar licks from Noah Henson. Singer Rob Beckley carries the vocal intensity and range to match his bandmates' raw power. He's also down with the bass-heavy groove as you'll hear on "Stay Up," a rapid-fire duet with rapper KJ-52. With Fireproof, Pillar rises to the forefront of today's best Christian rock bands. Isn't it funny how a new suit of clothes can make the man, or in this case, the band? --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Worth Your Money, Rap/Rock Fans
Basically a minimully remixed version, Pillar adds a few new riffs and extras to their already above-the-competition album. Powerful lyrics and beats that are strong throughout the cd, their power doesn't fade at all through the music. Probably their most well-known songs Fireproof, has been on Christian Top Charts for months, has gotten a subtle "upscaling" bass beat added to it, which keeps the song going through the transitions. Some of the songs, the newly-added beats messed up the choruses and transitions, but overall it's just as good. I tried to grade a little harder than most people, since seeing every song as "10/10" doesn't help much.

Basic Analysis:
Fireproof- the song that's made them known, catchy but can get annoying w/ Rob shouting "I am Fireproof" over and over - 8/10
Behind Closed Doors- my second favorite song, really a chorus the whole way through and clean transitions...great! 9/10
A Shame- this song definitely needs to gain some attention... awesome intro and remixed for the better, and still is the best!
- 10/10
Echelon- the original beat for "Echelon" got changed, and kinda hurted it...the timing of the lyrics and the beats aren't as crisp as the original cd...but still a good song - 8/10 Hindsight- one of the songs that I think should've not been changed...each transition by the drums is drowned out by the metronome-ic beat...originally a straight rap song, now I'm not sure - 7/10 , 9/10 on the other cd
Light at My Feet- one of the songs I don't listen to much of, just something about the change in Pillar's style...a bit different than the rest, you either like it or you don't...(and I don't) - 7/10
Stay Up- again, the new beat overshadows the old one; not as clean-cut, but it keeps the song that seemed to slow in a few places going...and they should do another song with KJ-52, who really added to the song...rap on KJ! ...definitly an example of the remix gone right - 9/10, used to be 8/10
Epidemic- am I detecting a trend here? seems there's the same remixed beat added to this song, and here it doesn't really work since this song is less rock and it sorta holds the song back. Still worth listening to, but Epidemic could be better
- 7/10, used to be 8/10
Just to get by- I've always thought this song kinda stands out from the rest, with the little hidden chant at the end and now part of the song it sounds like aliens are singing or something...I wonder what they'll put on the next remix? More of a fun-to-listen-to song, it definitely supports the remix with the needed beat and high guitar solo-thing througout the chorus - 9/10, used to be 8/10
Indivisible- Rob has this paranoid-attitude throughout the song for some reason, which kinda hurts the lyric's message...for the remix they added some trash can-banging, which saves this song from being mediocre (one of my lifetime dreams...band on a metal drum) - 8/10, used to be 7/10
Further From Myself- Rob really shows his singing voice in this song...listen enough to it, and you'll find yourself singing along to it (most of the other songs are a little harder to sing along to for us rapping-impaired people) anyway, it's another of those hate-it or love-it songs, and I love it! The lute sound in the remix keep it this already-awesome song pushing forward - 9/10, used to be 8/10

Mainly, the songs were remixed that add a lot of power to their already-strong lyrics. Probably not worth buying if you already have the "original" Fireproof, even though the remixes really add to the music. If you haven't already joined the Pillar boat, jump on in if you're looking for a rap/rock album with clean lyrics!
Like this album? check out P.O.D., Blindside, Disturbed, Smile Empty Soul, Alien Ant Farm, Trapt, 38th Parallel, 12 Stones, and Pillar's upcoming album "Broken Down: the EP" ready 11/18/03!
Keep rockin,
Brian

THE REMASTERED FIREPROOF VERSION
I made the mistake of judging Pillar of biting P.O.D.s sound a long time ago when i first heard of them. Although i had only heard the single from Above: Open Your Eyes, I still thought they werent that good. Let me tell you I was wrong! When i decided to borrow this cd from a friend i was in complete amazement. This cd sounded original, fresh, and cutting edge. I have listened to this cd a lot and it is still a favorite. They are so good MCA decided to sign them. This remix cd came out June 10, 2003 and i bought it the opening day. It has a different track listing and sounded fresh of the press! Buy this remixed/remastered version its worth your money!

LET ME HERE YOUR BATTLECRY TONIGHT!!
I stumbled onto Pillar when Fireproof was first released on Flicker records. I was completely blown away, I had thought the whole rap-core thing was tired and worn out...These guys where just flat out better than anything I had ever heard....now with the release of Where Do We Go From Here, Pillar has matured even further evolving into a solid metal band. Leaving the rap-core to a minimum and proving that they are more than just another rock/rap band. Bravo!!!

Ha
This CD is in all seriousness a little goofy. The lyrics are somewhat tacky and cliche, but all of that makes this cd even better. I'm not gonna go on and on about spiritual enrichment, if you want that go buy a Hillsong CD. This CD is fun, and is well worth your money. Just sit back and listen, you won't regret your purchse (and if you do don't blame me :) )

You DO NOT want to miss this CD if you are a rock fan
This is a fantastic hard rock CD by an up and coming hard rock band. These guys are one of the most underrated bands in the mainstream market. If you like hard rock music, you cannot miss this CD. Trust me, if you get this CD, you will not only love it, you will not skip a single track. It is so hard to pick a favorite when every song is so good, but right now I am loving "Indivisible." The mainstream rock single, "Fireproof" is also a highlight. The title track, as well as "A Shame, "Echelon" and "Indivisible" were all huge hits on Christian rock radio, for good reason. Just recently "Further From Myself was another big Christian rock and Contemporary Christian hit when they released their acoustic version on "Broken Down: The EP." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A true metal classic!
"Atomic Arena," Barren Cross' sophomore record released in 1987, remains not only one of the greatest Christian metal recordings of all time, but a timeless metal classic, PERIOD. Vocalist Mike Lee reminds many fans of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, and I can also notice some hints of Ozzy as well. Ray Parris is an outstanding guitarist, and bassist Jim LaVerde & drummer Steve Whitaker made a formidable rhythm section. "Atomic Arena" shows unbelievable growth, both musically & lyrically, from BC's debut "Rock for the King," continuing many of the spiritual/Christian themes from RFTK, plus several songs which attack important issues--"Killers of the Unborn" (abortion), "In the Eye of the Fire" (suicide), "Terrorist Child" (terrorism), "Dead Lock" (drug/alcohol abuse), and "Cultic Regimes" (religious cults). Other noteworthy songs include "Imaginary Music," "Close to the Edge," "King of Kings" & "Living Dead." For classic heavy metal music, and one of the greatest Christian metal albums ever, Barren Cross' classic "Atomic Arena" is definitely a must-have!

The PMRC would have went after them with a vengence
Had they been as popular as Stryper...But they were not and that's sad. They are a very heavy sounding band with some great music. You could easily think that Bruce Dickenson left Iron Maiden and joined Barren Cross. They have very strong beliefs and let nothing get in the way of them and they rocked their asses off doing it. The production of this album is a little fuzzy but the music and the power behind it speak loudly. With music that sounded like Armoured Saint and Maidenesque vocals Barren Cross covered alot of ground from Imaginary Music (the rigors of fast living on mind body and soul) Killers Of The Unborn (abortion from the baby's point of view) Terrorist Child (Teaching children to hate)Close To The Edge (A unique song about telling you the listener that you are a good person)Deadlock (the drug song) Heaven Or Nothing (A really cool love song but to who: a person or God?)Living Dead (About becoming Born Again put in a more desperate way) Take it from me; I am not a christian and I love Power and Black Metal bands but I listen to everything else as well that is good, but this album really does rock and will cuase you to look twice at judging a book by it's cover. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Refusing to fit any molds either the mainstream or Christian musiccommunity might have in mind for her, Ashley Cleveland is one of the strongestand most righteous voices on the face of modern pop music. Cleveland has wonmultiple Grammy and Dove awards and toured withJohn Hiatt, but SecondSkin, her fifth album, is her most ambitious and gritty recording to date.The release includes take-no-prisoner rockers, sweet pop tunes, soulful ballads,and slow-burning blues songs, plus splendid hybrids of them all. Her voice issmooth, strong, and incredibly expressive, adaptable to a wide array of songstyles. She might remind you ofMelissa Etheridge on onesong,Bonnie Raitt on another,andSheryl Crow on the next,but mostly she'll just remind you of herself. Cleveland smartly retools Hiatt's"Riding with the King" in a manner that implicitly replaces its originalsubject--Elvis--with Jesus Christ, while her covers of Tom Waits and Neil Youngare irresistibly straightforward. Her own songs, especially "Wired" and "Don'tLet Me Fall," reveal grace, humility, and courage. Now this is how rock gospeloughta sound! --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Ashley Cleveland Album I've been waiting 10 years for...
If you've ever seen Ashley Cleveland in concert you know she puts on a passionate, energetic show and always leaves you challenged. I've got all of Ashley's projects and this is the first album that truly captures her live essence. There isn't a filler track on this album. Tracks like LIFE IS WAR and THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE show that Ashley is still not afraid to tackle subjects most in the genre won't even brush upon. This is one of the best projects of 2002 and should be in every music lovers collection.

Best Artist You Never Heard Of
Ashley Cleveland is one of those rare artists that just keeps getting better and better.She keeps turning our projects that are true to herself and not mainstream radio.The best part is that instead of running out of creative steam she is just getting stronger with every album.
Second skin seems like the strongest project yet.Somehow she has managed to keep her unique voice while experimenting with some new sounds in the studio.When I listen to this CD it is as if she is performing in the studio and I'm sitting in the control booth listening.It sounds so intimate that if you close your eyes its as if she is singing right to you.
If you are tired of weak whispy singers that dont sound as if they are sure of themselves then Ashley Cleveland is the antidote.She writes great songs and has the talent to sing them like she means them.
This is a must have CD....it just gets better with every listen.

Ashley does it again..
Ashley Cleveland creates another musical masterpiece with her first studio album since 1995's "Lesson of Love". Although loved by many, there were complaints that "Lesson" didn't rock hard enough. Well, "Second Skin" definitely takes care of that. The hard-edged guitar work and production of Kenny Greenbergcontribute to Ashley's hardest album since "Big Town". Combine that with the more faith-based lyrics of "Lesson Of Love", and you get a little glimpse of what "Second Skin" is like. Tracks that are not to be missed: the rocking "Power Of Love", excellent cover of "Riding With The King", "Broken Places" featuring guest vocals by Jennifer Knapp, the bluesy "What It Takes", and superb "Life Is War".

Ashley Rocks...Inspires....Brings Hope!!!
RUN, don't walk to go get Second Skin -- right now!The really cool thing about this record is that it's got blues, rock, folk, funk and gospel goin' on.Ashley has a voice that's got a range and a passion like no one else on the scene.She's as passionate as Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner.

This Amazon.com review above says it well, you know, this is truly how Rock Gospel ought to sound!If you are looking for excellence in Christian music, this is it.It's got to be one of the finest Rock/Gospel releases I've heard this year. Great CD for your car, (try not to blow your speakers out!)
I think this is Ashley's finest hour, it's clear this was a labor of love, the lyrics are amazing like this from the rock-out song "Power of Love"
Well I know that I can never be thankful enough/
How you turned me around with all of that love/
You set the edges of the sea/
It's a wonder that You ever even thought about me/

There's an awesome retake on John Hiatt's "Riding with the King"Some amazing guitar work by her husband, Kenny Greenberg and Jennifer Knapp joins her on one song."Land of the Living" is a great song.I could go on and on but there isn't one bad apple in the whole bunch!

Cleveland, an awesome acoustic guitarist, has two Grammy awards to her credit, and there's a real winner here too.Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Now y'all go get you some.

Ashley Cleveland?!?
Ok, some of you might have read my first message about this recording and may have been kinda bumbed!( don't blame ya )!!!
Thats why I chose too change it!
In my first review, I said that their was only one good thing that I can say about it and that was that it was autographed by Ashley Cleveland ( I sent for it though her web site )!
Well, I still have that recording and I've tried over and over to try my best to listen to it and like it!!!
Anyway, a light came on this evening as I was listening to the recording again!
I would like to upgrade my first review of this recording now. I think that itsan-ok recording! ( many say that its more of a Rocky- style --- true )! However, I still wish that she would put-out another recording that sounds like "Power of Love" from a few years ago --- she is a good artist and I know now that she can please those of us that way!!!
Thanks again for your time and alowing me to change my review! ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Third Day: Keeping faith simple
If you want straight-ahead, raw, passionate, and groovy rock and roll to play on your CD player, you can't go wrong with Third Day's first release.

"Forever" was the first cut I heard on this CD, and I was immediately blown away. A few days later, my local radio station played "Thief" and I was mesmerized by the dramatic presentation of the spiritual birth of one of the two crucified with Christ...I was in tears by the end of the song. Needless to say, I immediately went out and bought the CD and was not disappointed in a single track. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the raw energy that permeates each tune, makes for a powerful, life-changing musical experience. I believe this CD should be a must-listen for anyone who has recently come to faith in Jesus Christ.

I lead a worship band at church, and we performed "Thief" and "Love Song" on this past Easter Sunday, The result? There were many tissues present, dabbing at the eyes of those whose hearts were touched. Get stolen away by "Thief"...become consumed by the Spirit with "Consuming Fire"...see a glimpse of God's undying love through "Love Song"...tap into your own heart's desire for surrender to God in the lyrics of "Take From Me My Life"...You will NOT be disappointed!

Thank you Third Day for such an honest, passionate album about faith, failure, redemption, and forgiveness!

Comparable to "Time", but not "Conspiracy"
If you like Third Day's third CD ("Time"), but you don't like their second ("Conspiracy"), then don't think that you'll dislike this first CD of theirs ("Third Day"). It is more like "Time".

"Nothin' At All" made it to a WOW CD, so you know it has to be popular.

"Love Song" was my personal favorite of theirs until they came out "I've Always Loved You" (on the "Time" CD).

"Thief" is about the repentant thief who died next to Jesus on the cross (whereas "Can't Take the Pain" from the "Time" CD is about Peter).

"Consuming Fire" is their hardest song and displays the strength and deepness of the lead singer's voice.

All the songs are great; and there is enough variety so that just about anyone considering it will enjoy at least some set of songs. I hope this review has been helpful!

A true Christian music classic.
Third Day's self-titled debut remains one of Christian rock's truly classic recordings. From Mac Powell's soulful vocals to the guitar duo of Brad Avery & Mark Lee, to the rhythm section of Tai Anderson (bass) & David Carr (drums), Third Day consistently hits on all cylinders throughout this album. My overall favorite song is "Thief," about the repentant thief crucifed next to Jesus. Other noteworthy songs include "Love Song," "Consuming Fire," "Blackbird," "Nothing at All," "Take My Life" & "Praise Song." Of all of today's Christian rock bands, Third Day is my overall favorite (as well as one my all-time favorites). In addition to being great musicians and songwriters, they also have a tremendous heart for ministry. God has blessed them richly for their hard work, and their music constantly reminds me of how truly blessed I am.

This album is good. Very good.
I bought this CD after having already purchased Come Together and Time. I realized that their music reminded me a lot of the good ol' Southern rock I'd loved as a kid (Bob Seger, Lynard Skynard) but had an unmistakeable message about the faith that I try to live by. When I listened to the song "Thief," I was absolutely mesmerized. And Consuming Fire was like a balm, albeit a rockin' balm, after having felt so torn up by Thief.

As for the reviewer who did *not* like Third Day and wonders what's "with" people liking them -- since TD's voices are so grainy -- all I've got to say is, if you don't like "grainy" then go listen to Steven Curtis Chapman or Fernando Ortega (I love both of them, too, BTW. They're amazing.). Third Day has a sound that is full, lively, and fun. But even more than that, their lyrics are thought provoking, solid, and absolutely without reproach.

Lovin' this band!

Buy This CD!
Of all the Christian artists that play their songs to Jesus, this is the best one! Third Day is truthful of how everyone should worship Jesus...passionately, lovingly, honestly and truthfully! There are a lot of Christian artists that are wishy washy and that do more harm than good in conveying the salvation message. Third Day is the opposite. They tell of a God that wants people to worship him and that loves for people to speak of anything good(Nothing at all)like God commands in Phillipians 4:8. They tell of how Jesus loves us and how would do anything for us(Love Song). Third Day is the most amazing band in Christian rock music today. For anybody to say they are grainy and you can't understand them, you are probably listening to the wrong type of music and need to go back to the hymnals at your local church pew. These guys are for real and have one agenda-praising God, truthfully. Thank you Third Day for inspiring me and everyone else that listens to your music/love songs to the Lord!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In an unprecedented worship experience, the City on a Hillproject is a community effort that brings together top performers to glorifyGod. With an amazing roster of talent that includesSixpence None theRicher, Jars of Clay,FFH,Third Day,Caedmon's Call, andothers, this tender collection of songs is more than a showcase of separateworship styles. Many of the compositions are collaborative efforts among thebands, and this fact gives the recording a distinct feel of common ownershipamong the musicians. Breaking from their usual energized styles, the performerstake a different slant in these songs, with most tracks offering an acousticallyoriented and soft-sung vibe. Any fan surely will appreciate the witness of theseindustry leaders, who focus their talents solely toward God and the new musicalflavors that ensue. In conjunction with this CD, the bookCity on a Hill: Reflections onOur Spiritual Journeys brings together journal-like entries that werepenned by the artists, and offers a glimpse into their inner lives. --IsraelButton ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A very good worship Cd
I waited a long time to get this CD and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It has that great mellow upbeat style of worship music that I love so much. The opening track, "God of Wonders" is an absolutely gorgeous song about the Sovereignty of God. Other gems on this CD are "Stone" by Jars of Clay, "Merciful Rain" by FFH and "With every breath" by Jars and Sixpence none the richer. A highlight that makes this CD stand out from other compilations is that most of the songs are colaborations between todays great christian bands like Third Day, Caedmons Call, Sonicflood, Jars of Clay, Sixpence and more. This is a great CD and I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys good worship music.

Some recordings are very special - Here's one of them.
City on A Hill is a musical praise project featuring a blending of 80s and 90s progressive Christian artists. I will not pretend to write anything new that the other reviewers have not already contributed, but I do feel the need to add a strong 5-star rating to what is one of the best praise albums ever to be released from the Christian music community. Produced by Steve Hindalong (The Choir), a well accomplished producer, the quality of this recording is perfect.

One of the strongest features of the project is the combination of older and newer artist. Gene Eugene (of Adam Again) playing with Third Day's Mac Powell is soul warming and reminds us why we miss Euguene so much. Hindalong and Derri Daugherty's (The Choir) effort with Leigh Nash is brilliant. All of the artist (Jars of Clay, Third Day, Caedmans Call, Sixpence None the Richer, FFH, Sonic Flood, and even some individual performances from other progressive artists) creates a whos-who of contemporary Christian music. Each has written these new songs for the album.

But here is the best part of the album - none of the artist steals any of the attention away from the Person who is the subject of the recording. You cannot help but be drawn to God and think of Him and His holiness when listening to each song. You will likely spend much of the time listening to this album in prayer, on your knees or with a tear in your eye. It is that moving and that unique of a contribution to today's CCM scene. There is a good mixture of slow and medium paced songs, but there are no hard-edge songs here. It is not the place for it. The lyrics, recording quality, talent and packaging all make this a Praise album that is worthy of your ears and time.

City on a Hill is a Must Have...
I love this CD. God of Wonders HAS to be one of my favorite worship songs of all time...and Mac Powell just brings it to another level.

I also LOVE The Stone by Jars of Clay. He is my rock and my foundation.

Fresh worship to the glory of G-d!
City on a Hill is an exciting compilation of a new, fresh kind of worship music. The music is not tainted w/pop music beats and music, but is rather a clean mix of rhythm, simple lyrics and a slightly modern beat.

This music is not the typical "churchy" worship music. It is unique and stands alone in its own genre.

A great compilation, but...
God is a God of wonders. And it's no doubt that there is great music here, and that the bands are talented. But there is something inhibiting about it all, and the CD is a bit over praised. ... Read more

Reviews (150)

i'm not writing a title. read the review.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS FOR MXPX'S GREAT MUSICIANSHIP, AWESOME LYRICS, AND PUNK ON "SLOWLY GOING THE WAY OF THE BUFFALO"

WHY IT NEEDS FIVE STARS: Because you can listen to it beginning to end. There's not a track in here you need to skip. The lyrics are great ... this is punk rock right here.

WHY IT NEEDS FOUR STARS: Very similar to MXPX's "Teenage Politics." They sound very similar, but the musicianship here might be a little better. Aside from track nine, which sounds like a few of the other uncharacteristic of MXPX songs off of "Let it Happen" they sound the same. Still great, though I am getting a little tired of hearing the same old thing.

A great CD that you can listen to beginning to end. I don't know what they were thinking with tracks nine and sixteen, but I loved it anyway. "Fist Vs. Tact," track nine, is almost hardcore punk. MXPX screaming? It doesn't work. And about the whole Fiasco thing ... I won't ask. But everything else is great. I was a bit disappointed though, (a bit, and that only equals about half a star), because this is another "Teenage Politics." The musicianship is a little better, but that's it. They're the same. Of course that doesn't take away from the quality of the CD. If you already have "Teenage Politics" I wouldn't recommend buy this. Check out "Let it Happen," with it's punkier, more harsh guitar playing, or "The Ever Passing Moment," with more pop in the pop-punk, if you want something different. This is still an excellent CD, that gets four and a half stars.

arguably MxPx's best
this album wuz one of the best punk rock albums ive everheard. i think either this or life in general is their best release here is a song by song review:
1. under lock and key - fast beat and a sweet riff at the end. good opener
2. tommorrow is another day - good song probably the most christian song on the CD
3. the final slowdance - this iz the only song i dont really like but itz still good
4. im ok your ok - alot of people rave about this song but to me it iznt that great but itz still good. nuthing on this disc is bad
5. cold and all alone - quality song
6. party my house be there- sweet song with lots of energy
7. downfall - probably my 2nd favorite on this disc it open with a great bass solo
8. invitation to understanding - alright. i like the lyrics
9. fist vs. tact - I CANT STAND WHEN PEOPLE RANK ON THIS SONG!! it iz so kool and will hav ure head banging to itz hardcore punk beat
10. wuts mine iz yours - good course, good song. love the lyrics
11. self serving with a perpose - without a doubt my favorite song. sweet guitar. really catchy
12. for always - kinda slow and a little boring but itz has a good ending
13. set the record straight - opens with a great riff and iz a really good song
14. get with it - funny lyrics with sweet guitar. quality song
15. inches from life - I LOVE THIS SONG!! it has an awesome course any one will love
16. the theme fiasco - good insrumantal. great bass playing from mike on this track

u should realyy buy this cd it iz so great. i kno itz not exactly all really punk but it iz still quality musik!

Great!
This CD is awesome!!! I was slightly dissapointed becuz ppl said that this was the best one they ever made. I kinda like Ten years and BE&A better. I'm sorry to say there new stuff is cooler. But only becuz the old stuff is a lil' repetitive. I still love it though!!! MXPX ROX!!!! Peace!

THIS CD IS FREAKIN' SWEEEETT!!!!!!!!
From the opening blast of "Under Lock and Key" to the final riff of the Theme Fiasco, MxPx delivers the best melodic punk rock I've heard. The songs are so catchy and meaningful you cant even help it but to fall in love. No, you do not have to be a Christian to enjoy MxPx, especially with this album. Some say that "Fist v. Tact" isnt a good song, personally I think it rocks, they're just mad cause they cant figure out the words. Anyway this is a must buy or burn or whatever you like just get it, NOW!

ANOTHER GREAT MXPX ALBUM
Another great MxPx album, Slowing Going the Way of the Buffalo contains a promising, matured sound that 'Px fans are sure to enjoy. Best tracks are: "Under Lock and Key", "Tomorrow is Another Day", "I'm OK, You're OK" and there is much more. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A must-have for 80's Metal fans
With the awesome song-writing of Michael Sweet, the phenomenal guitar playing of both himself and fellow guitarist Oz Fox, the cool bass licks of Tim Gaines, and steady beat of "visual time-keeper" Robert Sweet, all combined with a very positive message, we have in Stryper's Soldiers Under Command a very good rock album not just for Christian rock fans, but any fan of 80's glam rock/hair rock. I highly recommend this album to anyone wishing to find out what type of music Stryper put out back in their day. The only drawback to the album is the recording quality. Don't get me wrong, it still sounds very good, but the budget for recording for this album was considerably less than it was for their next two albums.

This album smokes!
"Soldiers Under Command" was my introduction not only to Stryper, but to Christian rock/metal music itself. "Soldiers" was the first Christian tape I bought during my first year of college (Fall '85) after hearing some guys cranking up Stryper records in our dorm. And what an intro! "Soldiers" was, and remains, a great album, produced & engineered by Michael Wagner, who has worked with the likes of Dokken, Accept & Alice Cooper. This is where I first experienced the songwriting & vocal mastery of Michael Sweet, the blistering guitar leads of both Sweet & Oz Fox, and the formidable rhythm section of bassist Timothy Gaines & drummer Robert Sweet. Standout tracks include the title track, plus "Makes Me Wanna Sing," "Reach Out," "First Love" & "Surrender." Buying this album then opened me up to other Christian artists/bands (rock & pop, as well as metal) as well as going back to "The Yellow & Black Attack" album. This was my first Stryper album, and it remains in a virtual tie with "To Hell with the Devil" for my overall favorite.

Simply the Greatest!!
Stryper up and away were the most musically talented metal band of their time. I strongly urge everybody to go out and pick up this classic!! The guitar playing of Oz Fox and Michael Sweet is amazing. Its hard to believe Michael Sweet can play as well as he does considering his awesome vocals and songwriting ability. Just a pure classic!!!!

great album!
I love the album it was a number #1 album ,because it was a great album when it came to me. I love songs more than any other albums they have put out. I went to that concert too. I wish I can express many more feelings to this album. Thank you.

Awesome album
A great album,it is unfortunate that when people think of Stryper they think of their two releases. This is there second release, it is more metal like than thier last couple of albums. They got a real bad rap because of their wardrobe, and religous connotations. This is a really great metal album. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

This album brings back awesome memories
All the songs on the legend of chin are awesome. My personal favorite is Chem 6a. It talks about graduation and what he can do with his life but doesnt because hes to lazy. well it just reminds me of my friend Geoff and when we would go to the beach and he was the one that got me into Switchfoot. he showed me a song (chem 6a) and i fell right in love with this awesome band. all the songs just make you feel like you have a hole in your heart or something and it just feels it right up. its an awesome CD to set memories to. get the CD and i garantee you will have no regret, even if your not into christian bands, its still an awsome clean CD.

May not grab you at first, but listen a few more times
and you'll be hooked. Following along with the lyric sheet will make you fall in love with it even faster. I have lots of Christian alt-rock, and in my opinion Switchfoot stands head and shoulders above the rest. Before my spiritual awakening, I listened to secular alt-rock, and frankly, many Christian alt-rock bands don't measure up to the edginess and creativity of the secular stuff - but Switchfoot does. Both the music and the lyrics are awesome. The CD is well-balanced with a good mix of fast and slow songs. For me, the slower songs are the heart of the CD - acoustic gems with exceptional lyrics. You'll find no preachiness here, just honest, thought-provoking lyrics that come from the heart. I love all of them - Home, You, and Don't Be There. All the tracks have great, catchy melodies - a stand out faster song for me is Life and Love and Why. My only complaint is that the song should have been longer. I usually wind up playing it 2 times in a row to get my fill. If you buy this CD, listen to it enough times to give it a chance to grow on you, you'll be glad you did. Then go out and buy their other CDs too!

BUY NOW!!! BUY NOW!!!
Okay, when I got this CD, I thought, "It'll be good, but not as good as The Beautiful Letdown". But now I'm not so sure. Every song has its own unique meaning, and you can't just listen to it. You start thinking and questioning, or, if you're like me, crying. There are no songs on this CD that I don't like. I love it. Have I said that already? Sorry. I just REALLY like this CD. Buy it now. It'll be good for you. Whatever you're going through, some song will address the pain that's in your heart. Switchfoot rocks so very awesomely. God bless.

AWESOME CD!!
First off, Switchfoot is my favorite band and I love them to death but i had my doubts that this CD (being their very first album) wouldn't be as awesome as the rest of their records. So Not True!! This is definitely one of my favorite CD's that i own! It's almost as good as "The Beautiful Letdown", which in my mind, is perfect! The songs like "Chem 6A" and "Edge of my Seat" are great catchy and punky songs, but there are some really pretty songs on here too such as "You" and "Don't be there". Switchfoot sounds very mature for their age, they made this album back in 1996! They sound just as good as they do now! I would definitely recommend this CD (as well as "The beautiful Letdown" for new fans of Switchfoot. It's totally worth buying, trust me!!

Switchfoot Fans Only
Don't get me wrong, Switchfoot is one of my favorite bands if not my favorite, but I don't really like this CD as much as some of their other ones. The lyrics are strange and suicidal in a way, and the messages are hard to decipher. Some songs are one of my favorites from Switchfoot, such as Chem 6a and Underwater, but overall, the CD cannot compare to the likes of their other albums. If you are new to Switchfoot, I would recommend New Way to Be Human to begin with. But if you are a hardcore fan, I would definatly pick this one up. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Amy Grant's first Christmas album is not only one of the best recordings of her career, it's easily one of the best contemporary Christmas collections available. Grant's Christian beliefs have been incorporated into her music for years, and maybe it's the artistic translation of the depth of her faith that makes these songs so inspiring. "Emmanuel" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" have Grant's vocals soaring, especially on the sustained chorus of the latter.Her country roots show nicely in "Tennessee Christmas," while "Sleigh Ride" is as fun as it is romantic. "Heirlooms" is particularly poignant--maybe not to the point of "hand me a tissue," but it's powerful all the same. A must for fans, and a good holiday addition for those looking for a Christmas record that comes without the cobwebs. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (28)

An excellent Christmas album
In my household, listening to the Christmas music of Amy Grant has become a type of annual tradition. Each time the beginning of December rolls around, I check all three of Grant's Christmas albums out of the library and I listen to them for the entire month. I've been doing this for three years now, and I'm not even close to being tired of the music. Honestly, I can't say that I happen to like one of them more than the rest. "A Christmas Album," which was Grant's first Christmas release, has some very original music on it. My favorite songs were "Tennessee Christmas," "Little Town," "Love Has Come," and "Heirlooms." They were all written by Grant; she writes excellent holiday tunes. "Tennessee Christmas" is probably the best song on the CD and one of my favorite Christmas songs (even though I live in Ohio!) simply because it's such a charming, heart-warming song. In fact, the reason why I like Grant's Christmas music so much is not only because it is the style of music that I normally listen to, but also because it is so cheerful and uplifting. I recommend "A Christmas Album" to all fans of both Amy Grant's music and the holiday season. The mixture of an excellent artist with a joyful holiday makes a very powerful combination.

Classic pop Christmas album
Amy Grant's first solo Christmas album has it all. Great songs (perfect mix of sacred and secular), wonderful production, and the incomparable Grant voice. After 12 years, this album still holds up incredibly well. I never tire of listening to it. This effort produced the classics "Tennessee Christmas," "Heirlooms," and "Emmanuel" (words and music by Michael W. Smith). One of my favorite carols is the old favorite "Little Town" ("O Little Town of Bethlehem") set to new music. Instead of ruining this old hymn, the modern arrangement allows you to hear the words (which are terrific) as if for the first time. The best Christmas music is the music you play year after year without tiring. I've been listening to this album since 1983 and I still find it both inspirational and entertaining. Pop this in your CD player along with your other favorites, break out the hot cider, and trim that tree!

amy grant
This is the best Christmas album EVER! it instanty puts u in the Christmas Spirit! I LOVE AMY GRANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The classic "Christmas Album" by Amy Grant from 1983
The idea that Amy Grant could put out a great Christmas album is hardly surprising, but the fact that she had a hand in writing four of the songs on this classic 1983 collection should raise some eyebrows. The scope of "A Christmas Album" is laid out in the first three tracks: "Tennessee Christmas," the first of the songs co-written by Grant, the traditional Mendelssohn hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and a German carol "Preiset Dem König!" This album was released when Grant was pretty much at her height as a contemporary Christian singer, having won a Grammy for gospel singing the previous year, and that may well explain this rather ambitious album. But you would have to believe that Grant was going to be able to record anything she wants, which makes the eleven tracks she selected all the more interesting.

The other original songs are "Christmas Hymn," "Love Has Come," and "Heirlooms," which blend in just as well with the contemporary Christmas classics "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song." But the definitive song on this Christmas album is the last track, when Grant pulls out all the stops for an impressive medley of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and "Angels We Have Heard on High," supported by the Hollywood Presbyterian Choir. Having more sedate Christmas songs preceding this finale only makes it a more powerful conclusion to the album. I did a quick check through my Christmas albums and Amy Grant's "A Christmas Album" has more original songs, songs that I have never heard, or songs that do not appear on any other holiday, of any holiday album that I have. If you have not picked up this Christmas album in the twenty years since it was first released, then now would be a good time to add this classic to your music library.

A masterpiece from a wonderful singer
There are some famous oldies here - Hark the herald angels sing, Sleigh ride, The Christmas song and Angels we have heard on high - all of which Amy sings superbly in the traditional style. Little town is actually O little town of Bethlehem given a completely different tune and arrangement. I'm not totally convinced by it but it's nice to hear an old classic done differently.

The outstanding new song is, of course, Tennessee Christmas, which was written by Amy and has since been covered by Alabama, Steve Wariner, Lee Greenwood, B J Thomas, Bill Gaither and Porter Wagoner among others. Other notable songs here are Emmanuel, Christmas hymn, Love has come and Heirlooms.

This is an album that gets better with each listen and it's a classic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Michael Tait's first release outside of dc Talk is not really a solo effort. In fact, Tait has invested his many talents with three kindred spirits (guitarist Pete Stewart, drummer Chad Chapin, and brother Lonnie on bass) to form, oddly enough, a band called Tait. And Empty is not just about Michael Tait simply flexing his musical muscle outside of dc Talk. It's a melting pot of ideas that produces enough smoke and fire to cook up one winner after another. From the no-holds-barred opening rocker, "Alibi," to the final track, an emotionally wrenching "Unglued," Tait not only sounds like a band, but has the soul and feel of one as well. The sound of a real band comes through in the alluring, hook-laden "All You Got," the riveting "Talk About Jesus," and the anti-racist, anthemic "American Tragedy." There's tightness in the sonic bond here that can't be had through any allegiance with studio musicians. No, Tait is a band, and Empty is anything but. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Tait is Rich and Full
I've been a HUGE DC Talk fan since a friend 'dragged' me to a Jesus Freak tour concert here in Phoenix years ago. DC Talk just came thru town again last month (02/02) and played at a local church. Each played a few cuts off his solo CD and I loved everyone of Taits songs. At the break I bought the CD and have been listening to it ever since. It is one of my all-time favorite CDs, right up there with Boston I. To me, this CD is every bit as rich as the other DC Talk CDs, maybe more so. But that's all relative to the listener. I honestly couldn't believe how good it sounded for being a solo project. Whoever produces these CDs (DC Talk and the solo CDs) does a masterful job of mixing the music. I'm probably a little more biased toward this CD because I grew up with 70s rock music, and this falls right into that genre.

Like other reviewers have commented, the words are deep and sharp and interesting. It's fun trying to place yourself into the songwriters head to try and figure out what the message is. And once you figure it out, it's very powerful. Hard driving rock and beautiful ballads lace this CD. Just one week after this last concert, my girlfriend and I had already figured out 'All You Got' and played a live, unplugged version for women prisoners at a ministry gig. Once you hear the words to that song, you'll understand why the place was full of tears when we were done. Many had all heard of DC Talk and Michael Tait when we told them the source of the song. Michael, just look how your passion for music and Jesus is spreading to the hurting and hungry throughout the Kingdom.

Blown away!
It was much cheaper..) I have already listened to it three times all the way through. This is one of the best CDs of the year, not just by a Christian artist, buy by ANY artist. It is a perfect blend of powerful rock, with elements of pop and alternative. Mix that with poignant lyrics about relationships, faith and racism, and "Empty" is sure to satisfy the non-christian music fan as well. The album begins with 'Alibi', an all out rocker that really sets the stage for the album. 'All You got', the current single, softens the tone a bit, only to be charged up once again with 'Spy' and one of my favorites 'Talk About Jesus', a song about what it really means to live and demonstrate a personal relationship with Christ. "When a man leaves his darkness, he follows the SON". How true indeed.
Tait is amptly backed by the Chapin brothers and Pete Stewart, who co-produces. However, this is not a Michael Tait "solo" album in any sense. This is a true band with some serious chops. Do your selves a favor and catch the Taitband on the road this Fall with DC Talk. You will not be disappointed!

MICHAEL TAIT AND HIS BAND CAN PRODUCE MIRACLES
What can I say about a band that has helped transform my families' lives since we first heard them a year ago. My family has constantly played the CD "Empty" ever since we bought it. We first discovered the group when I, my two sons, and my wife saw them play at the Billy Graham revival in Oklahoma City in front of about 25,000 people. Everywhere we go in our car we now listen to it. I didn't think it was possible, but we now have played their new CD "Lose This Life" even more. I feel that, God willing, the group could launch Christian Rock into the mainstream music scene. With all of the crazy influences
attacking our society from programs like "Jerry Springer" and "MTV", it is very refreshing to see positive mainstream influences coming from a group like Tait and a movie such as "The Passion of the Christ." I highly recommend purchasing this CD. You will be hooked by the second to third time you play it and you won't be able to stop listening to it after that.

Tait a man loves God and i love his music
At first i didn`t like studying but when i brought the taitband empty cd i would study for hours with his songs there great songs and hope everyone gets lose this life too.There both great album.

Tait Rocks!
Ya just can't go wrong with this CD. Even if you've never heard of Michael Tait before - if you love rock & roll, you'll love this CD. It has a little bit of everything, and Tait (the band) has such a wide range of musical capability that the entire CD is like a smorgasbord of other styles, only better and smoother.

Michael Tait and his band are well worth a listen to. I suggest giving the group a chance in your CD player. You won't be disappointed!

I'd have given it six stars, but that wasn't available.

:-)

www.therunninggirl.com ... Read more

Album Details

Two Mid 80's Gospel Albums Reissued on One CD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great disc .. well received
I eagerly awaited the reissue of these two albums on one CD. In the 1980's I had both of the vinyl records. "I Put Away My Idols" was the 3rd of the Christian albums put out by Dion, and was nominated for a Grammy in the Gospel category. For the Christian, this record is loaded with pure Christian encouragment and personal testimony. The lyrics are compelling and based on sound Bible doctrine. I especially like the song "They Won't Tell You". It is a song blasting the deceit being put out by the media of the day. A couple of smooth slower offerings are on the album also, including a beautiful duet entitled "Day of the Lord". One song .."Daddy" ..is so touching , that tears actually filled my eyes the first time I ever heard it. Not being the "sentimental type" .. I was surprised .. to say the least.
The album "Kingdom in the Street" has various styles of music on it, and has something for everybody to enjoy. One song .. titled "Crazy Too" .. has a neat doo-wah sound .. reminiscent of the old Dion and the Belmont days. I am particularly fond of the driving rock tunes on this album. The songs "Only God Can Make a Change" .. and "You only Go 'Round Once" ... are hard-hitting songs pertaining to eternal matters .. and Dion doesn't hold back his punches. I think that any Christian will truly enjoy this disc. It has a little something for everybody, and so gently relects Dion's love of God in several tunes... especially the songs "Healing" .. and "Come to the Cross" I highly recommend this CD.. whole-heartedly.. to everyone !! ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Jam with apricots and nuts in it.
The Christian scene's ultimate southern-fried rockers take a turn for the grungier on "Conspiracy No. 5". Third Day change up their sound, trading their southern-rock-based stylings for something that sounds like it could be out of Seattle. Don't get me wrong, though; this isn't necessarily a bad thing. These guys know how to rock out. Tracks like "Peace" and "You Make Me Mad" got me slapping my steering wheel along with the beat. As much of a departure as this one is, though, it's nice to hear these guys haven't lost their roots. The gospel-flavored stomp "Have Mercy" will make you say "Now THAT'S the Third Day I know and love!" They haven't forgotten how to get their praise on, either; "My Hope Is You" is evidence enough of that. This album was and still is a smash, and though some Third Day fans might frown upon the change, I think that the more you listen, the more it'll grow on you. Sometimes change can be a good thing. (Besides, it's not like it was permanent.)

Musically and Spiritually Correct!
My veins pump with a love for hard rock..the problem is that there are so very few bands that praise, while raising the roof with well written songs and great, full sound. This is one awesome album, through and through. There are just not enough Christian bands out there that really let it rip! There are many "scream-o" and "nu-metal" so called Christian bands, but nothing like Third Day. These guys are annointed, and play great music. I prefer this album over any of the other Third Day albums, because of its harder edge and generous use of distortion; yet there are a few slower praise songs that fit perfectly! You can't help but tap your foot to every song; it is GREAT driving music! It is so cool to be able to sing lyrics with praise to our Creator and Savior....more.....more!

Mostly excellent
This was the last Third Day album I bought because I had heard it was "hard rock" and the least popular of their albums. On the first listen, I was unsure what I thought. However, it has quickly become my favorite Third Day album. It has two duds on it that get monotonous - "I Deserve", and "My Hope is in You". "Who I Am" is a gorgeous song until the chorus, which drives me crazy. And "Gomer's Song" is OK but not their best. But the rest of the album is incredible, hence a 5-star rating. I skip the ones I don't like and revel in the rest of it. Yes, it is harder rock that their other albums. They really rock in this one, but it's not just noise. It is very creative music with very thought-provoking words that stick with you. If Mac Powell's voice stirs you all up inside, then you've got to get this album, because he plays it to its limits in this one.

Great cd
This is a great cd to buy. I give it 2 thumbs up!

Their best all around CD
I don't know what people are talking about when they say that this one isn't as good as the other 3rd day CDs. I have to admit that the others are also amazing, but this one takes a new aproach- it is more hard-rock than the others. The others all have about 2-5 amazing songs on them that I can pick out, but on this one they are all so amazing that I literally cannot pick favorites. Excetpt Your Love Endure and I Deserve might be a little better. But they're all amazing!! ... Read more

Reviews (35)

MWS Knows How to Lead Us to God!
I first had the cassette version of this album ,but it started getting old and my cassette player wasn't working well. So I bought the CD recently. I am amazed at this singer's ability to lead people to Christ by his music and his voice! After all, Smitty is my number one all-time fave male singer, and this CD proves what he actually does as an amabassador for God. I love the trilogy hits, especially "The Other Side of Me". This song is a beautiful tribute to his wife, Debbie. The songs, "I'll Lead You Home", "I'm Waiting For You", "I'll Be Around", and "As It Is In Heaven", are just some of my huge faves! Overall the album proves that Smitty has made an incredible impact on the lives of music fans, believers and nonbelievers alike!

The first!
This album was the first MWS CD I ever got. I loved it so much that since then I have boughten nearly all of his works. Personally I don't know how anyone could say his voice is not good. He has amazing talent in that area as well as unbelievable song-writing skills.... I think my all time favorite on the album- and possibly my favorite of all his songs- is I'll Be Around. I not only love the tune... But also the words which encourage me every time I hear it. I have had the sort of life when I was never quite sure of what was around the corner. My parents were missionary's in Thailnad for nine years and then my mom got cancer and we had to come back to America.... so this song really grounded me and kind of told me that no matter what- God is there and someone will 'be around'... All in all this album is the best work of Smitty's besides Live the Life and This is Your Time.... If you don't have it- get it. Its pop at its best- and a wonderful starter if you have never heard any of MWS music before!!!!

One of His Best!
I'll Lead You Home is a nice transition for Michael W. Smith from his more upbeat cds targeted more towards younger listeners. While I have enjoyed his other cds, I particularly enjoyed this one.

The collection contains more reflective songs appropriate for Christian meditation. My personal favorites include: Crown Him With Many Crowns, Calling Heaven, I'll Lead You Home, The Other Side of Me, Breath In Me, Angels Unaware, and I'm Waiting for You.

While the above are my favorites, the other songs are good also. All in all, a highly recommened buy! Buy and enjoy!

Good from any perspective
I've skirted in and out of spirituality, and this album has always inspired me, and if nothing else, served as quality entertainment. The vocals are improved over Smith's past works, and there seems to be more production to his sound. If you're looking for a CD with more than one good song, this is a great choice - there are numerous songs that have become favorites of mine, and they are all highly powerful songs you can connect with.

A new direction for Smitty
It's interesting to me how cleanly you can truly separate Smitty's musical history into two seperate decades. Thus The First Decade covers Smitty's music before 1995. The Second Decade covers everything from this album forward.

I think that this record is representive of both changes in Smitty and the changing times. It is more acoustic than his previous albums, less "produced" in the "hmm-something-seems-less-than-real-about-this" sense. Also this album lyrically is much more first person towards God than his previous albums. I personally like the more acoustic touch of this album. It's also the mark of a trend in his future releases: they would all be more acoustically based from now on. Not a bad thing.

I'll point out some song highlights very quickly. The whole album is very passionate. My personal three favorites are: "Cry For Love" with a fantastic driving rhythm, great verse lyrics and a chorus hook that made it a hit single: "As It Is In Heaven" the Lord's prayer put to one of the best musical backdrops ever done for this prayer: "I'll Lead You Home" the title track, a simple message that really reaches out to me personally. Also really worth mentioning is the "trilogy", three songs woven together with beautiful orchestral interludes, a love song to Smitty's wife, then his God, then ending with the reflective tune "Angels Unaware"

Definitely an album worth having for Smitty fans or even fans of simple acoustic, piano-driven christian music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The folks at Sparrow Records give us the most diverse collection yet in this increasingly popular Wow series. The 30-plus tracks (there are three bonus tracks) testify that contemporary Christian music (CCM) in the first year of the new millennium was worthy. Mainstream acts like Steven Curtis Chapman ("Dive"), Michael W. Smith ("This Is Your Time"), and DC Talk("Red Letters") are represented, but so are developing singer-songwriters like Nichole Nordeman ("Every Season"), Ginny Owens ("Free"), and Jennifer Knapp ("Into You"). The praise-and-worship contingent is also covered with Passion's live version of "America," Third Day's "King of Glory," and Delirious's "God You Are My God." You've even got an old-time gospel testimonial in CeCe Winans's moving "Alabaster Box." P.O.D.'s delightful "Set Your Eyes to Zion" and Avalon's pop masterpiece "Always Have, Always Will" never made it to the top of mainstream CCM radio but get their rightful listing on Wow 2001, truly a wonderful collection of music and a reason to remain hopeful for the future of CCM. --Michael Lyttle ... Read more

Reviews (30)

I admit. they've redeemed themselves for some bad selections
The past 3-4 WOW CDs have not been all that great to be honest. The lack of diversity and research for the best songs from the best artists left me dissapointed, and I stopped buying WOW CD's after the '98 version. But the people at WOW have finally made up for themselves and have finally started exploring other genres of Christian music than the vastly populated Mainstream and Contemporary Rock. It's great to see a variety of different types of artists getting exposure now.

Now all we need is some Zao and Peace586, and we'd all be set :) I'd definately recommend this CD set to any Christian music fan.

Yup, it's WOW!
Everyone should get this CD- it has Christian music for the fans of every type- Latin, rap, rock, gospel- and everything else! My favorites are- SILVER DISC 1) 'Dive', Steven Curtis Chapman. I love this song. It's upbeat and a great starter for the whole album. It tells about diving into God's loving arms.

3)'Written On My Heart', Plus One. One of my favorite bands and songs, this N'Sync-type dance song tells about how the love of God is written on your heart.

4) 'This Is Your Time', Michael W. Smith. This beautifully touching song, although it doesn't actually say so, is obviously about Columbine, and the choice that girl had to make- God or life. The background music on this song is also excellent, like most of Michael's songs. This one is mixed Scottish and soft rock. Love it!

8) 'Crystal Clear', Jaci Valasquez. I like this song because it is good for the middle of a CD, where it is- upbeat, but not too fast. It tells that the love of God is suddenly crystal clear to her, and how, when she falls, God catches her.

BLUE DISC 1) 'Set Your Eyes to Zion', P.O.D. I like the rap in this song, and it's theme, which is described by the title.

4) 'Beautiful Sound', Newsboys. One of my fave bands! This song showcases some of the band's distinctive style- according to my sister, this one is oldies rock, which she loves. It tells about the love of God, like a beautiful sound, moving everywhere.

6) 'Red Letters', dcTalk. My all time FAVORITE band! In this song, they talk about the red letters, what they say. And what are red letters? In many bibles, the words that Jesus speaks are written in red, to distinguish them. Get it? Anyway, its very good! This is the song that got me into dcTalk, need I say more?

14) 'America', Passion. This isn't your classic "Oh Beautiful"! It tells how Jesus (in his words and actions of the Bible) is coming to America. I don't know what type of music it is, but whatever it is, it's good.

Basically, if you don't own at least one copy of this CD yet, buy it!

The best of the WOW Series.
Contemporary Christian music involves such a varied range of styles and mood that to offer a fair and enjoyable sampling is a tough task. In the past, the songs released on WOW anthologies have been conservative at best, profiling mostly the mainstream pop samples of the industry's top artists. With WOW 2001 (and its equally enjoyable 2002 successor -- which is why my review of this and 2001's issue are pretty similar), listeners who prefer their music a little louder and more energetic are, at last, given attention! The heavier tunes are mostly centered within one disc, whereas the more mainstream pop tunes on the other. This is an excellent idea, as people can have a "favorite" of the two discs based on their style. The songs flow extremely well together, and you're left with the sense that much care was taken to make this an overall enjoyable, and educational experience. It's a nice feeling to be able to praise God while at the same time slapping your hands on the steering wheel!

umm.........
I think this cd was kindof a dissapointment. Fo one thing, the dc talk song there. I ean, that song is ok but it was made in 1998. And the P.O.D. song? They should hve put more rocky songs on this cd. This cd is 2001's most forgotten hits to me. I mean,they could have at least put a better P.O.D. song on it. P.O.D. is second favorite band. And whenIheard they were on it, i was s excited. Then i got really mad when i heard it. I think wow 2002 is the best ne yet. I'm not sure about 2003 because i haven't heard it yet.

Wow!!
All I can say about this cd is WOW!! Another great mix of Christian songs. You will love it!!! ... Read more

Album Description

Enter the Worship Circle: First Circle is a unique praise and worship album. While most such recordings contain covers of the worship standards, this album features all original songs written by 100 Portraits and Waterdeep . What's more, the songs were recorded live and unplugged, and the instrumentation is composed solely of the jangle of acoustic guitars and the rhythms of hand drums. The result is a worship album for those dismayed or uninterested in the grandiose production and operatic vocals of typical praise and worship albums. Enter the Worship Circle :First Circle has a sound that is open and free-form, beautiful as a well-laid plan, but spontaneous as a sincere declaration of love. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Wonderful Lyrics
I love worship music where I can turn it up and just praise the Lord with my awful voice. Enter the Worship Circle was given to me as a gift and once I learned the lyrics I fell in love with them. Scripture based this band leads you into a heartfelt worship of our Almighty God. I warn you that God could break you through this CD.

Best Worship CD thus far...
If you call yourself a Christian and have not at least heard this CD, you are truly missing out on real worship and intimacy with Jesus. 100 Portraits and Waterdeep have been absolutely filled with the Holy Spirit in the creation of this album. The songs are truly God breathed, coming from Divine inspiration. This CD will change your life! I cannot even begin to choose a favorite song...every single one is awesome! If you are really wanting to experience God in a way you never have before...get this CD! I recommend listening to it in your room alone; just let the words sing to your heart and you will have one of the greatest times in worship with our awesome Father. Just let God come and meet you half way....He wants to speak to you through this album!

true worship that's simple and beautiful
'enter the worship circle' is a worship experience you don't want to miss! the lyrics are simple so you can catch on quickly. the music is simple [guitar, i think] and let's you focus on God rather than the music. the worship is so fresh and real that it just draws you in and encourages you to worship God. no fancy sound effects or instruments. there's also a booklet that gives you some advice on how to write your own worship music. it's an amazing cd :) a definite must-have!

Get ready to be inspired
I was so inspired by this album; the music, the emotion, the honesty and the simpleness of the rhythms and sounds. The instructions inside the jacket helped me to write many of my own songs. If you enjoy worshiping God, you'll enjoy this CD.

sitting at God's feet
Waterdeep and 100 Portraits have tapped into a way of presenting psalms as they were probably originally produced, as an interactive worship that brings joy instead of how we view them as a culture (as boring or irrelevant). really, I don't know much to say except that this CD is great and you should get it. If you enjoy this type of worship there is and International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri you might think about visiting. The same style of worship is followed, with much improv. and intercession for everyone...individuals present to people groups all over the world. It is in Grandview in Kansas City. There's just a reality of sitting at God's feet and listening to him that I think both the IHOP in KC and this CD capture that is life-changing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As obligatory as the greatest-hits package and tribute record for the retiring veteran artist is the rarities compilation for new artists moving from the underground to mainstream record-buying consciousness. That said, Let It Happen, a collection of B-sides recorded by MxPx for Tooth and Nail Records before the band was signed away to A&M, comes off as a much stronger record than a simple attempt to cash in on a departing band. And, given that it contains 32 songs--clocking in at nearly 72 minutes--the value is certainly good, too. But the real strength of the CD lies in the short, aggressive, and unbelievably catchy pop-punk tunes MxPx churned out in spades. The songs they relegated as B-side material actually make for one of MxPx's more satisfying albums. And though these songs come from many different sessions stretched out over three years, the disc is surprisingly cohesive, thanks in no small part to new mixes by longtime MxPx producer Steve Kravac, whose sonic fairy dusting gives these tracks a Hüsker Dü-like roar. --Bradley S. Caviness ... Read more

Reviews (115)

Tons of songs to choose from..something for everyone!
This is definately one of those CDs where you may have to do a little track skipping to play all your favorite songs in one sitting. However...with 32 tracks, that takes nothing away from the overall quality of MxPx's sweet compilation of B-sides, unreleased material, and different versions of released songs. There is so much to choose from...from the melodic pop-punk of GSF to the old school MxPx style of Small Town Minds. Not to mention a few of the alternate versions of songs released on previous albums...such as Chick Magnet, Do Your Feet Hurt, Want Ad, South Bound, and a few others. Oh yeah...and out-takes from songs they considered putting on On The Cover,all written by different artists, but played to the awesome punk music of MxPx. Like Sick Boy, Swing Set Girl, Never Learn, Begin To Start, and Oh, Donna. Definately worth the money. Although if you are just starting out on MxPx...go grab Life In General and Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo First. Get this CD third.

Great Cd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Must Get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All you MxPx fans out there get this cd!!! I knoe it may not "Be Their Best" or it may Not "Rock On!" but it is just a great cd to start with or to end with! This cd has 32 songs including "Let It Happen", "Move To Bremerton", "Chick Magnet" and "Sick Boy"! This album i longer then thier other albums ( Time about 1 and 1/2 hours)! I love this album and all u slow rong/ punkers will love it! But people who like MxPx's more punky/ yelling form may not like it but it is a great cd to add to your collection and I listen to it all the time! So All of you GET IT!

ROCK ON MxPx(...)!

Awesome
This Cd is awesome and trust me i'm not a great fan of MxPx but i think this Cd is really worth it. My fave songs are Never Kearn and Chick Magnet.

ONE BAD THING...TOO LONG
Some songs are good, some suck, and some you'll hear on Life In General. This isn't really a good cd, only if you want to hear a lot of unreleased crap MxPx hasn't released before this album. But for the most part this is a good album. And if you're a baby because the majority of their albums are only one half hour, than you are sure to love this.

Not their best
This album is definitely not mxpx at their best. It's basically a bunch of songs that didn't make it on the other albums all on one CD. I would recommend getting all their other CDs first, and if you're a die-hard mxpx fan you'll probably enjoy some of the songs off this album and the variations of other songs.

Also, if you're really into their older sounding stuff (pokinatcha, politics, etc.) you might like this. Overall though, I would save this as the last CD I ever got by them. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

A fun album with the worship and praise to God
I have owned this album since the day it came out, and this is about the only album that I still listen to. I have listened to newsboys for a long time and this very album has in a wonderful way changed my life to see more of Christ and what He has done for you and me. In this album, Newsboys mixed in all of the cool rock and hard stuff that people like with the slow worship songs, and it is well mexed to where I hadly ever need to change my CD. This album has made a spot in my that will never be the same. Thanks to Newsboys for being there for me, even though all they did is write a song. If you need to get closer to God, or just want a fun album, this one is for you. Amen.

This may be the best Newsboys album ever.
The culmination of many efforts came together to create the strongest effort from the Newsboys to date. First of all, the line-up present at this recording had played dozens of concerts together. Most were together on the "Going Public" CD (all but Phil Joel (or Philip Urry on this project)). Thus, togetherness breeds familiarity and experience fosters maturity. Of course, maturity is a relative term when considering we are speaking of the Newsboys here.

Sadly, this will be the last album featuring John James as lead vocalist and Steve Taylor as producer. However, the journey from song 1 ("God Is Not A Secret") to number 11 ("Breathe (Benediction)") sees the listener through several different regions of musical ventures. "God Is Not A Secret" simply rocks hard with a guitar assault worthy of praise from any hard rock fan. The album immediately bounces joyfully through the title track, and then rocks again on "Breathe". "Reality" and "Breakfast" showcase Steve Taylor's silly but profound lyrics (be careful not to miss the message in the humor), and then we get serious about forgiveness in "Let it Go". "Cup O'Tea" is a wonderful rock gem that starts a four-song series of introspective yet disturbing looks at us, our sin-natures, and our need for God ("It's All Who You Know", "Miracle Child", and "Lost The Plot"). Finally, we pray through "Breathe (Benediction)" for God's salvation, healing, and in-dwelling Holy Spirit.

Again, a very solid effort from the Newsboys. Through all the silliness and humor, you can see a group of men serious about their faith and their desire to edify believers and to draw in unbelievers. When you are not too busy bouncing up and down with the beat and laughing at the lyrics, take time to seriously read along with the songs (the CD jacket has all the words). You will be blessed.

A good album if you like their type of music.
I'm a newcomer to Christian music... I mainly listen to mainstream, but I recently purchased the new VeggieTales VeggieRocks album of VeggieTales covers, and I've been trying out some of the bands I've heard on that album.

The Newsboys' cover of In The Belly Of The Whale was particularly good, so when I saw one of their albums cheap at a used CD store, I was quick to purchase it.

I really liked this album, even though it's not particularly my kind of music. These songs edge more toward being pop music than rock... but it's nothing like bubblegum. It's really good pop/rock music.

It also has nice lyrics... they're not preachy and boring, but they're both really good religious and really good in general lyrics in general. I love "WHEN THE TOAST HAS BURNED / AND ALL THE MILK HAS TURNED / AND CAPTAIN CRUNCH IS WAVING FAREWELL / WHEN THE BIG ONE FINDS YOU / MAY THIS SONG REMIND YOU / THAT THEY DON'T SERVE BREAKFAST IN HELL!"

All in all, a nice album. Some of the best tracks include title track Take Me To Your Leader, Breakfast, It's All Who You Know, and God Is Not A Secret.

Newsboys Deliver
"Take Me To Your Leader" is one of those Christian rock albums that sounds unique enough to crossover into mainstream music, which is a good thing because you can't convert Christians if they've already converted. From silly songs like "Breakfast" to edgy rockers like "Cup O' Tea," it's obvious that the Newsboys take their Christianity seriously, but know how to have a good time. "Take Me To Your Leader" is a fine addition to any Christian rock fan's collection. As a matter of fact, it fits pretty well into a secular rocker's bin too.

A Newsboys Classic!!!
The Newsboys' 1996 album "Take Me To Your Leader" is a major turning point and landmark for the band. This is the album where the pieces really fell into place musically and lyrically and even today, many consider this to be the Newsboys best effort which has yet to be topped.
"Leader" includes some the Newsboys biggest hits including the quriky title track, the energetic dance-beats of "Reality" and the fun sing-along classic "Breakfast". Elsewhere are some solid standouts such as the hard-hitting opener "God Is Not a Secret", the crunchy grit of "Breathe" and "Cup O'Tea", the tender ode to God's forgiveness "Let It Go" and the micro-epic "Lost The Plot" which begins as a slow moody ballad but builds up to a screaming climax.
Not only is "Take Me To Your Leader" one of Christian rocks greatest albums, it's also one of the greatest rock albums of the late '90s, period. Although The Newsboys continue to make excellent albums and great songs, the band has yet to make an album that is close-to-perfect as "Leader". This is an essential title for the fan and non-fan alike.
Since the release of this album, Newsboys lead singer John James left the band to pursue interests outside of music. The other five members continue on to this day with drummer Peter Furler now up front as lead vocalist and in full charge of the band.
May the Newsboys continue to Shine!! ... Read more